23rd Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk raises over $235K

by Rachel Hunter

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s 23rd Annual Walk drew a sea of pink and teal to downtown Gouverneur on Saturday, October 5. Over $235,000 was raised through donations to support North Country cancer patients in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund worked to ensure that the 2024 Walk was bigger, better, and more meaningful than previous walks. Registration started at 8:30 a.m. in the Gouverneur Village Park. First Student, Inc. provided bus transportation to and from Gouverneur Village Park and the Riverview Park. Major donations were announced throughout the morning in the newly renovated Gouverneur Village Park. Walkers enjoyed the chance to purchase inspirational items, get hair extensions, enjoy the resource fair, get free coffee from the Dunkin’ booth, and more. There was great encouragement on site for all cancer survivors, fighters, caregivers, and more. Team and other photos were taken by photographer Wendy Drake of Richville. Also on site was the Superior Plus Propane’s Pink Truck alongside the New York State Police, Gouverneur Police Department, Gouverneur Fire Department, and Gouverneur Rescue Squad.

The Gouverneur Village Park soon filled with hundreds of North Country residents eager to join the non-competitive one-mile walk. At 10:30 a.m., the opening ceremony kicked off by master of ceremonies Johnny Spezzano of Community Broadcasters, LLC’s The Border 106.7 who is well-known for his strong support of the North Country community. Other North Country media outlets were also in attendance throughout the morning.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee (President Terry Pistolesi, Judy Bush, Treasurer Marilyn LaPierre, Mona Allen, Tammy Blevins, Joey Shelly, Secretary Bridgette LaPierre, Connie Stowell, Kathy Briggs, and Kim Pistolesi) took to the stage and welcomed all in attendance.

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member Joey Shelly told the history of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. The full origin story is posted online at www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com. Joey Shelly’s mother, Carolyn Pistolesi (1950-2022), was a founding member of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. “When she and a couple of friends wanted to help their community, they had no idea that it would grow into all this.” Great cheers and thunderous applause sounded in support of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall the Fund’s mission to provide financial support for breast and ovarian Cancer patients residing in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin counties. Every dollar donated assists breast and ovarian cancer patients’ financial needs, including housing, utilities, car payments, medical costs, prescription copays, travel, and more. Each person's needs are evaluated individually to assist their journey. “Our hope is to alleviate some of the financial burden that they might face during their treatment, allowing them to focus on recovery and healing.” Shelly said. “Without all of you, we wouldn’t be able to do all the work that we do. Thank you for showing your love and support for those who are currently fighting, those who have been taken too soon, and for those that haven’t started the fight yet.”

Fr. Jay Seymour of St. James Catholic Church in Gouverneur alongside St. James School Principal Laurel Bartholomew, St. James staff, St. James students and young alumni were invited on stage to help lead the national anthem, the “Star-Spangled Banner.” This was followed by the opening prayer and blessing by Pastor Carrie Demers of the First Presbyterian Church of Gouverneur.

At the 2023 Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk, the North Country met guest speaker Lynn Tharrett of Malone who shared her fight against HER2-multifocal, invasive ductal breast cancer. She passed away on September 11, 2024, just three days before “Team Tharrett” had its major fundraiser, a benefit golf tournament. The team successfully raised over $7,300, and a giant check was presented during the opening ceremony.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund then presented an appreciation plaque to Team Twin Peaks for their over $100,000 in donations to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. The donations were made in memory of Christine Loomis of Dexter (1972-2015). Chris was diagnosed with cancer in 2013, and the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund stepped up and gave her $4,000 during her fight. Team Twin Peaks formed, and gave $4,000 at their very first Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk. Donations have grown over the years in loving memory of Chris Loomis. At the 2024 Walk, Team Twin Peaks was congratulated for surpassing the $100,000 donation milestone.

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Treasurer Marilyn LaPierre reminded the crowd that the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund distributes care bags to breast and ovarian cancer patients throughout the four-county region. Applications are included for financial assistance. Once received back, the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund immediately sends $500, no questions asked. “We know that there are expenses,” she said. “We want to alleviate their mind. We want them to know that we are here, and we will always be there for them.” Mrs. LaPierre reported that, so far in 2024, the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund has distributed $120,000 to clients throughout the North Country, and $85,000 was distributed in St. Lawrence County alone. They Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund is serving 65 new clients this year, plus 33 clients from previous years.

Next to the stage was Dr. Velmalia Matthews-Smith, certified hematologist and oncologist at the Center for Cancer Care at St. Lawrence Health’s Canton-Potsdam Hospital. “I’ve worked in lots of different systems across so many states. What the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund does for the community is astounding. They have such a huge impact on patients. Just knowing that there is someone in the fight with you, advocating for you is such a huge asset.

“I am sure you are aware. Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women. In the United States, it is estimated in 2024, that more than 310,000 patients are going to be diagnosed with breast cancer for the first time. Unfortunately, in 2024, 42,000 women will lose their battle with cancer and 2,500 of those women will likely be in the State of New York. The good news is that, at this time, there are almost 4 billion women who are living with breast cancer in the United States. So, we are having a huge impact of the outcome of this disease. 91.2 percent of women are going to survive their breast cancer. That is good news. That number actually goes up to over 99 percent if the cancer is detected early. Early detection is key. Only 83 percent of women in New York are getting their mammograms consistently, so we have some work to do there. Statistics that the government keeps estimates that a mammogram will find cancer two years before you feel it on an exam. Mammograms every year are really important. The American Society of Clinic Oncology recommends that mammograms start at age 40, and in my opinion continue as long as a woman is alive and has breast tissue intact… The other thing is to know your risk. If you a family history, you need to know to stay on top of your mammograms. The other thing you want to know is: “What can I do to reduce my risk?” This includes being active and eat a healthy diet. We need to do things that are nourishing and healing to our bodies, and avoid the things that aren’t like animal products and animal fats for a better outcome. Thanks so much for being here and supporting these women in their cancer journeys.” Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of her address.

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member and Two-Time Breast Cancer Survivor Tammy Blevins gave an inspirational speech to all breast and ovarian cancer survivors in attendance. About 85 attendees noted that they were breast or ovarian cancer survivors during registration. “As a survivor, I know that there are a lot of emotions that go through everyone,” she said. “There’s fear, confusion, and sometimes anger and as hard as it sounds you must stay positive. You must have faith in God and have a good support system. That is why the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund says: “We are here for you.” As much as the Fund helps to take some of the burden away, the other part is the support. That is the biggest part of why we started this. I know that there are a lot of caregivers. I, myself, was a caregiver. We want you to know that you are just as important. Each person’s definition of a survivor is a little different. Last year, Lynn Tharrett was our speaker to the survivors. She just passed away. She wrote something, and I want to read her definition of a survivor. “My definition of a survivor is different. I define a survivor as one who has suffered adversity who may live with us physically or in our hearts. You see, to me, a survivor isn’t just someone who is living. A survivor may be someone who has passed away, but their spirit still lives inside of us. To me, that is the true spirit of a survivor… having affected someone so deeply that you always remain in their hearts. If you believe that someone continues to live even spiritually within you, then you like me can believe that all are survivors.” Thank you everyone for showing up today.” Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the inspirational address. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund then in a moving tribute distributed pink carnation bouquets to each survivor in attendance. “As you step forward to receive, just know that we’ve got your back,” Mr. Spezzano said. There were also a couple of prize drawings announced.

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund President Terry Pistolesi then announced that the 2024 Walk had a record-breaking year. To date, over $235,000 has been donated. “That is a huge record for us,” she said. Mrs. Pistolesi also offered a word of appreciation to all sponsors, supporters, donors, and contributors.

The 23rd Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk is a one-mile non-competitive walk from the Gouverneur Village Park to Mills Park and the Riverview Park. At the pedestrian footbridge, all were encouraged to throw rose petals into the Oswegatchie River in memory of a cancer patient or in a triumphant gesture amid a cancer battle. The sea of pink and teal formed on Route 11 (Main Street, Gouverneur) at about 11 a.m. The walk was led by the Soul Seekers Motorcycle Club, escorted by the Gouverneur Fire Department, the Gouverneur Police Department, the Gouverneur Rescue Squad, and the New York State Police. Traffic control was handled by the Gouverneur Police Department with assistance from the Gouverneur Fire Department. Local dignitaries in attendance included Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Former NYS Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, Village of Gouverneur Clerk/Treasurer Barbara Finnie, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Floyd McAdam, Gouverneur Chamber of Commerce President Brooke Plowman, among others.

Upon arrival at the Riverview Park, the participants enjoyed food, raffles and more. Much appreciation is extended to Harland Brown of Brown’s Jewelry in Gouverneur for the donation of a 14 karat rose gold necklace with diamonds, pink sapphires and a teal diamond, valued at over $3,300 for the Jewelry Raffle. Also, gratitude was extended to all the North Country businesses and community members who donated prizes for the Button Raffle. A word of gratitude was also extended to the nearly 100 sponsors that made the fundraiser a success.

There is great anticipation for the 24th Walk in October 2025. Donations to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund are always accepted. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.