We’re All In This Together: Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Surpasses $3 Million at 2025 Walk

by Rachel Hunter

On Saturday, October 4, Main Street in Gouverneur became a powerful current of remembrance and resolve as the 24th Annual Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk unfolded. With more than $215,000 raised in 2025 alone, the event marked a historic milestone—surpassing $3 million in total funds to uplift breast and ovarian cancer patients across the North Country with dignity, compassion, and unwavering support.

Founded in 2001, the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk has grown into a cornerstone of compassion across the North Country. What began as a local initiative to support breast cancer patients has since expanded its reach and mission, formally becoming the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund in 2014 and broadening in 2022 to include ovarian cancer support. Over the past 24 years, the walk has raised more than $3 million to provide direct financial assistance to individuals battling breast or ovarian cancer in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis, and Franklin Counties. The Fund’s mission is simple but profound: to ease the financial burden of cancer treatment so patients can focus on healing. Every dollar raised goes directly to those in need, helping cover expenses during one of life’s most difficult journeys.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee poured heart and strategy into making the 2025 Walk its most impactful yet—elevating every detail to ensure this year’s event was larger in scale, deeper in meaning, and stronger in its call to support those facing cancer across the North Country.

Registration started by 8:30 a.m. in the Gouverneur Village Park. The First Student bus provided transportation to and from the Gouverneur Village Park.

Major donations were announced throughout the morning in the Gouverneur Village Park. Walkers enjoyed the chance to purchase inspirational items, enjoy the resource fair, get free coffee from the Dunkin’ booth, and so much 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. On site was the Town of Gouverneur Highway Department’s snow plow with pink blades. The Town of Gouverneur Highway Department’s snow plow, outfitted with striking pink blades, was on site as a bold symbol of solidarity and support. (See related story inside this edition). Also on site 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 ceremony opened with the St. James School alumni, staff, and students leading the crowd in the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

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

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member Bridgette LaPierre told the history of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. The full origin story is posted online at www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com. Mrs. LaPierre was with her mother, GBOCF Founding Member Carolyn Pistolesi (1950-2022), when the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk began in 2001. “Sadly, she passed away ironically from Ovarian Cancer in 2022,” Mrs. LaPierre said. “As you can imagine, this Walk and this Fund are very personal for me, my sisters, and my whole family. And I know that she is with us today. If I could just share one thought. One thing she always said to us is: No matter what is going on, there’s always something to be happy for. There is always something that we are blessed with. And so she would often say: “Thank you, God.” That was a very simple prayer of hers, and she said it often. If you would pray with me as we bless this walk this morning: “Gracious and loving God, we gather here today with hearts full of purpose. We walk in honor of those who have fought bravely, those that are still fighting, and for those whose memory inspires us and lays the foundation of our path forward. We ask for strength – for the survivors who continue to fight with unwavering courage, for their loved ones who stand with them today. For the researchers, the doctors and caregivers who dedicate their lives to healing. With each step, give us hope. Bless us, and remind us that no one is on this journey alone. We are in this together. In Your name we pray, Amen.” Thunderous applause sounded in appreciation of the blessing.

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee Member Tammy Blevins, herself a survivor, spoke with heartfelt clarity about the purpose behind the annual walk—supporting those currently undergoing treatment. She emphasized that the event is more than a fundraiser; it’s a lifeline for patients navigating the physical, emotional, and financial toll of cancer. Building on that mission, Blevins announced the launch of a new support group for those affected by breast and ovarian cancer. The support group is designed to offer ongoing encouragement, shared experience, and a safe space for healing beyond the walk itself. “We welcome everyone,” Blevins said. The first meeting will be held on Thursday, October 16, 6 p.m., at the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Office, E. Main St., Gouverneur.

The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Committee led a heartfelt tribute to survivors, offering pink carnations as tokens of strength, remembrance, and resilience. As Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” played across the speakers in Gouverneur Village Park, the music became a rallying cry—echoing through the crowd as petals met palms and the community stood united in honor of every battle fought and every life touched by cancer.

“This is an incredible moment,” Mr. Spezzano said, as the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund wrapped survivors in love and recognition during the ceremony. “This is what it is all about.”

Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund President Terry Pistolesi expressed deep gratitude to the crowd, reflecting on the powerful visual impact of the day. She shared that people often describe the walk as a sea of pink flowing down Main Street—and looking out over the 2025 turnout, that’s exactly what unfolded: a vibrant, unified show of support that stretched as far as the eye could see.

A special word of appreciation was extended to the St. Agatha Fund for their generous grant in support of the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund’s recovery gift bag program. Their contribution helps ensure that patients receive thoughtful, uplifting care packages during treatment—each one a reminder that they are seen, supported, and never alone. Thunderous applause erupted as the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund shared the depth of support received—each cheer a resounding affirmation of the community’s commitment to care, compassion, and the fight against cancer. The moment echoed with gratitude, pride, and the power of generosity.

Mrs. Pistolesi shared her excitement for the year ahead, calling the upcoming 25th Annual Walk a milestone moment for the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund. She emphasized how deeply the committee feels the love and support of the North Country community, and how that spirit fuels every step of planning. Looking ahead to 2026, she announced a special residential and commercial decorating contest, encouraging participants across all counties—not just Gouverneur—to begin adorning homes and storefronts in teal and pink by September 2026, turning the region into a vibrant tapestry of hope and solidarity. More details will be reported as information is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press.

A powerful announcement followed: $75,000 had been raised on the very day of the Walk—an extraordinary show of generosity and community spirit that added heart and momentum to an already unforgettable event. The funds raised on the day of the Walk propelling the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund past the $3 million mark and into a new chapter of impact, hope, and healing across the North Country.

The 24th Annual Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Walk was a one-mile non-competitive walk from the Gouverneur Village Park to Mills Park and the Riverview Park. All participants were asked to stay within the flowing sea of pink and teal, honoring the designated path as a gesture of respect—for every survivor, every fighter, and every life remembered. The walk became more than a route; it was a shared journey of solidarity, reverence, and hope. 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 10:30 a.m. The walk was escorted by the Gouverneur Police Department and the Gouverneur Fire Department. Traffic control was handled by the Gouverneur Police Department with assistance from the Gouverneur Fire Department. Local dignitaries in attendance included St. Lawrence County District 5 Legislator Harry Smithers (R-Gouverneur), Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, Former NYS Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava, Town of Gouverneur Councilman Curran Wade, Town of Gouverneur Councilwoman Lory Whitton, Village of Gouverneur Trustee Floyd McAdam, among others.

Upon arrival at the Riverview Park, the participants enjoyed food, raffles and more. The Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund expressed heartfelt thanks to the many North Country businesses and community members who generously donated prizes for the Button Raffle, helping infuse the event with joy and local pride. Special appreciation was also extended to the business sponsors whose support made the fundraiser a resounding success. Attendees were encouraged to continue that spirit of solidarity by supporting these local businesses year-round—recognizing that their partnership is vital not only to the Walk’s impact, but to the heartbeat of the community itself.

There is great anticipation for the 25th Annual Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund Walk in October 2026. Donations to the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund are always accepted. For more information, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.