Families, survivors and volunteers gathered at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Long Island, to participate in the fifth annual “Walking Life in Pink,” organized by Betty’s Breast Cancer Foundation.
The activity brought together approximately 200 people with the purpose of raising awareness about the early detection of breast cancer and raising funds for the organization’s programs and accompanying those facing the disease.
The day began at 9 a.m. on Saturday, October 3, with a ribbon cutting led by Betty Rodríguez, founder of the entity. The participants shared coffee, fruits and breads before the tour, in an atmosphere of solidarity and support for people affected by the disease.
During the meeting, recognitions and prizes were also awarded to participants. The presence of families and volunteers reflected community commitment to a cause that, for Rodríguez, was born from a deeply personal experience.
Founder Betty Rodríguez explained that she decided to undertake this work after learning the story of a woman who died of cancer and left her husband to care for three girls.
That loss motivated her to create a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating access to health services and offering support. Apart from the fact that precisely in the month of October Betty is celebrating 16 years of being a breast cancer survivor.
That commitment translates into services that, according to Rodríguez, include free mammograms, access to Pap smears and colonoscopies, as well as referrals for men interested in an evaluation for prostate cancer screening.
Betty’s Breast Cancer Foundation also offers an in-person support group that meets one Saturday a month with a social worker.
Additionally, it provides pre-operative kits accompanied by a gift card to help women purchase food and other necessary items.
Support for immigrant women
For Rodríguez, accompaniment is an essential part of the mission. As an example, she recounted the case of a woman who contacted the organization on February 15, distressed by intense pain in her breast. As she explained, the foundation referred her to the Northwell Health hospital and remained by her side during the care process.
The founder also pointed out that fear related to immigration status and lack of resources represent barriers for some women who need to see a doctor. Given this reality, he highlighted that the organization seeks to receive them with dignity and help them find care options.
“Now they are called vulnerable women,” said Rodríguez, explaining the language that Betty’s Breast Cancer Foundation uses to refer to those who face these circumstances.
According to him, the entity works to connect them with medical coverage programs, without their immigration status being an impediment to requesting guidance.
At the end of the productive walk in Eisenhower Park, the organization thanked sponsors, collaborators, attendees and volunteers, including high school students from Westbury High School and Hicksville High School, for their contribution to this fifth edition of the event.
With each step, “Walking Life in Pink” reaffirmed the foundation’s purpose: to bring resources, support and hope to those who need support.
For information about their services, upcoming activities, or ways to collaborate, visit www.bettysbreastcancerfoundation.org or follow the Instagram account @bettysbreastcancerfoundation.
