North Country This Week

GOUVERNEUR — It was a sea of pink in Gouverneur on Oct. 7 as hundreds walked in support of breast and ovarian cancer awareness, an effort that helped raise over $150,000.

The walk, hosted by the Gouverneur Breast and Ovarian Cancer Fund, has been held annually for 22 years, organizers say.

Though it would rain off and on throughout the morning, attendees showed up en masse, including 7 News morning anchor Makenzie Piatt and Assemblyman Scott Gray.

Piatt was the emcee for a portion of the event, saying the cancer walk is one of her favorite events to attend in the North Country.

Also speaking at the event was Lynn Tharrett, a cancer survivor who has battled the disease numerous times since first being diagnosed when she was just 22-years-old.

In her address, Tharrett told audience members it is important to not just say you will support someone going through treatment but to also show up.

“All it takes is one phone call or text message. It will mean the world to them. But you have to show up and show your support because no one fights this alone,” she said.

Committee Member Terry Pistolesi also spoke during the event, thanking those who helped make the event a resounding success.

“Without you all, this is not possible. This is truly incredible and we cannot thank you enough for your support,” she said.

All donations made during the event will go to support patients going through breast, ovarian cancer, or a cancer that has metastasized from said cancers, living in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, Lewis or Franklin counties.

Following the walk, organizers honored survivors before announcing raffle winners.

The fund was established to provide financial assistance to those fighting breast or ovarian cancer who may need help paying for household, medical, travel or living expenses during a patient’s treatment.

“Our mission is to alleviate at least some of the financial burden our patients face during their treatment, allowing them to focus on recovery and healing,” organizers say.

For more information about the Gouverneur Breast & Ovarian Cancer Fund, visit www.gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com, www.facebook.com/gouverneurbreastcancerfund or email info@gouverneurbreastovariancancerfund.com.

“A special thank you to our sponsors and all who donate. Your support allows us to organize next year’s walk and provide patient care,” organizers wrote.