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The 12th annual Bras for the Cause 8K breast cancer walk that occurred in downtown Pleasanton in late spring raised a total of $160,000, which was recently disbursed to four local breast cancer charities, organizers announced last week.
The fundraising walk, which occurred on April 29, is hosted by Tri-Valley SOCKs (Stepping Out for Cancer Kures), a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to raising money for local breast cancer charities. The funds raised were donated to their chosen beneficiaries on June 15.
“I am a 21-year breast cancer survivor. When I was initially diagnosed in 1996, I wanted to do ‘something’ to find or improve the cures. I received fabulous care, but was amazed at the different experiences other women had,” said Barbara Roudebush, a member of the Tri-Valley SOCKs Board of Directors.
“I met the Tri-Valley SOCKs walking team in 2005 and fell in love with the people and the giving passion. Now I’m addicted,” she added.
The proceeds raised from the event consist of the funds raised by Bras for the Cause walkers — who made their way down the sidewalks of Pleasanton in decorated bras, collecting donations and raising awareness — and proceeds from major event partners, such as Topcon, KKIQ and Scherbarth Family, in excess of direct event expenses.
Checks were presented to four nonprofits, who were chosen prior to the event, based on their ability to raise money for local breast cancer charities in support of breast cancer research, treatment and educational programs.
HERS Breast Cancer Foundation received $20,000, which will be used to serve uninsured and under-insured clients with bras, prosthesis, lymphedema garments and wigs. Tri-Valley SOCKs’ first donation to HERS helped enable the nonprofit’s wig program.
“Dr. Vera Packard, the executive director of HERS, told us the story of overhearing someone inquiring about the ability to get a wig for her mother who had no insurance,” Roudebush said.
“When she interrupted and told the woman that, thanks to the donation received from Tri-Valley SOCKs, they now had a wig program, it turned out the woman inquiring was a past Bras for the Cause honoree. I think she received one of the first wigs from HERS,” she added.
The nonprofit Axis Community Health received $30,000, which will be used to provide breast health imaging and case management services for low-income and uninsured women in the Tri-Valley.
Stanford Health Care-ValleyCare Breast Cancer Charities received $40,000, which will be used to support the Patient Navigation and STAR Rehab Programs, Breast Cancer Educational Program and Breast Cancer Support Services.
The UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center received $70,000, which will be used to invest in the cure through BOP (Breast Oncology Program) and to support innovative ideas through their established Research and Career Development Programs.
The cumulative total funds donated to various breast cancer charities through Tri-Valley SOCKs, since the inception of the annual Bras for the Cause breast cancer walk, is nearly $1.6 million.
For those interested in becoming a partner, volunteer or walker in the 13th Annual Bras for the Cause walk in 2018, visit their website or email info@trivalleysocks.org.