The Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund is dedicated to providing support and financial assistance for anyone in the county diagnosed with breast cancer.
“We will assist anyone who has breast cancer, or who has a cancer that has metastasized from breast cancer, with anything they need,” said Terry Pistolesi, a member of the organization.
Participants during the 2016 Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk
A nonprofit organization, the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund aims to address the financial needs of those living with breast cancer in St. Lawrence, Jefferson, and Lewis counties through their treatment and recovery.
They have raised over $1,000,000 and helped more than 650 people since the group's founding in 2001.
The organization's main fundraising event, the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk, draws hundreds of participants each year who come together to raise money for the local fight against cancer. The money the group raises from the walk and other events stays local and goes towards helping people cover medical transportation, prescriptions, doctor appointments, insurance deductibles, or other treatments not covered by insurance. The organization can also occasionally help with immediate needs like rent, mortgage payments, car payments, or utility bills.
We will assist anyone who has breast cancer or has a cancer that has metastasized from breast cancer with anything they need.
“We look at each case and see what the person's needs are and work with them individually to try to alleviate financial burdens while they are going through treatment,” Terry said.
Terry encourages individuals facing a breast cancer diagnosis to reach out to the organization whenever they need help, even if they received assistance from the group in the past.
“People do not just come to us once. We encourage them through their entire treatment, whenever they need something to reach out,” Terry said. “We want to make sure they are constantly focused on their health, not their finances. So if they need assistance we want them to feel like they can reach out to us again.”
Terry Pistolesi
Like Terry, the members of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund are all local volunteers who understand what it's like for a friend or loved one to be diagnosed with breast cancer.
“We’ve all known someone who was diagnosed with breast cancer and have watched them go through their battles,” Terry said. "To see the relief our help brings while people are going through treatment, and to see how it helps them to focus on healing and not financial burdens plays a huge role for us.”
Participants during the 2016 Gouverneur Breast Cancer Walk
More so, the members of the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund are continuously reminded of the strength of the communities they serve, a feeling that is extremely rewarding.
“I think people are stronger than they realize,” Terry said. “To see people come out and participate in our events, whether it’s by donating, sponsoring, or assisting, and to see the drive that everyone has shows that people truly want to make a difference. I believe myself and our entire board get so much reward from seeing that every day.”
To learn more about the Gouverneur Breast Cancer Fund, their annual walk, or apply for financial assistance, visit the organization's website.