Throughout the month of October, Royal Carting Service Co. & Welsh Sanitation Service are highlighting and supporting five organizations that are helping to raise awareness and funds for those living with and affected by breast cancer. We will be sharing the mission of each of these tremendous organizations on social media and donating $500 to each organization.
We encourage the Royal Carting and Welsh Sanitation teams, as well as our families, friends, and customers, to take a moment to learn more about these organizations and consider making a monetary donation. When we all come together to support the needs of others, our actions can make a significant impact.
1. Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
The Miles of Hope Foundation was established to fund support services for those affected by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley. They are a public charity that raises money throughout the year to fund various programs and grants. Two of their main events are the Miles of Hope Spring Brunch in May and the Community Breast Cancer Walk at James Baird State Park in Pleasant Valley in September-October.
The funds that Miles of Hope raise supports programs in the Hudson Valley. Current programs of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation include the Medical Gap Care Fund, which helps individuals who are faced with life-threatening emergencies during their cancer treatment that health insurance doesn’t cover, and Complementary Medicine, which assists with funding unique therapeutic programs to boost recovery, scholarships for students attending college who have been affected by breast cancer, and Peer-to-Peer, a program that unites and supports breast cancer patients with survivors.
In their 18 years of operation, Miles of Hope has donated $2.8 million to the people of the Hudson Valley that have been affected by breast cancer. To learn more about Miles of Hope, please visit milesofhope.org.
2. Angels of Light
Angels of Light was founded over 15 years ago to assist children and families that have been affected by life-threatening illnesses, accidents, and loss of life in the Hudson Valley. Over the years, Angels of Light has delivered over 7,500 presents to over 1,300 children in the Hudson Valley. They have since expanded their operation to include year-round costs of medical bills, utilities, food, gas, and more for those who have been affected.
One mom notes Angels of Light as “Angels here on earth. They have touched our hearts and shown us so much love. When my son was diagnosed with a brain tumor, his angels, Angels of Light, came to lift his spirits during a very difficult time. We will be forever grateful for the love and generosity they have shown us and continue to show us through friendship. Truly an amazing organization.” -Heidi N.
We are so thankful for Angels of Light’s involvement in our community and the impact they have made. To learn more about Angels of Light, please visit angelsoflighthv.org.
3. American Cancer Society/Real Men Wear Pink of the Hudson Valley
The American Cancer Society is engaging community leaders and influencers to help eliminate breast cancer through the nationwide Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
Campaign Ambassadors are stepping up and using the power of wearing pink to raise funds and draw attention to the breast cancer fight. In fact, every dollar raised helps the American Cancer Society save more lives from breast cancer through early detection and prevention, breakthrough breast cancer discovery and research, and lifesaving patient support.
Andrew Mendez-Spera, Founder & CEO of Tipsy Social, an award-winning marketing agency in the Hudson Valley, is committed to helping spread awareness and raise funds for the American Cancer Society through his Real Men Wear Pink campaign.
In October 2020, Andrew’s aunt-in-law, Aunt Debbe as she liked to be called, received her diagnosis of breast cancer. The following September she received the news that her cancer had metastasized and she was facing stage 4 breast cancer. Despite this, she stayed persistent and intended to live life to the fullest. This past July, Aunt Debbe’s nearly two-year battle with breast cancer came to an end, with her family standing by her side the entire time. Everyone has been affected by breast cancer in some way, and as a leader in the community, Andrew is making it his responsibility to help donate and raise awareness.
To learn more about Andrew and his Real Men Wear Pink campaign, please visit https://bit.ly/andrew-rmwp.
4. Sparrow’s Nest
Sparrow’s Nest started as a late-night phone call from a friend. The call revealed that the friend, Kathy, had stage 4 colon cancer and was lost as to what she and her children’s lives were going to look like now. One way that was sure to help was cooking and preparing food for Kathy’s young children while she navigated her diagnosis. Over time, three more friends were diagnosed with different types of cancer and they felt the need to do more.
Sparrow’s Nest grew from feeding 16 people out of a home kitchen to feeding 300 Hudson Valley residents per week. This is about much more than just meals, it’s about our community coming together to help those in need by providing comfort in knowing there is a home-cooked meal for their family and support through their journey.
Sparrow’s Nest has helped support over 500 Hudson Valley families since its start in 2012, and it brings them great pleasure in knowing they are making a difference in these families lives. To learn more about Sparrow’s Nest, please visit sparrowsnestcharity.org.
5. Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation
Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation began after the personal experience of the founder, Dawn, a two-time breast cancer survivor. Dawn’s breast cancer journey started in 2014 when she was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She had to undergo chemotherapy and Herceptin treatments, along with a double mastectomy and a full hysterectomy. Throughout her diagnosis, she had a total of 12 surgeries.
A month before her diagnosis, Dawn was blessed with the birth of her first grandchild, Brielle Grace. She was her center of hope and determination to fight, often coming home after long days and just wanting to see her granddaughter. Brielle Grace gave Dawn hope and light throughout her journey with cancer and now, inspired with faith and this blessing, she continues to help others by shedding the same light and hope that her granddaughter has. Two of their signature events include a 5K walk and a golf tournament.
To learn more about the Brielle Grace Breast Cancer Foundation, please visit briellegracebcf.org.
In the United States, approximately 266,400 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year. We are so pleased to be a part of a community that is so focused on supporting its neighbors. Thank you to all of the aforementioned organizations for leading the charge!