Member News

Rochester, NY – Every year, the Breast Cancer Coalition hosts the Pink & Teal Challenge, a 5K walk & run that raises funds to support those affected by breast and/or gynecologic cancers. This year, it will be held on Saturday, May 11, at Monroe Community College. The Pink & Teal Challenge is the Coalition’s biggest event, particularly because of participants’ peer-to-peer fundraising. This year, the Coalition’s goal is to reach $223,000.

For many in the community, the Pink & Teal Challenge is much more than a yearly fundraiser. To Cori P., this yearly event underscores the fact that, in her words, this fight ain’t over.

Cori was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian cancer in 2019 and has been an active member of the Coalition community for many years. She enjoys attending weekly Brown Bag lunches and the Common Ground discussion group, in which those living with metastatic disease gather at the Coalition. “I have always felt compassion, understanding, and encouragement from all the women [at the Coalition]. I never leave feeling deflated; it is always very uplifting being with them,” shares Cori.

Back in 2022, Cori and her dear friend, Shelli, walked at the Pink & Teal Challenge for the first time. The event was then known as the Pink Ribbon Walk & Run. It was Cori and Shelli – both of whom were living with metastatic ovarian cancer – who were integral to the decision to update the event’s name to represent both breast and gynecologic cancers.

Their team’s name for the event? The Marvelous Ovengers – an homage to the brave souls who are battling ovarian cancer. Sadly, Shelli passed away before last year’s event, but Cori continues to walk in her honor. “She is flying high with us,” assures Cori.

Over the past two years, Cori and the Marvelous Ovengers have raised more than $14,000, and this year is certain to be no different. The team consists of over 40 people, including other breast and gynecologic cancer survivors, friends, family, and coworkers. “This year’s theme is ‘the fight ain’t over,’ as I continue to be in treatment and fight every day to stay strong and positive to keep the beast at bay,” says Cori.

“Being a peer-to-peer hero has helped me direct my energy to something positive knowing that every Coalition donation stays local and helps support women going through this journey by letting them know they are never alone. We are all in this fight together – and it ain’t over yet!”

The Breast Cancer Coalition is deeply inspired by Cori and all peer-to-peer heroes in their fight to see an end to breast and gynecologic cancers. Participating in the Pink & Teal Challenge, whether in person or virtually, is a meaningful way to support survivors in the 27 counties in Central and Western New York. It isn’t too late to sign up as a participant or to donate to the over 80 fundraising pages started by peer-to-peer heroes.

Register today at https://bccr.org/pink-teal-challenge/ to support Cori and those affected by breast and/or gynecologic cancers. The event’s location affords free, onsite parking and is ADA accessible.

This fight ain’t over, and the time is now to make a difference.