Pat-Med Groups Support Breast Cancer Awareness

A variety of Patchogue groups and businesses celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month this past October by hosting events to raise money for the cause.

A local artist, retail store and area schools donated the proceeds of their sales to The American Cancer Society and other organizations that fight the disease, which killed more than 40,000 women nationwide last year, according to the cancer society's Web site.

Carole Amodeo put on a one-day sale of her photography during a special gallery event last month and said the occasion was such a success, she may make it an annual affair.

The local artist gave the money she made from the sale to the national cancer society and said she hopes to encourage other artists to join her in the effort next year.

Main Street retail store Blum's already helps breast cancer survivors year-round with prosthesis and custom mastectomy bras. A store employee said more than 200 local residents rely on such specialty products from Blum's.

But the local shop, which specializes in intimates and swimwear, also hosts special events in April and October to raise awareness about breast cancer. On Oct. 9, the store welcomed ABC's Breast Cancer Specialist Staci Cormier to discuss the illness and options that both men and women have.

And students throughout the Patchogue-Medford School Districts held fundraisers and wore special pink uniforms last month to support those with the disease. Local students sold bracelets, t-shirts and ribbons to raise hundreds of dollars for various organizations related to battling breast cancer.

According to the cancer society's Web site, 192,370 women and 1,910 men were diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009.