Breast Cancer Awareness Month
First Source Federal Credit Union is a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society. Throughout the month of October we will be "thinking pink" to raise awareness, and educate our employees, Members and community about breast cancer.
Efforts will include an employee Jeans dress-down fundraising day, a First Source team of employees, friends and family, participating in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk and an awareness campaign with Roser Communications to bring you the stories of 4 breast cancer survivors throughout the month of October.
Meet the Survivors
Survivor #1 - Cathy Abel
Cathy Abel and her husband Scott are from Ilion. They have 3 children and 3 grandchildren. Cathy is a 3 year breast cancer survivor and credits her yearly mammogram for the early detection of her Stage 0 cancer. She says, “Don’t EVER put off your mammogram, because it can save your life." Cathy has a whole new outlook on life and appreciates each and every day that she is given. Learn more about Cathy's story and hear clips from her interview.
Survivor #2 - Karyn Urtz
Karyn is from Rome and was diagnosed with Stage 1A breast cancer two years ago. Her mother, a four time breast cancer survivor, passed away in 2006. Because of her family history, Karyn scheduled regular mammograms and credits those tests and her doctor with the early detection. She says "Awareness is the key," and praises her mother's sense of humor as the reason she has been able to deal with her own cancer. Karyn is very thankful for the support she has received from her family and friends, and feels fantastic today! Learn more about Karyn's story and hear clips from her interview.
Survivor #3 - Terry Decola
Terry is from Utica and was diagnosed with Stage 0 breast cancer back in 2016. Thanks to her routine mammograms, her doctor was able to diagnose her cancer in the very early stages. She went through radiation and is still taking her chemotherapy pill to fight the disease. Despite being a private person, Terry decided to share her story to bring hope and awareness. She says the love, support and positive attitude of her family is what helped her get through it all, and be here today. Terry continues to live life to the fullest! Learn more about Terry's story and hear clips from her interview.
Survivor #4 - Maryrose Tucker
Maryrose is from Utica and was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer after finding a lump during a breast self-exam. She went through 4 rounds of chemotherapy and 33 rounds of radiation in her fight against breast cancer. Maryrose didn't have time to feel sorry for herself, because everything happened so quickly, but says she couldn't have made it through the ordeal without the love and support of her family. She feels wonderful now, and recommends regular breast self-exams and routine mammograms. Learn more about Maryrose's story and hear clips from her interview.
How Can You Get Involved?
Donate: October 11th is a First Source fundraising Jeans Day for Breast Cancer, when many of our employees with be dressing down and donating to support the American Cancer Society (ACS). You can join our efforts and make a donation to the American Cancer Society in their fight, either directly, or to someone participating in the Walk. Your donation will help to fund groundbreaking research, raise awareness and provide support to those fighting this disease.
Wear Pink: It’s a simple way to show your support and solidarity for all who are at risk for breast cancer: mothers, wives, daughters, granddaughters, friends and loved ones. Friday, October 18th is National Mammography Day, so that’s a great day to wear your pink. Share your photo on social media and become a part of something so much bigger. #NationalMammographyDay
Walk: Register online, to take part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at the Masonic Care Community on Sunday, October 20th. This is a powerful and inspiring opportunity to unite as a community to honor breast cancer survivors, raise awareness about how we can reduce the risk of getting breast cancer, and raise money to help the ACS. The ACS leads the fight against this disease with groundbreaking breast cancer research, information and support 24-7, and access to testing. Every step you take is personal, and together we’re helping the fight against breast cancer. Join us!