The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester first participated in the festival in the Community Causeway last year, and they are thrilled to come back this year. Staff and volunteers had a great time! The Coalition is looking forward to connecting with even more breast cancer and gynecologic cancer survivors this year. They are very excited to update visitors on their regional programs and activities. Unique to the festival this year, they are piloting a Mindfulness and Meditation program for survivors in Canandaigua for four weeks this summer! Stop by their table to learn more about this.

The group is a standalone, grassroots not-for-profit formed in 1997 that serves the Finger Lakes Region of Central and Western New York. They offer programs for breast cancer survivors and gynecologic cancer survivors. Their survivor community consists of those who are newly diagnosed, and those who count many years as a survivor. They offer supportive programs, peer mentorship, educational seminars, Healing Arts programs, and more. All of their programs and services are free!

The Coalition has helped hundreds of women (and men) who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Their experience and knowledge has led them to create a space where those who have received a diagnosis of breast cancer – or gynecologic cancer – can come for support and education, to learn about issues impacting the survivor community, and to participate in events and advocacy. They want to let all survivors know you are not alone.

The Coalition also funds research within the region. The Coalition’s Research Initiative has awarded more than $700,000 to area researchers since 2003. Most recently, the Coalition awarded a $50,000 breast cancer research grant to Roswell Park Cancer Institute and a $25,000 Pre/Postdoctoral grant to the Department of Molecular Medicine at Cornell University.

Their volunteers are highly valued to the group by bringing education and support to those living in the aftermath of a breast cancer or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. They can’t do their work without their support! Volunteers consist of survivors, family members, friends, organization supporters, and colleagues. We have volunteers of different ages and talents. The group encourages those interested to stop by and ask how they can get involved!

The Coalition would love to talk to survivors and supporters about how they can get involved! Contact them at the festival to request a volunteer application and to learn more. For those interested in volunteering in Monroe County, contact Lori Meath at lori@bccr.org. For those interested in volunteering in counties outside of Monroe, please contact Tracy Brown at tracy@bccr.org. For any additional questions call 585-473-8177. The group can’t wait to talk with you at the festival!

Ontario County Foster Care and Adoption is very excited to come back to the CAMF for the fourth consecutive year. The group loves the outreach with the community and making people aware of the need for good foster parents. They look forward to educating people on the need for foster parents, especially for teens.

The group emphasizes how you can make a difference in the life of a child. You don’t have to be perfect, just compassionate. They have seen countless children’s lives change for the better with a good foster home that loves them unconditionally.

Ontario County Foster Care and Adoption has participated in the Canandaigua 4th of July Parade as well as the Ontario County Fair. They have a good support system for foster parents and a therapist-run support group. A 24/7 on- call system is available for all families to help them through the process.

For those interested in getting more involved in the organization you can call the agency to get your name on a list for prospective foster parents, attend an informational meeting or come to a pre-certification class to see if foster parenting is right for your family. Visit them on Saturday and Sunday at the Community Cause-Way.