WESTFIELD-April Lassard is passionate about raising funds for important causes – especially the American Cancer Society – and its annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pioneer Valley Walk” – slated Oct. 29 at Stanley Park.
Lassard’s passion for putting the American Cancer Society at the top of her charity list is simple – three generations of women in her immediate family have been diagnosed with breast cancer – as well as friends and co-workers.
Mahsoun Choudhury, community development manager, northeast region, American Cancer Society, is recruiting walkers for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Pioneer Valley Walk at Stanley Park. April Lassard of Westfield is among the team captains already recruiting walkers.
“You never know when cancer will affect you,” said Lassard, noting she was only five when her grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In later years, her mother, Esther Lassard of Westfield, now at 79, was also diagnosed with breast cancer, as well as one of her sisters.
“My sister developed breast cancer in her 30’s, even before my mother was diagnosed,” said Lassard, adding how frightening that feeling was to absorb.
Lassard met with Mahsoun Choudhury, community development manager, northeast region, American Cancer Society, on Monday afternoon at Stanley Park to start talking about her recruitment efforts.
Her team is called “Team Tighe & Bond” to reflect the many co-workers who support her – either walking by her side or making donations to the cause. Her mother and one of her sisters, Lisa Murray of Westfield, will also be a part of the team.
“Everyone at the firm is supportive of each other’s charitable causes throughout the year,” said Lassard, a senior contracts manager. “Two co-workers, Nicole Rose of Westfield and Libby Baldwin of Southampton, a survivor herself, will be among those walking as part of the team.”
Choudhury noted that the 5K walk is a “noncompetitive, inspirational event” that raises awareness and funds to end breast cancer and provide hope to ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.
“As we join with others in the Making Strides walk, we celebrate breast cancer survivors, pay tribute to loved ones lost, and raise funds to move us one step closer to a world without breast cancer,” said Choudhury.
Since 1993, more than 13 million supporters have raised more than $810 million nationwide, according to Choudhury.
“Last year, 450 walkers in the Pioneer Valley helped to raise more than $51,000,” he said.
Choudhury noted that funds raised through the walks nationwide enable the American Cancer Society to invest in “groundbreaking research,” as well as provide free, comprehensive information and support to those touched by breast cancer, and help people take steps to reduce their breast cancer risk or find it early when it’s most treatable.
Registration for the walk – conducted rain or shine – begins at 10 a.m. at the Meeting House and a short opening ceremony starts at 11 a.m., followed by the walk at 11:05.
“We encourage survivors to say a few words about their journey,” said Choudhury, adding that along the route the Westfield Police Department provides a helpful presence.
“We get a lot of support from the Westfield Police which we very much appreciate,” he said.
Lassard, now in her fifth year as a team leader, encourages area residents to consider joining this year’s walk – either individually or as a team – noting “any amount raised makes a difference.”
“It’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you have the opportunity to be part of something bigger than yourself,” she said. “It is just a truly awesome feeling, both humbling and exhilarating. I encourage all to join the walk.”
For more details on the event, visit MakingStridesWalk.org/pioneervalleyma or call the American Cancer Society at (800) 227-2345. Pre-registration for the walk is preferred, however, registrations will also be accepted that morning.
“From research to education, prevention to diagnosis, and treatment to recovery, we provide support to everyone impacted by breast cancer,” said Choudhury.
