story & photo
by Christopher Annino

(l-r) Members of Pams Pink Posse: Donna Ruggleri, Kim Hoffa, Dennaye Garbati, Patty Fraser, Cindy Shea, Pam Watt, Nancy Shepard, Judy Teel, Abby Shepard.

On Saturday, October 3, 430 people participated in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) Walk or Run fundraiser for breast cancer research. The TBBCF is a New London based non-profit organization committed to fighting breast cancer by fundraising for cancer research. Since its existence in 2006 the organization has raised a total of 1.1 million dollars in research grant money.

The marathon long course began at Saybrook Point, Old Saybrook and ended at Camp Harkness, Waterford. People could either choose to do a quarter, half or the full course of 26.2 miles. Steve Sigel, executive director, Garde Arts, and Mary Ann Nash, nutritionist, Community Cancer Center at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, led the opening ceremonies at Saybrook Point.

Closing ceremonies were performed by Susette Tibus, Mystic Chamber of Commerce and Simply Majestic, as well as, 2008 Research Grant Recipient Dr. Shannon T. Bailey from the Dana Farber Cancer Institute.

Pam’s Pink Posse was among the many teams who walked the full marathon distance. The group was formed last year when Pam Watt was stricken with breast cancer. Seven of Pam’s closest friends got together and created a team for her. This year, Pam, despite surgeries and chemo therapy treatment, managed to walk a full 26.2 miles with her friends. Pam and her team raised a combined amount of $10,000.00 for the walk.

For more information visit: www.tbbcf.org.