News Archive October 2010

Estimated 12,000 Turn Out For Walk
From: APP.com
by Jim McConville
Posted: October 17, 2010

Lauren Stepnosky can vividly recall the exact moment she got the news that no one ever wants to hear.

"You have (breast) cancer," said Stepnosky, 37, of Atlantic Highlands, repeating the words she remembers her doctor telling her at exactly 6 p.m. on September 25 last year.

Now, nearly 13 months later, Stepnosky can call herself something else: a cancer survivor.

"After 16 rounds of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy and breast reconstruction last month, I'm here today," Stepnosky told an estimated crowd of 12,000 Sunday morning at the American Cancer Society's 15th annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer five-kilometer walk.

"I, unfortunately, didn't jump into their (American Cancer Society) program as I should have; I didn't pay attention to myself," Stepnosky said.

Stepnosky encouraged the walkers, who filled the Arnold Avenue municipal parking lot, to get involved with the American Cancer Society.

"It's about awareness, and it's about help," Stepnosky said. "We are here today in an effort to cancel out breast cancer - all cancer."

American Cancer Society officials estimated Sunday's walk would generate about $1.2 million in donations for breast cancer research.

For Peter Criss, former drummer of the rock band "KISS," who found out he had male breast cancer and was treated in 2008, the annual walk is a living example that when people pull together for a cause they can figuratively move mountains.

"This is like Woodstock, and we're all here to find a cure for one thing, and that's cancer," said Criss, 64, the Brooklyn-born musician who now lives in Wall. "It's so strong when so many people get together for one thing. God bless you all for coming today, and being part of something that is greater than all of us."

Criss said he reacted the same way most men react when told they have breast cancer.

"I didn't think men got breast cancer," Criss said. "When you think of men, you think of them getting heart attacks or prostate cancer, and they don't get breast cancer.

Criss, who was fortunate to have his cancer diagnosed and treated in its early stages last year, joined an American Cancer Society fundraising team called "Bosom Buddies: Twin Peaks" that this year has raised over $12,000 for cancer research.

For 12-year-old Erin Pricoli of Rumson, Sunday's walk served a dual purpose to raise funds for breast cancer, and to honor her mother Linda Pricoli, who died of breast cancer two years ago at age 45.

Erin Pricoli this year formed with her cousin Lucy Ann Lindsey, 21, of Middletown, their own walk team. The 70-member walk team, formed in honor of Linda Pricoli, includes Erin's brothers Brian, 17, Connor, 19, and her father Paul Pricoli, 45. To date, the group has raised $7,000 in donations for breast cancer research. "This is such a wonderfully run event," Paul Pricoli said. "Ten thousand people here trying to raise money to find a cure for cancer. And everyone here is thrilled."

Correction from earlier: Peter Criss personally raised $12,144.00 and his team, Bosom Buddies/Twin Peaks raised a total of $18,768 for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.