Cross Country Coach Named Beneficiary For 2018 Cancer Ties Event

All roads lead to September 20^th – the day of the culminating activity of the Cancer Ties initiative.

Cancer Ties is a non-profit organization founded in Albany. Every year, the organization selects one breast cancer survivor in the community as the recipient of the fundraising efforts.

This year, Cancer Ties have selected Donna Armstrong – wife, mother, counselor and cross-country coach at Deerfield-Windsor School. At first, the 44-year-old couldn’t believe that she was chosen as the event’s benefactor. In an email sent to the Albany Herald, Armstrong said that her being chosen can be attributed to her prayer warriors and God. Although she has a long road ahead, she is confident that with the help of her family and friends, she will be able to beat cancer.

A few months ago, Donna found a lump on her breast. She immediately consulted with her doctors and underwent a couple of diagnostic tests including a biopsy. In a span of few days, Donna found out that she had Stage 1, triple negative invasive ductal carcinoma. After a genetic test revealed that she was BRCA 2 positive, she underwent a double mastectomy and started on chemotherapy. After an uphill battle, we’re happy to report that Donna’s final chemotherapy session will be in just a few days.

As a survivor, Donna couldn’t stress the importance of performing breast self-examination regularly. After all, this is what enabled doctors to catch her cancer during the early stages!

Cancer Ties Executive Director Carrie Hutchinson explains the non-profit’s curious name. “We are all tied by cancer,” she says. “We have all had that experience.”

During the last decade, Cancer Ties have helped bind the community together through their common experience with the Big C.

This year, 3 events have been organized to spread awareness and raise funds for Donna and her family. If you live near or around the area, don’t hesitate to join the fun!

The first event happened last August 22^nd at the Freeze Frozen Yogurt. Advocates young and old had a blast with activities such as face-painting and door prizes. The following Sunday, advocates stormed the Pretoria Fields Brewery to enjoy live entertainment after an exciting fun run/walk.

The final and biggest event will be on September 20^th at the Doublegate Country Club. The Gala will celebrate all survivors and advocates who continue to fight against the big C. A live and silent auction, cash bar, raffles and dinner will also take place.