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11th Annual Breast Cancer Luncheon Highlights Breast Cancer Care
Dr. Kelly Ann Harkins, Medical Director of St. Vincent's Swim Women's Imaging Center, told an audience of more than 500 that the Swim played a critical role in providing breast care to women in the area.

Harkins was the keynote speaker at the 11th annual Breast Cancer Luncheon on October 20th at the Bridgeport Holiday Inn.

"The Swim is a special organization," Harkins said. "I see on a daily basis how the Swim helps women. It's our goal to expand breast cancer programming to a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach. The Swim Women's Imaging Center is helping that happen."

Co-chaired by Barbara Massaro and Joyce Riccio, the luncheon raised a record $210,000 to support Swim breast cancer programs - mammograms for the underserved, wigs and prostheses, medications, transportation and support groups.

The luncheon also honored St. Vincent's Radiation Oncologist Dr. Deborah Fang for her outstanding care and compassion shown to breast cancer patients.

A silent auction featuring unique items, such as art work, jewelry and furniture, also drew strong bidding. Diane Mercado, director of the auction, was also cited for her dedication to making the auction a key fundraiser for the luncheon.

The Swim also honored individuals and businesses for their support of breast cancer awareness:

• William and Gloria Paul - sponsors of the Breast Cancer Luncheon;
• Kathy Young - chair of the Sunset Sail and through her efforts, Lexus of Westport is contributing $100 to the Swim for each new and pre-owned Lexus sold during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October;
• Diane Lavin - Director of Marketing for Duchess Restaurants which sold pink ribbon cards at its 15 locations;
• Pia Lauren, owner of Pia Lauren Spa di Bellezia, who chaired a benefit dinner/dance for the Swim;
• Joe Pepe, co-owner of Planet Fitness, which also sold pink ribbon cards at its eight fitness centers;
• Sailing Regatta Co-chairs Mary Daley, Nancy Gill and Maureen Pelletier, who organized a silent auction and cocktail party to benefit the Swim.

WICC talk show host Brian Smith and WEBE personality Elizabeth Yates presented the gifts to Duchess Restaurants and Planet Fitness. Sam Small of Fairfield was also recognized for underwriting the gift of a pink Swim umbrella for every guest attending the luncheon.

Walkers/Runners Fall into Step for Swim-Sikorsky Cancer Walk
Led by a drum corps seated on a flat bed trailer, more than 1,000 walkers/runners fell in step to support the Swim Across the Sound-Sikorsky Cancer Walk/Run in conjunction with Teamsters Local Union 1150 October 15th.

The Walk/Run began and ended at Captains Cove in Bridgeport. The PAL Buccaneers Junior Drum Corp led the walk along the four and two-mile course that wound along St. Mary's By the Sea and through historic Black Rock. Many participants walked/ran for loved ones and friends battling cancer, wearing personally designed T-shirts and banners.

The Walk/Run raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Swim Breast Cancer programs. St. Vincent's employees showed their support with more than 200 taking part.

WEBE celebrity Elizabeth Yates and WICC talk show host Brian Smith entertained the walkers on the dock of Captain's Cove with music and interviews. Every registered walker who donated a minimum of $50 received a specially designed event T-shirt. Prior to the Walk/Run, participants enjoyed coffee, donuts and bagels donated by Dunkin' Donuts, and also received lunch at Captain's Cove.

Lexus of Westport Hits High Gear for the Swim
For the third consecutive year, Lexus of Westport supported St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

This year, Lexus has increased its support, pledging to donate $100 to the Swim for every new and pre-owned Lexus it sells. Last year, the dealerships donated $50 for every Lexus sold to support the Swim breast cancer programs.

Lexus of Westport, also located in Fairfield at Kings Highway Cutoff, handed out Swim pink magnetized ribbons to every customer visiting their locations during October to place on their cars. On I-95, look for the Lexus billboard announcing the charitable program, which includes the Swim logo.

"The Swim is a great cause that we fully support," said Leon Gjoni, Lexus General Manager. "It serves a great need in the community which we're proud to support."

Lexus of Westport also was a major sponsor of the Swim Sunset Sail, chaired by Kathy Young of Fairfield.

"The Swim has developed a great relationship with Lexus of Westport," Young said. "The entire car dealership stands behind the cause and stepped up to support it."  

Smith Barney Takes the Plunge
Inspired by a cancer survivor in their office, several Smith Barney employees took the plunge at the Swim Aquathon and raised $8,375.

Seven Smith Barney employees jumped into the Fairfield University Rec Plex pool to swim laps to benefit the Swim. Alison Scavone, a cancer survivor and Smith Barney employee, was the rallying point for the Smith Barney office, said Mike Finneran of Smith Barney.

Taking part in the Aquathon were Steve Stearns, Steve Violette, Kyle Hublitz, Alison Scavone, Ed Samson, Eric Johnson and Finneran.

“Alison really inspired us to get involve with the Swim,” Finneran said. “She really deserves all the credit. She helped raise the funds from the office. We just contributed and jumped in the pool. We really enjoyed the experience and were happy to help.”

Running for Cancer Survivors
Renee Powell, a St. Vincent's Medical Center nurse practioner at the Family Medical Center, recently gave herself a birthday present as she turned 42 years old - she ran a marathon and raised $more than $4,000 in donations to benefit Swim Across the Sound.

A Fairfield resident, Powell finished the Hartford Marathon in 4:41, a tad longer than she wanted, but satisfied that she met the challenge.

"I was satisfied crossing the finishing line standing," Powell said. "It was great. I was thrilled that I finished; there were a lot of people cheering me on."

Powell took up running 14 years ago to get in shape and considered running a marathon some day. But it was the misfortune of the Ventimiglia family, long-time friends, to inspire to tackle the Hartford Marathon, October 14th . Carlo Ventimiglia recently died from cancer and his two sons John and Paul died in their 40s prior to that - all from cancer.

"I feel so badly for the Ventimiglias; they've been through a lot," Powell said. "I ran in the memory of three friends from that family who all passed away from cancer."

Powell sailed through the first 20 miles of the marathon, but hit the "wall" at about six miles from the finish line. She ran the first 20 miles in about 3:12 (right on pace), but struggled with fatigue, finishing the last six miles in 1:30. "I thought about the Ventimiglia family while I was running," Powell explained. "They were helping to push me along."

A mother of two kids (10 and 7 years old), Powell stepped up her training a few months before. She credits her husband's support who was always there to watch the kids while she trained. She also sent a letter to friends and colleagues, requesting donations for Swim Across the Sound. The response was overwhelming.

Is there another marathon in Powell's future? She's considering the New York Marathon next year and will run for the Swim.

"I felt sore after I finished, but now that I'm recovered I'm thinking of doing another [marathon]," Powell said. "I will do it for Ventimiglias and all cancer patients."

Scrap-Tober-Fest Captures Good Memories
The Scrap-Tober-Fest spurred good memories for 43 scrappers Oct. 7 th at the Hawley Conference Center and raised more than $5,000 for the Swim Breast Cancer Programs.

Lisa Dadio of Creative Memories helped new and veteran scrappers with supplies and ideas to capture their memories in scrapbook form. Scrappers also made creative holiday cards. To help scrappers relax, chair massages were available from Laurie Millo, LMT.

During the scrapbooking event, Leah Brady from St. Vincent's Accounting, gave away over 25 door prizes and more than 45 raffle prizes during the 12-hour event. The raffle grand prizes were a New York getaway and foursome for golf at the Yale Course.

Brady said she's already planning for the second Scrap-Tober-Fest next year.

Century 21 Greengarden Real Estate Supports the Swim Breast Cancer Programs
Century 21 Greengarden Real Estate Inc. pledged to donate $100 to Swim Across the Sound for every home listed with the agency between Sept. 29 - Oct. 31 to benefit Swim Breast Cancer programs.

To list your home, contact John R. Hackett, owner/broker, at the Greengarden Real Estate office, 241 Monroe Turnpike, at 203-261-7653 or the Bridgeport office, 4942 Main Street, 203-374-0295. For more information, visit www.century21Greengarden.com .

Since 1982, Century 21 Greengarden Realty has become the company of choice for home buyers and sellers alike throughout Fairfield County. From its experienced, multi-lingual agents to its use of cutting-edge technology to unique family atmosphere, Greengarden Realty takes pride in providing clients with the highest level of service possible during their home purchase or sale.

Greengarden's exceptional dedication and professionalism is why it handles more transactions annually than any other company in Fairfield County. So before your next move, go to where the grass is always greener. Call Century 21 Greengarden Realty today and let the agency help make your next home purchase or sale a complete success. Real estate doesn't get any better than this.

Free Oil Change with a Donation to the Swim
Every Wednesday Brake Centers of America will provide free oil changes for anyone who donates $19.95 to Swim Across the Sound.

Donors will be given a "no charge" receipt for their vehicle maintenance records. Also, Swim supporters will receive a free membership to the Auto Maintenance Club, which provides members with discounts on their tire, brakes and auto maintenance needs.

The oil change in exchange for a donation deal will take place on every Wednesday for the remainder of the year. The following Brake Centers of America locations will participate in the oil change special:

• 4315 Main Street, Bridgeport
• 1103 Barnum Avenue, Stratford
• 859 East Main Street, Stamford  

All proceeds will benefit the Swim's 34 cancer education, screening and prevention programs. Please visit Brake Centers of America at www.BrakeCenters.com .

Get in the Holiday Mood With the Swim Ornament
Swim Across the Sound offers its fifth collectible, engraved holiday ornament and the last one in the metal series. Next year's ornament will launch a new glass collection. This year's high-quality gold metallic ornament depicts several breast cancer ribbons in pink cloisonné entwined in a circular pattern. The ornament recalls the theme of first holiday ornament with a new twist.

The 3-inch ornament consists of the Swim logo engraved on the front and the name of the artist Andrea Lynn McKeen, formerly of Stratford, on the back and hangs by a pink satin ribbon. The simple, but elegant design will add a festive flair to your holidays.

The price is $15 for the ornament with all proceeds benefiting Swim Across the Sound. Get into the holiday mood and order your Swim 2006 Holiday Ornament now by ordering online at the Swim Store or calling the St. Vincent's Foundation, 203-576-5451.  

Sunset Sail Cruises Long Island Sound
Click to see the full photo gallery from this event online >>
More than 400 passengers sailed on a cruise to nowhere on Long Island Sound for the 4th annual St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Sunset Sail.

From 4-7 p.m. the Swim supporters enjoyed live music, dancing, tarot card readings, exciting raffles, and a catered feast.

The three-hour ferry ride, provided by the Port Jefferson/Bridgeport Steamboat Company, carried passengers onto Long Island Sound to watch the sun set and to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and beautiful weather.

The Sunset Sail raised over $40,000 to benefit the Swim's Breast Cancer programs. Kathy Young, co-chair of the Sunset Sail, was pleased with the turnout and the money raised to help those in need.

"The Sunset Sail is an extremely fun and successful event," said Young. "Everyone aboard the ferry had a great time. The weather was perfect and it was a great chance way to enjoy the end of the summer."

Lexus of Westport also sponsored the sail and displayed several new Lexus cars. For the month of October, in honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Lexus donated $100 to the Swim for each new or pre-owned car sold.

Star 99.9 Women's Golf Tournament Tees Off for the Swim
About 100 women golfers teed off to benefit St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound Sept. 21st at Great River Country Club in Orange.

The second annual 9-hole tournament raised $3,000 to benefit the Swim breast cancer care programs. Star 99.9 celebrity Marit Price joined the golfers for her first round of golf in her career. She vows to return next year better and shoot an outstanding score.

As a lead up to the tournament, Star 99.9 also promoted it on the air, encouraging listeners to contribute to the Swim. BMW of Bridgeport served as the lead sponsor of the tournament.

Keynote speaker Kelly Ann Harkins, Medical Director of St. Vincent's Swim Women's Imaging Center, thanked the field for its support and reminded them of the importance of breast care.

"Early detection saves lives," she said. "Get your mammograms. By playing today, you are helping the Swim provide breast care to less fortunate women."

Several foursomes and individuals walked off with prizes. Here are the winners of the front and back 9's as well as closest to the pin:

Front 9 Winners

• Wendy Black
• Beverly Perry
• Trish Turscany
• Meg Mendenco

Back 9 Winners

• Jan Gould
• Grace Terry
• Marie D'Angelo
• Tina Piccaro

Closest to the Pin

• Jodee Seiders
• Mary Ann DeRosa

Swim Bracelets Honor Cancer Survivors
If you're looking for just the right bracelet to complement your outfit, St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound has the right collection for you. At the same time, you can help raise cancer awareness.

The Swim has three attractive bead bracelets all with a silver sun and moon clasps to raise cancer awareness. For a $20 donation, you choose from one of the following one-size-fits-all bracelets:

• An orange and yellow bracelet: The orange beads represent leukemia while the yellow honors cancer survivors as well as survivors of childhood and bladder cancer.
• A pearl and purple beaded bracelet: The pearl honors survivors of lung cancer and the purple recalls pancreatic and thyroid cancer survivors.
• The third bracelet is pink and white , honoring breast cancer survivors.
• A new bracelet of teal and white: (not pictured) This newly designed bracelet honors ovarian and cervical cancer survivors.

You also will enjoy their unique design and craftsmanship. The bracelets are hand made by Mitch McGrath and Kelli Cilbrith, co-chairs of the Hartford Chapter of Swim Across the Sound.

The bracelets are on sale in the Swim Women's Imaging Center, the Volunteer Office and St. Vincent's Foundation. For more information, call 203-576-5451.

Shop At the Swim Online Store
Do your gift shopping at the Swim Store. Click here to visit the Swim Online Store and peruse all the great items. All purchases benefit the 34 Swim cancer education, screening, prevention, and support groups.

Walk the Walk, Talk the Talk
The Swim welcomes new volunteers who want to make a difference in their community and the lives of cancer patients. All you need is compassion. To volunteer, call St. Vincent's Foundation - 576-5451 or visit the Swim website, www.swimacrossthesound.org.

Remember the Swim
Of all the worthwhile causes, few meet the work the Swim does in helping others. There are many ways to help the Swim:

• Donate to Swim events;
• Participate in Swim events;
• Name the Swim in your will;
• Donate a planned income gift;
• Volunteer;
• Run your own Swim fundraiser.

For more information, call the Swim Foundation at 203-576-5451.

St. Vincent's Medical Center's Swim Across the Sound is turning the tide against cancer.

The Swim has a unique mission to help cancer patients in need. The Swim raised $2.52 million in 2005 and helped 20,000 cancer survivors and their families throughout Southern Connecticut.

This is not a research program, but a charitable foundation dedicated to helping people on a case-by-case basis. The Swim has grown into a series of year-round activities focused on raising funds to underwrite 34 cancer education, screening and support group programs.