Chris Kupka

More than sixty supporters of Breast Cancer Action Montreal took to the street — that is, Monkland Avenue — shortly after ten in the morning on October 17th for BCAM's 3rd Annual 'March for Prevention.' The day was cloudy and rain threatened but we were able to finish the route that led us from our host, the NDG YMCA on Hampton Street, to Girouard Avenue and back.

The morning began with a substantial breakfast donated by several local businesses and a chance to mingle with the crowd. Once again, we welcomed our BCAM members who braved the weather as well as family, friends and new additions to our annual breast cancer awareness event. Board member and event animator Elana Wright introduced Rohini Peris, a member of the Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides, who gave a short presentation before the March began.

This year we offered marchers a chance to carry placards that were made by an art class at Wagar High School . The signs followed from a visit to the class by BCAM member Deena Dlusy-Apel who urged the students to support the cause by using their imaginations. The colorful signs demonstrated the creativity of the students as well as their own awareness of the issues surrounding breast cancer, and made our group more visible as we continued on our route. To clarify our purpose, passers-by were given a small pamphlet that contained BCAM's mission statement.

When the marchers returned to the NDG-Y, there was an opportunity to continue socializing and learning more about BCAM by perusing the material that was available.

Letters were provided, as templates, addressed to various organizations that donate money for breast cancer research; marchers were asked to sign a letter asking for more money devoted to research into the prevention of breast cancer. These letters are available for anyone who would like to support our cause.

BCAM thanks Ginette Bourque and the NDG YMCA for their support again this year and thanks to all who participated in various ways to make the March one more in a continuing success story.