Adverse Weather Didn't Stop TBBCF Walkers and Crew Volunteers

TBBCF Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut Co-Chairs, Anne Rochette and Ellen Swercewski, reported despite the weather, nearly 85 percent of the 2009 registered walkers participated in the October 3rd Walk and crossed the finish line at Camp Harkness in Waterford on Saturday afternoon. "We are thrilled with the turn out this year. Walkers and crew volunteers came out in the pouring rain to participate with smiles on their faces and joyous spirits. They are true examples of community compassion and caring." said Lynda McCrea, Executive Director of TBBCF.

 This year, TBBCF introduced a quarter and half marathon, in addition to the signature 26.2-mile marathon. Rochette and Swercewski commented that the organization continuously strives to improve the event by listening to participants and evaluating the success of each event. Swercewski noted “By eliminating the relay options and implementing the quarter and half marathons, TBBCF was able to simplify the event while providing variety with an overarching goal of increasing walk participation and ultimately raising more funds for research.”

The success of the walk was due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of the volunteer crew members. Many of the crew members were returning for a fourth year. They provided support in many areas including stops (hydration, snacks, medical support, transportation services) walker safety and traffic control, route spirit teams and opening and closing ceremonies.

Essex TV cameramen and local photographer, Shawn Stiles, documented the event capturing hundreds of images.

Walk Day

The Master of Ceremonies for the 6:30 a.m. full marathon opening ceremony was Garde Arts Center Executive Director, Steve Sigel.  The National Anthem was sung by tenor, Colin Britt.  This was Britt’s third year singing at the Opening Ceremonies.  Speakers offering words of inspiration and encouragement included, Melanie and Sean Brodeur, children of the late Terri and Tim Brodeur; and Foundation President,  Howie Brensilver.  Pfizer Health and Fitness Trainers, Addy Danaher and Lesley Sollima led walkers through a series of warm-up exercises/stretches … no small feat in the pouring rain!  Pfizer Health and Fitness trainers have led this activity for the past four years.

The full marathon kicked off around 7:00 a.m. led by the Logan, McPhail and Brodeur family members.  The walkers received a spirited send-off from an enthusiastic crew.  Lunch was also provided by local businesses to full marathoners and crew volunteers at Rocky Neck State Park..

Janis D’Andrea of Guilford and Wendy Gunn Old Lyme were the first walkers to cross the finish line at Camp Harkness in 5 hours and 51 minutes.  Gunn has participated in the past three walks.  She is also an Old Saybrook Training Walk Leader who inspires walkers to “push the fun and fitness envelope”.

The Master of Ceremonies for the half marathon opening ceremonies was TBBCF Executive Director, Lynda McCrea.  The keynote speaker was Lawrence and Memorial Hospital’s Community Cancer Center Nutrition Coordinator, Mary Ann Nash , MS, RD.  Nash is also Co-Facilitator of the Hospital’s “Happier, Healthier You” series.  Music was provided by DJ Jammin' Johnny.  The marathon kicked-off at 10:30 a.m.& 

 Patty Hogan of East Lyme and Kate Levesque of Stafford Springs were the first half marathoners to cross the finish line in 2 hours and 26 minutes.

 McCrea and Nash were also on-hand for the quarter marathon opening ceremonies …as was DJ Jammin Johnny.   Pfizer Health and Fitness Trainers were on-hand for both events to lead walkers through a series of warm-up exercises/stretches. The marathon kicked-off at 1:00 p.m.   

 Denise Hauer of Groton was the first quarter marathoner to cross the finish line in 1 hour and 29 minutes.

 The closing ceremonies capped an exciting day for walkers and crew volunteers alike. Walkers were cheered on by friends and family as they made their way to the finish line. A festive atmosphere prevailed as live music from Fat Betty and James Harris entertained the crowd and food provided by a number of local businesses filled the crowd.

Sandy Maniscalco, TBBCF Co-Founder, and Marcie Brensilver, 19 year survivor and founding member once again led the last walkers to the finish line in just under nine hours. This is the fourth year Marcie has supported the walkers at the back of the pack. o:p>

The Master of Ceremonies for closing ceremonies was Susette Tibus.  Tibus is co-owner of Simply Majestic located in Mystic.  She has a long history of community service and currently co-chairs the Mystic Outdoor Art Festival, co-hosts the public access TV Program, "Mystic Matters" and chairs the St. Edmund's Medal of Honor award for Ender's Island.

Tibus began the program by thanking walkers, volunteers, families, supporters, donors and sponsors noting the event would not have been possible without their support.  She also acknowledged the huge year-round volunteer core:  Foundation Leaders, Walk Chairs and Captains, Board of Directors, and Scientific Advisory Board.

Tibus introduced keynote speakers and recent breast cancer “warriors”, Shelley Gregory and Pam Watt.  Both women lifted our spirits with their inspiring and energetic comments.

Stacey Gualtieri, President at Doherty Beals and Banks, an accounting and auditing firm in New London and founding TBBCF Board member and Treasurer, acknowledged top fundraisers and all walkers who fund research to find a cure.  The audience was also reminded by Gualtieri that historically 40 percent of walk donations are received post walk.  The primary reason for that is the fundraising deadlines are generally set for the last calendar day for the fundraising year.  For the 2009, the deadline has been extended to March 31, 2010. 

In the spirit of recognizing accomplishments, Tibus was back at the podium to introduce, PhD. Dr. Bailey is a research fellow in the Department of Medical Oncology in the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School. He is a native of Philadelphia and attended Penn State University as an undergraduate and received a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Physiology from Yale University.. Bailey has been researching breast cancer for almost 10 years and has a long-standing interest in making an impact in breast cancer treatment.

2009 Fundraising “On Track”

 Congratulations from all of us at the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation to all walkers and crew volunteers on your amazing accomplishment! There are no words to adequately describe our deep admiration and gratitude.  Here’s a breakdown of the numbers for 2009.

*  There is still time to change those fundraising stats! The fundraising deadline has been extended to March 31, 2010.  Based on the numbers to date, TBBCF is confident walkers will reach their fundraising goals before the deadline.

Walkers post-walk checklist.

Remember to thank your donors. We thank you for all the wonderful personal notes you have written to us over the past few months. It is so gratifying. We know you are probably anxious  to thank the individuals who supported your fundraising. If you need assistance obtaining a copy of your profile to help you guide you in writing thank you notes to your donors, please send an email to. We will send you that information.

Remember what we did. Of the 466 registered walkers, 383 marathoners completed the event. Another four individuals completed the marathon at another time. Our fundraising total is climbing and it is predicted that through the walk and other efforts we will raise nearly $325,000.

Remember that fundraising is ongoing through March 31. Please call TBBCF at 860-245-0402 if you would like to talk with Foundation Executive Director, Lynda McCrea, with fundraising questions or comments.

Remember to check-out the results of the online survey. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. We look forward to addressing any concerns that you have about this year's walk as well as hearing of ways we can improve your experience for next year.

REMEMBER to mark your calendars for the October 2, 2010 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. Be on the lookout for an email announcing that the registration page is open.