LITTLE COMPANY OF MARY HOSPITAL: Beverly Breast Cancer Walk Efforts Continue to Impact Lives in El Salvador

By Press release submission

Apr 28, 2019

Little Company Of Mary Hospital issued the following announcement on April 23.

For nearly two decades the Beverly Breast Cancer Walk ( BBCW) has raised more than $6 million to support Little Company of Mary Hospital’s (LCMH) award-winning Comprehensive Breast Health Center and impacted the lives of thousands of breast cancer survivors. With generous community support, the BBCW has been able to sustain its support of current breast health programming and continue deepening its impact with the establishment of a BBCW Crisis Fund to assist LCMH breast cancer patients with emergent financial needs within our community. Today, the impact of these efforts is reaching poverty-stricken breast cancer patients hundreds of miles away.

Since 2016, a portion of the BBCW proceeds have additionally supported a “sister-walk” partnership with the international organization, People Helping People, bringing much-needed medical equipment, supplies and services to breast cancer patients in El Salvador. This year, Carol Moriarty, BBCW co-Founder, Erin Hosty, BBCW Committee Member and first time mission trip participant and BBCW Committee Member, Eleanor Reardon, along with seven others, embarked on this mission trip to El Salvador.

“Through the generous donations we receive through the BBCW efforts, we were able to provide an EKG machine, additional chemotherapy treatments, pathology kits, $5,000 for mammogram readings and more,” said Hosty. “What is even more special is that we see how the funds directly impact these women, and not only change their lives, but change ours as well.”

The BBCW team worked with Lisselot Troconis, executive director of People Helping People of El Salvador, to start her own walk in 2015. People Helping People is a faith-based organization that help people with housing, health, education and hunger in over 10 countries. The walk started with less than three sponsors in 2015 to having 40+ sponsors today. Approximately 700 people participated in the walk this year and were greeted by “Disney” princess characters as they crossed the finish line.

“As a first time participant in the Mission Trip, I was amazed at how much People Helping People helps the El Salvador community,” said Reardon. “These women are truly just so grateful and the community jumps in and helps as well; passing out water, putting up decorations, singing, etc. It shows these women that they are not alone.”

The BBCW committee also is helping raise funds by partnering with local restaurants on fundraisers. On Wednesday, May 8th, from 5 to 8 p.m., Portillo’s in Oak Lawn (4020 W. 95th Street) will donate 20% of the proceeds to the walk. On Sunday, May 12th, immediately following the walk, stop by Buona Beef in Beverly (10633 S. Western Avenue). Buona will donate 20% of the proceeds to the walk.

“Who would have dreamed 19 years ago that these founding women would today not only walk with more than 14,000 friends, but also be able to expand their efforts far beyond our community?” said Brian Lepacek, MDiv, Executive Director of the Little Company of Mary Hospital Foundation. “Nineteen years is living proof that if we join hands and talents together, we can make a difference – and save lives.”

The 20th Annual Beverly Breast Cancer Walk will take place on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12th, 2019. To register, go to www.BeverlyBreastCancerWalk. To learn more about People Helping People, visit www.phpnetwork.org.

“We are so grateful to the people of the Beverly community who have embraced our mission and values and have supported us for the past 19 years for helping make this extension of the BBCW a reality,” said Moriarty. “We look forward to seeing everyone at Ridge Park on Mother’s Day!”

Original source can be found here.