The Downtown Somerville Alliance (DSA) recently announced their partnership with Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) Somerset’s Steeplechase Cancer Center to recognize breast cancer survivors and honor the memory of those who have lost their battle with the disease during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"As one of the most common forms of cancer in American women, most of us know someone who has battled this disease,” said Natalie Pineiro, executive Director of the Downtown Somerville Alliance. “We are proud to give families a venue to recognize loved ones who have bravely faced breast cancer.”
The Downtown Somerville Alliance will be facilitating the Breast Cancer Warrior (BCW) Banner program, a biennial program that entails creating a series of commemorative vinyl banners to be displayed on the decorative light poles on Main St. in downtown Somerville The banners will be on display during the month of October for two consecutive years.
“We are continually inspired by the courage and strength of our patients throughout their fight with breast cancer and are pleased to partner with the Downtown Somerville Alliance to honor our community’s breast cancer warriors in this special way,” said Deirdre Blaus, assistant vice president of cancer services at RWJUH Somerset.
The banners will be made of high-quality, durable vinyl designed to withstand the elements and will be produced by SpeedPro of Piscataway. They are projected to measure 18 inches wide by 48 inches long.
To dedicate a banner to a loved one and participate in the program, interested parties should visit www.downtownsomerville.com and click on the link to the BCW Banner Program Application. There will be a $250 tax-deductible fee for each banner that will guarantee placement for the entire month of October, in 2021 and 2022. The fee is payable via Square - linked in the application, or in person via cash or check at the DSA office, located at 50 Division St. Ste 501, Somerville, NJ 08876. Space is currently limited to 30 banners and will be sold on a first come-first served basis. Banner sales will take place from August 16 – September 6, 2021.
Although placement of the banners is guaranteed for two years, participants will be given the ability to opt out of the program after the first year. The banner fee is nonrefundable.
Proceeds from the program will benefit the Steeplechase Cancer Center at RWJUH Somerset via the DSA and Somerset Health Care Foundation. The DSA is a recognized tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code For more information contact Natalie Pineiro, Executive Director of the DSA at 908-524-0104 or via email at npineiro@somervillenj.org.