October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the best way to celebrate this month is to educate yourself on early detection of breast cancer and support groups that conduct research that benefits breast cancer patients. There are a variety of events being held this month for breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families.  The Village of Port Jefferson and the Town of Babylon are both hosting numerous events across their towns to celebrate survivors and remember those who lost their lives to breast cancer, such as 5K walks, runs, and color runs, as well as symbolic ceremonies.  One can also attend a handful of free educational seminars that are open to the public and are led by doctors and researchers who are seeking to keep the public up-to-date ont he latest in breast cancer research, prognosis, and treatment.  The best protection is education, so be sure to learn about early detection and ways you can try to limit your likelihood of developing cancer.  Here are some events that are spreading breast cancer awareness and fundraising for local breast cancer groups this October:

Artists United Against Breast Cancer at the Port Jeff Village Center – FREE!
101 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
September 26th – October 3rd, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Free event
The Port Jeff Village Center is supporting an art gallery to represent victory against breast cancer by depicting breast cancer survivors and their art.  The exhibition will continue for two months, and a public gala and education event will be held October 3rd from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM

5K Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness at the Tanger Outlet Center
Route 58, Riverhead, NY 11901
631-208-8889
Sunday, September 27th, 9:00 AM
$25 per person
Join the walk to end breast cancer by getting friends and family to pledge donations and by pre-registering for this event (or register from 7:30-8:45 AM that morning).  Registrants can enjoy a continental breakfast of bagels, muffins, and fruit up until 8:45, when the opening ceremonies begin and the runners get ready. There will also be raffles to benefit the North Fork Breast Health Coalition.   

Wings of Hope First Ceremony at the Brookhaven Town Hall – FREE!
1 Independence Hill, Brookhaven, NY 11738
631-751-2244
Thursday, October 1st, 2:00 PM
Free event
This ceremony, led by Supervisor Edward P. Romaine and Councilwoman Valerie M. Cartwright, will honor those who lost their lives to breast cancer.  It will include the release of birds with messages symbolizing the hope in the fight against breast cancer. 

Light Port Pink Ceremony at Port Jeff Village Hall – FREE!
121 West Broadway, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631- 476-2723
Thursday, October 1st, 7:00 PM
Free event
The Village of Port Jeff will show their support for breast cancer awareness at this event, which is meant to bring together residents, organizations, and businesses to help spread awareness and education about early detection of breast cancer.

Riot Against Breast Cancer at the Long Island Marriott - FREE!
101 James Doolittle Boulevard, Uniondale, NY 11553
Thursday, October 1st, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Free event
Support PinkTie.org by RSVPing for a rosé riot at the newly renovated Chardonnay Room at the Marriott.  Business attire is required.

A Pageant Of Hope: Opening Ceremony at the Babylon Town Hall – FREE!
200 Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757
631-893-4110
Thursday, October 1st, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Free event
The torch will be passed from Ovarian Awareness to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and teal and pink flags will be available for purchase, which will support the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser: Get Carbed Up For Tanger 5k Run/Walk Fit For A Cure at the Community Presbyterian Church of Deer Park
1843 Deer Park Avenue, Deer Park, NY 11729
631-893-4110
Saturday, October 3rd, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
$10 per person
All are welcome (whether you are participating in the race or not) to enjoy a delicious spaghetti dinner, along with a DJ and raffles.

Immortal Con Long Island's Anime and Fantasy Convention for a Cause at Clarion Hotel
3845 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Saturday, October 3rd, 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
$25 per person
This anime and fantasy convention is all in good fun, but has the serious underlying mission to educate young women about the importance of awareness regarding women’s cancers.  The convention will include guests like famous voice-over artist Robert Axelrod, videogame room tournaments, and cosplay competitions.

Robin's Racers Vendor Event at East Meadow Jewish Center – FREE!
1400 Prospect Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554
Sunday, October 4th, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Free event
Shop at over 50 vendors, and enjoy live music, games, raffles, food, and more, all of which goes to support the American Cancer Society and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

Paint Port Pink: Pink Rock Golf Classic at the Port Jefferson Country Club
44 Fairway Drive, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631-476-2723
Monday, October 5th, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
$350 per person
Support the Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital through awareness and donations.

Breast Cancer Survivorship Coalition at Racine – FREE!
341 Main Street, Islip, NY 11751
631-224-5240
Monday, October 5th, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Free event
Registration is required for this talk regarding updates in breast cancer research, which will be conducted by Drs. David Mangiameli and Melissa Fana.

Witchy Women Halloween Event at Fox Hollow
7725 Jericho Turnpike, Woodbury, NY 11797
516-921-1415
Wednesday, October 7th, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
$50 per person
Put on your best witch hat and meet up with other ladies to sip cocktails, eat, network, raise awareness for breast cancer, and win prizes!

Ladies Night Out at Stony Brook Village Center – FREE!
111 Main Street, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Thursday, October 15th, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Free event
Come out for a great evening of live music, special cocktails, free gifts, raffles, goodie bags and much more all to benefit breast cancer research. 

Paint Nite Fundraiser at Lily Flannagan’s
345 Deer Park Avenue, Babylon, NY 11702
631-893-4110
Tuesday, October 20th, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
$45 per person
Learn to paint a morning sun masterpiece with friends – no experience necessary!  $15 from the entry fee will go to the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition.

22nd Annual Walk for Beauty at the Stony Brook Village Center
Main Street on the Harbor, Stony Brook, NY 11790
Sunday, October 25th, 8:30 AM
$25-45, depending on registration date
Support a targeted research fund at Stony Brook Medicine for breast cancer research and the WMHO Unique Boutique for prosthesis and wigs by running or walking a 4K Color Splash, a 4K or 6K run or walk, or a 10K run!

Searching For New Ways To Halt The Progression Of Breast Cancer at Mather Hospital – FREE!
LIAP Conference Center - Mather Hospital, 75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777
631-473-1320
Thursday, October 29th, 6:30 PM
Free event
At this free educational seminar, everyone and anyone is invited to RSVP and come listen to Avid L. Specter, PhD of Cold Spring Harbor to learn about medical advancements in the world of breast cancer.