Albany, NY – Assemblymembers Harry Bronson and Jamie Romeo today announced they successfully fought for $150,000 in state funding for the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester (BCCR) in the 2019-20 enacted state budget. This funding will allow BCCR to continue providing free programming to breast and gynecological cancer survivors throughout nine counties in the Finger Lakes region.

“I am proud to have secured state funding to support the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester’s mission of serving our families who have been affected by cancer,” said Assemblymember Harry Bronson. “I want to thank Executive Director Holly Anderson for her tireless advocacy and partnership throughout budget negotiations, and for her dedication to serving our community, as well as Congressman Morelle who continued his long history of advocating for this important program. We will always fight for our community’s fair share of state funding to support the vital programs and services our families rely on, and this $150,000 demonstrates the Assembly Majority’s commitment to putting families first, no matter where they live.”

“I just want to thank Speaker Heastie, Congressman Joe Morelle and all those who helped Assemblymember Bronson and I get this money into the budget, said Assemblywoman Jamie Romeo. “These funds will allow the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester to continue to deliver vital services to cancer patients and survivors through their regional programming. This programming, which is evidence based, has a profound and positive impact on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with cancer. I am extremely pleased that we were able to get this funding into the budget.”

“It is well understood that a diagnosis of breast or gynecologic cancer comes with challenges, not the least of which is financial toxicity,” said BBCR Executive Director Holly Anderson. “Thanks to the efforts of Assemblymembers Bronson and Romeo, those living in rural communities will not need to travel to downtown Rochester for important programming that focuses on survivorship. Survivorship doesn’t end with diagnosis and treatment. Survivorship begins there. Thanks to them, those in rural communities will continue to have access to important programs and services free of charge and where they live.

“Programs that help achieve full range of motion, reduce stress and anxiety related to cancer, address insomnia and fatigue, nausea and hot flashes, and improve mobility while on medications that create joint pain and weakening bones. Assemblymembers Bronson and Romeo have been longtime supporters of their constituents. We are deeply grateful to them for reaching beyond boundaries in helping us help others,” Anderson continued.