About

Who Are We?

Westmoreland Walks was launched in 2002 by a small group of women who were touched by breast cancer. Some battled the disease, others stood by a friend during the fight, and all wanted to make a difference. The group’s mission then, and now, is to:

  • Raise awareness of breast cancer throughout Westmoreland County.
  • Fund Pennsylvania breast cancer research grants to help find a cure.
  • Provide direct support to local breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families.

Westmoreland Walks is staffed by a volunteer board of directors, with no administrative costs for salaries or dedicated office space. Our current board members are:

  • Kathy Brown - President 
  • Cricket Rizzo - Vice President 
  • Cindy Shaffer - Treasurer
  • Trish Fite - Recording Secretary 
  • Debbie Weinstein - Corresponding Secretary
  • Barbara Barett
  • Rebecca Harhai
  • Pat Jones
  • Suzie Luikart
  • Paula Maloney
  • Kim Yagla

We rely on an incredible collection of committed sponsors, in kind donors, volunteers, and community members to take important steps against breast cancer in Westmoreland County and in Pennsylvania.

 

What Do We Do?

Westmoreland Walks sponsors fundraising events throughout the year to support our mission. In 2022, these include:

Passionately Pink Fashion Show
Saturday, April 22
Westmoreland County Community College Event Center

Spa Serenity Day
Saturday, May 20
YWCA, Greensburg

“Give Breast Cancer the Boot” Fundraiser (New for 2022)
Summer 2023 (TBA)

Pink Ribbon Walk
Saturday, October 7
Twin Lakes Park, Greensburg

Sereni-Tea Fundraiser
Saturday, November 18 and Sunday, November 19
Victorian Lady of Academy Hill, Greensburg

After we cover event costs, all funds are distributed to our targeted initiatives.

 

Where Does Our Money Go?

We’re proud to say that we’ve raised more than $900,000 since the inception of Westmoreland Walks in 2002! In keeping with our focus on the needs of Pennsylvania breast cancer patients, survivors, and their families, all Westmoreland Walks proceeds are allocated to:

 

Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition

The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition (PBCC) is a statewide non-profit organization that creates the hope of a brighter tomorrow by taking action against breast cancer today. It represents, supports, and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in our state through legislative advocacy, educational programming, and unique outreach initiatives. Since our inception we’ve donated $738,000 to PBCC Initiatives. Most recently, Westmoreland Walks has funded several local PBCC research grants aimed at diagnosing and curing metastatic breast cancer.

PBCC’s slogan aligns perfectly with Westmoreland Walks’ overall purpose:

“Finding a cure now…so our daughters and granddaughters won’t have to.”

Westmoreland Walks is a grassroots partner to PBCC, one of its earliest supporters. Since our inception we’ve donated $738,000 to PBCC initiatives. Most recently, Westmoreland Walks has funded several local PBCC research grants aimed at diagnosing and curing metastatic breast cancer.

 

Spa Serenity Day

While most of Westmoreland Walks’ proceeds are donated to the PBCC, we also fund a number of initiatives closer to home. Our Spa Serenity Day offers pampering and care to Westmoreland County women who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. They enjoy complementary spa treatments, educational lectures, relaxation sessions, inspiration, and fun. To date, we’ve hosted more than 300 local breast cancer survivors at yearly Spa Serenity Day events.

 

Pink Ribbon Scholarship

Our annual Pink Ribbon Scholarship provides financial support to graduating high school seniors in Westmoreland County whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer. The scholarship program was established through the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, and has awarded over $58,000 since 2010.

Winners represent nine different high schools of seventeen school districts in Westmoreland County. Katie Baker, Norwin High School, and Sarah Bury, Belle Vernon Area, were our 2021 scholarship winners.

 

Pink Angel Fund

In 2013 Westmoreland Walks started “The Pink Angel Fund” to support families experiencing difficulties during breast cancer treatment. We’ve helped offset insurance copayments and purchases of items such as lymphedema sleeves in cases of financial hardship. We’ve also paid for groceries, meals, and housekeeping when patients are too sick to care for their families.