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Published on August 8, 2005, in
the Ocean County Observer
By KAREN HAMMERDORFER
DELANCEY
Correspondent
LAVALLETTE — Big things can happen in small towns. Case
in point: the Lavallette Breast Cancer Walk, a grass-roots fundraiser,
has grown in more ways than one.
"We really need to find a cure for breast cancer. It's walks
like this that bring the problem to the fore," said walker
Clarice Butterworth, Toms River.
The event was organized by the Music Man (The Singing Ice Cream
Shoppe) on Route 35 North in Lavallette. The store is owned by
Robert Agliata and his wife Josephine Sessa-Agliata.
Robert Agliata's mother, Toni of Manahawkin, is a breast cancer
survivor. In honor of his mother, Robert Agliata created the Tone
Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps raises funds for
the American Cancer Society.
Last year's event generated 353 participants who raised $12,000
for the cause. This year there were some 575 walkers who raised
approximately $18,000. Event organizers stressed that money is
still pouring in.
"I'm ecstatic; this is overwhelming," said Robert Agliata,
better known as Aggie. "It's easy to get together for a common
cause. Anyone can do it. We're just summer business owners who
had a thought and put it into action."
It was the many volunteers, said Agliata, who helped make the
walk a success. Some people deliberately scheduled their vacations
in Lavallette so they could take part in the walk, he said.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer causes
more deaths among women than any other cancer except lung cancer.
However, many participants found solace in the fact that one small
town can town can help combat a major disease.
Some children used good old-fashioned ingenuity to raise money
for the cause.
Agliata's niece, Leah, opened a lemonade stand and donated the
$100 in earnings to the walk. Three children (Kristen Lopes, Viola
Doles and Isabel Manfredonia) donated $200 after they sold handmade
beaded necklaces and bracelets to people on the beach. And local
businesses donated money and/or services.
Proceeds from yesterday's event will go toward the American Cancer
Society/Making Strides for Cancer program, which earmarks money
specifically for breast cancer research and related programs.
As a 10-year breast cancer survivor, Toni Agliata said she represents
hope to those newly diagnosed with the disease.
"I want to sit and cry because I'm so happy to see all these
people here," she said. "I want people to walk away
with an awareness about breast cancer and to look at the world
as a beautiful place."
The event was a family affair. Agliata's father, Jim, and his
brothers Tom and Vincent aided in the event.
Participants did not have to solicit pledges. Rather, they paid
a $20 registration fee, which included a pink T-shirt and informational
brochures about cancer awareness. After the walk, participants
received a free scoop of ice cream.
Rocco and Beatrice Minardi, who live in Brooklyn and have a summer
home in Lavallette, were among the walkers.
Beatrice Minardi had a small lump removed from her breast five
years ago. It was benign.
"People need to get exams, follow-up with mammograms and
a doctor's visit," said Minardi. "Don't think it's not
nothing and be happy if it turns out to be nothing. And get more
than one doctor's opinion."
Published on August 8, 2005, in the Ocean County Observer
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