The Capital District Transportation Authority turned one seat pink on each of its BusPlus buses as a way to bring attention to the breast cancer during the month of October.
“We are proud to once again partner with the American Cancer Society on this important issue,” said David M. Stackrow, CDTA board chairman. “We all know someone who has been affected by this disease, some of us more personally than others. For that reason, we wanted to join forces with the American Cancer Society and use our reach to create awareness and educate the public in a unique way.”
In addition to the pink seats, a pink hangtag will include a breast cancer fact and information about the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk on Sunday Oct. 16 in Albany’s Washington Park.
“The American Cancer Society’s vision is a world free from the pain and suffering of all cancers,” said Darcy Czajka, senior director of community engagement with the American Cancer Society. “We are grateful for this partnership with CDTA to not only raise awareness about the importance of screening, but to also remind those touched to turn to the American Cancer Society for help and services, such as those offered at our HopeClub in Latham.”
“Hearing those words, you have cancer, is not something you can ever be prepared for,” said Dawn Ruchel, breast cancer patient. “The most important thing you can do is listen to your body. If you think something is wrong, get it checked out. I’m grateful for the support of my family and friends and the awareness that CDTA is creating with this campaign.”
CDTA will also provide transportation for the Making Strides walk. Two buses will transport walkers from the downtown Albany parking lots to Washington Park. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend and participate in the annual event that draws people from all over the Capital Region and beyond.
Stackrow said, “We would also like to send a big thank you to our bus seat vendor Bruce Bussell of Union County Seating in New Jersey who generously donated the breast cancer awareness fabric and his time to make this project a reality.”
The pink seat initiative and hangtags will be on display throughout the month of October. For more information about Breast Cancer Awareness Month or the Making Strides walk please visit: MakingStridesWalk.org/Albany
