GARNERVILLE, NY — A decade ago, a small group of women came together with a mission: to support a cause that had profoundly impacted their lives and the lives of many others. These women, Carla Curran, Cristina Maggi, Samantha Alfonso, and Michelle Nishanian, founded “We Fight Like a Girl,” a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for the Young Survival Coalition, which aids young women battling breast cancer.
The organization was born from personal experiences with the disease. One of the founders, who began confronting the possibility of breast cancer at just 23 years old, had faced a series of medical challenges, including lumps, mammograms, breast MRIs, and ultrasounds. With a family history marked by her mother’s successful battles against breast cancer and her own discovery of carrying the BRCA gene, she made the life-changing decision to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with reconstructive surgery at the age of 27.
This deeply personal journey inspired the creation of “We Fight Like a Girl,” a movement aimed at giving back and supporting other young women facing similar struggles. Each year in October, the group hosts an event that has become a staple in the community, raising funds through raffles, which feature prizes ranging from local restaurant gift cards to coveted hockey tickets.
For the past few years, the event has taken place at Hudson’s Mill in Garnerville. However, this year, to commemorate the organization’s 10th anniversary, the team has decided to elevate the experience. The fundraiser will be held on Friday, October 18th, at the Garner Arts Center, a venue known for its vibrant atmosphere and community engagement.
This year’s event promises to be the best yet, featuring vendors selling unique goods, an array of raffle prizes, a live band, food, drinks, and much more. The organizers have set an ambitious goal of raising $15,000, a target they are hopeful to achieve with the community’s support.
“We hope to make this year the best we have ever had and would love to reach our goal,” the organizers shared enthusiastically. Community members are encouraged to participate in this meaningful event and help make a difference in the lives of young women battling breast cancer.
For those unable to attend, donations can be made directly through their website at bit.ly/wefightlikeagirl10, or by reaching out via Instagram at @wefightlikeagirl.