By Maggie Gioia | Marketing Coordinator
Last Thursday, National Convenience Distributors’ Maddie Del Plato and Marty Glick attended the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island kickoff breakfast. The breakfast is held to mark the start of the fundraising period for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Long Island — an annual walk that will take place on Oct. 16 this year. NCD’s proprietary brand, Island Coffee, has been a sponsor of the event for seven years.
While the breakfast featured doctors and sponsors, the most inspiring attendees were those that have beat breast cancer.
“There were several speeches given by survivors and each one moved me to tears,” said Glick, NCD’s executive vice president of divisional sales. “It’s absolutely incredible how they remained so positive through such a difficult and devastating time. Watching them make light of the situation and then share their story of resilience and hope with the world is beyond touching.”
Del Plato, a customer service representative at NCD, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015.
“I had very close family members that were diagnosed with breast cancer prior to my diagnosis. Because of them, I made sure to get frequent screenings. If it wasn’t for that, I wouldn’t have been able to get the treatment I needed. It could’ve been too late. The best thing you can do is get checked,” said Del Plato.
One of the ACS’ main campaigns reinforces the importance of breast cancer screenings through various types of mammograms, as well as ultrasounds, MRIs, clinical and self-exams and genetic testing. Donations to the ACS make these types of testing, in addition to treatments and support resources, accessible to all that are affected.
“The American Cancer Society helped me to get the care I needed. They rebuilt me. And now I can say I’m cancer free,” Del Plato said.
Del Plato’s experiences have only furthered her commitment to spreading the message about getting checked and to giving back through events like the ACS’ Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.
“Maddie has the best smile in the world. She’s always smiling,” said Glick. “She can brighten up a room. No matter what she’s been through, she brings a sense of optimism to all that she does.”
Each year, ACS events bring not only NCD together, but also the vast community of survivors and caregivers that have so much to teach the world about the gift of life and the value of perseverance.
Pictured from Left to Right: Maddie Del Plato, Suffolk County Community College Mascot, Marty Glick.
