Breast Cancer Coalition Celebrates 24th Annual Pink &Teal Challenge
Rochester, NY – On Saturday, May 9, at Monroe Community College, the Breast Cancer Coalition will host its 24th Annual Pink & Teal Challenge. For more than two decades, thousands of people have gathered for the walk & run event with family and friends to help raise money that stays local and enables the Coalition to continue providing free programs and services to anyone impacted by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis.
The success of this event is due to the many people who not only walk or run but actively participate in peer-to-peer fundraising. Asking friends, family, neighbors and colleagues to sponsor them as they walk or run helps to raise tens of thousands of dollars each spring. One such “Peer-to-Peer Hero” is Jody Dietz. Since 2009, Jody has participated in this event and has raised more than $20,000.
“I am an 18-year breast cancer thriver who will be participating in my 17th Pink & Teal Challenge on May 9,” said Dietz. “The Breast Cancer Coalition provided valuable educational programs and tremendous support to my family and me during my breast cancer journey. They were instrumental in helping me navigate the decisions I needed to make, manage the pain and side effects of treatment, and maintain a healthy mindset.”
In addition to Dietz’s support of the Pink & Teal Challenge, she has attended Coalition programming and has been involved in the Coalition’s Advocacy Committee, previously traveling to Albany and Washington, D.C., as a survivor advocate. She reflected on the “sense of understanding, connection and belonging” that is a part of the organization’s mission, vision and values.
“Raising money for the Coalition is my way of paying it forward, literally and figuratively. Every dollar raised stays in our community,” said Dietz.
Meredith Utman, Director of Special Events at the Breast Cancer Coalition, said, “Jody’s steadfast support for this event over the years is multi-layered. She represents the essence of the Pink & Teal Challenge – joyful hope. Jody has walked, she has run, she is a consistent top fundraiser, her sons have volunteered at the event – just amazing.”
As the Coalition’s largest fundraising event of the year, the Pink & Teal Challenge welcomed more than 1,600 participants in 2025. Held on Mother’s Day weekend, the event features a women’s only (female-identifying) 5k run, and an all-inclusive walk. Walkers have the option to stroll the 5k route or take a 2-mile shortcut. The Monroe Community College campus provides a safe and ADA compliant course, with their own campus safety staff at the event.
The event also features special guests. WHEC News 10’s Deanna Dewberry will be at the start line to give the official “Go!” for the run at 9:30 AM and the walk at 9:45 AM. 98PXY’s Morning Show DJ, Breezy, will be serving as the judge of the event’s annual costume contest for best individual and best team costume(s).
“It's not about the walking or running, but the reason we gather,” said Utman. “Together we can make a difference. We welcome everyone to join us on May 9 to walk or run and have fun!”