T.E.A.L. lights up Parachute Jump to kick off Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Lighting up a landmark for a noble cause.

For the second straight year, Tell Every Amazing Lady About Ovarian Cancer Louisa M. McGregor Ovarian Cancer Foundation, also known as, T.E.A.L., kicked off the first day of Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month by lighting up a beloved Brooklyn landmark.

On Thursday, September 1, the non-profit organization, friends, family, and supporters gathered at Coney Island’s Parachute Jump, 1000 Surf Avenue, to light it teal, give speeches and show support for the disease.

“It went great,” said T.E.A.L. CEO and Co-Founder Pamela Esposito-Amery. “We were lucky enough to have the honor to light up a beautiful Brooklyn landmark that helps us recognize the importance of awareness of ovarian cancer, which doesn’t have screening tests.”

The landmark’s LED technology also allows the Parachute Jump to spell out T.E.A.L. “Being born and raised in Brooklyn, this is amazing,” she said. “It was an honor to see it turn teal.”

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Esposito-Amery and her sister, the late Louisa M. McGregor, co-founded T.E.A.L. in 2009.

According to Esposito-Amery, events such as the lighting help spread the word. “The mission is to spread awareness of ovarian cancer, raise funds for medical research and support survivors,” she explained. “By lighting a monument, it might get women to a doctor earlier and save lives. We had lots of volunteers, survivors and families affected by diseases.”

Speakers for the evening included Esposito-Amery, Councilmember Mark Treyger and Assemblymember Pamela Harris, herself a cancer survivor. The big turnout also helped the cause. “The survivors there know it meant a lot to them,” she said. “Everyone involved last night understood how important it is, even if it could just save one person.”

The Parachute Jump will be lit teal until Sunday. Afterwards, T.E.A.L. will light up Brooklyn Borough Hall next week as well as Prospect Park. “The whole month, we will be turning Brooklyn teal to raise awareness,” Esposito-Amery said.

T.E.A.L. will also be hosting its eighth annual Walk/5K Run on Saturday, September 10, beginning at the Prospect Park Bandshell, Ninth Street and Prospect Park West.

“You can choose either to walk or run,” said Esposito-Amery. “It’s an event that is family-friendly and thousands people attend. We have a beautiful ceremony for anyone affected by ovarian cancer. We will have special guests and activities so it’s not just walk or run. It’s something for people touched by this disease.”

And the event, she added, continues to experience growth. “We are raising more  money every year,” said Esposito-Amery.

For 5K runners, the cost to participate is $30; $25 for walkers. To purchase tickets and for more information, visit www.tealwalk.org/brooklyn.

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