Mystic resident - TBBCF's Featured Volunteer for March 2013

Each month, TBBCF publishes a newsletter and features either a walker or volunteer for the month. In March, Mystic Resident Anne Rochette was featured as our volunteer of the month. Below is our interview with Anne Rochette.

Anne lives in Mystic, CT with her husband Frank. She has one son, Ryan and daughter-in-law, Christine, and is a full-time employee at Connecticut College as a Customer Service Supervisor in the Physical Plant Department.

Anne's first involvement with TBBCF was as a walker in 2006, the first TBBCF walk. 

Anne, how did you hear about TBBCF? “That first year there were a lot of news articles in The Day about TBBCF - stories about Norma Logan and Terri Brodeur. Who wouldn't be touched by their stories? And who doesn't like the idea that 100% of gross fundraising dollars goes to breast cancer research? I've always admired people who run in marathons, but I knew I could never run a marathon due to knee problems; but I could still walk! So the challenge of training for and finishing a 26.2 mile walk was compelling to me. 

So, did you walk that first year? “I showed up for a five mile training walk in New London. I met some great people at that walk, The following weekend I went to a 10 mile training walk with the attitude that if I finished the 10 miles I would sign up for the marathon walk. That was a great summer training every week with the most wonderful people - people who have become dear friends.  On the day of the walk, it took me about eight hours to complete my first walk marathon, but it was a great eight hours! Walkers were treated like royalty at every stop along the route. The volunteers at the first walk and every one since take very good care of the walkers. It was an amazing day that I will never forget.

So how did you end up volunteering for TBBCF? Toward the end of our training that first summer, Sandy Maniscalco asked me to be Walker Training Team Captain responsible for organizing the training for the following year's walk. It's been a great experience - meeting and working with the wonderful people who sign on to train and take part in the TBBCF Walk across Southeastern CT.

I was Walker Training Team Co-Captain in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2012. I also was Walk Co-Chair with my dear friend, Ellen Swercewski in 2009 and 2010. I've served on the Board of Directors. I've worked information tables at various events over the years and have supported this wonderful organization by taking part in fundraising events. My husband, Frank, has organized two yards sales for the Foundation at Olde Mistick Village. He's volunteered on Walk day and has offered vehicle support to walkers on distance training walks. He's a great supporter of TBBCF and of me

I've loved volunteering for TBBCF. It's satisfying to know that my efforts result in this organization getting the biggest bang for their buck so to speak. The fact that 100% of what I raise as a walker or volunteer goes directly to breast cancer research is very important. I also think that the work the Scientific Advisory Committee does in choosing grant projects is amazing. If you haven't watched the video on the web site featuring some of the young scientists receiving these funds, then you really must do that. These are the reasons I initially was drawn to this organization. I continue to be a part of TBBCF because of the wonderful people I've met and have had the pleasure of working along side. Many of them have become friends. The best friendships grow out of shared commitment and walkers and volunteers involved with TBBCF certainly have that.

The only problem we have with Walk day volunteers is that they see how great the experience is that they provide walkers and want to experience it themselves; so many have gone on to walk the full, half or quarter marathon. I'd also tell people thinking of volunteering that there are lots of ways you can take part. There are plenty of organizational activities that need volunteers. The work of the Foundation takes place throughout the year and TBBCF needs people who can help with correspondence, computer issues, marketing - you name it. So there's something for everyone. There are all levels of commitment. But whatever you choose to do, from my experience you will feel your commitment is appreciated by the survivors you meet, the walkers who commit to raising funds, by the scientists who are looking for new treatments and a cure, and by TBBCF which, as you know, is made up of more volunteers.”

On a personal note, and on behalf of the Foundation, I’d like to thank Anne for her dedication and fun-loving personality. All those who have attend walker training look forward to her great “peanut butter sandwiches”!!

Please visit our website at www.tbbcf.or and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tbbcf