Bowlers in Grand Island aim to strike out breast cancer during fundraising event

GRAND ISLAND N.Y. (WIVB) — Dozens of people on Grand Island are hoping to put a strike toward breast cancer.

"My mother-in-law was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000. She is a survivor. She caught it very early," Tina Hutchins said.

Hutchins and her family rallied around her mother-in-law during her treatments. She says that made all the difference.

"It was kind of scary. It was our first time ever having anyone in the family diagnosed with cancer," she said. "At the time I was young, just had my daughter. Just being around and able to support my mother-in-law was awesome and I think really helped her out."

On Sunday, Hutchins was one dozens of people at Mallwitz's Lanes on Grand Island Bowing for a Cure.

"I love it. It's great to see all the support. Our local bowling community in this Buffalo region is great. Support many causes and this is a big cause they love to support," Hutchins said.

"It makes me proud. It's wonderful to see everybody come out to support this and I get to do it as well so it makes me happy," said Tom Pilson, who was bowling in support of his wife who had breast cancer and beat it.

This is the 15th year for the fundraiser that raises thousands of dollars for cancer research at Roswell Park.

"We're here for a purpose. We're here to support breast cancer research and try and make a difference, small difference and anything helps," said Joe Bellanti, who is the event organizer.