October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this weekend on In Focus we open a conversation on the importance of early detection, support for those receiving treatment and raising funds to find a cure.

JoDee Kenney was joined by Christina Thompson, executive director of the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, to talk about the organization’s support for survivors and for women who are newly diagnosed. Thompson, who is a breast cancer survivor herself, said the coalition can provide critical guidance to women beginning their treatment journey. Many survivors, Thompson said, go on to volunteer in a mentorship capacity for other women.

The Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester also hosts several fundraising events throughout the year, that have resulted in $1.1 million in awards to researchers since 2003.

You can watch the full interview with Christina Thompson in the video player above. And be sure to tune in for a look inside the biggest issues impacting upstate New York on In Focus with JoDee Kenney every Sunday on Spectrum News 1.