Fly Creek Cider Mill “Big Squeeze Weekend” To Benefit MIBH Cancer Treatments

By TSM

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard will feature its 19th annual "Big Squeeze” this weekend, September 29 & 30. The event is designed to kick-off October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month by providing information on the early detection of breast cancer and the health benefits of apples. Saturday sales of cider in gallons and halves will be donated to Bassett Medical Center’s patient funds through the Friends of Bassett.

A central mission of Bassett Medical Center is to provide compassionate care to all who need it, regardless of ability to pay. At Bassett's Cancer Center, generous donors have created funds including the Bob Simon & Loretta Anagnost Fund and the Saint Agatha Foundation to help patients during the treatment process.

Both days will feature Bassett’s Cancer Service Program will staff an information table from 10 am – 4 pm providing program information and early detection education. A Cancer Services Program (CSP) recruiter will be at the Mill providing information about free cancer screenings for underinsured and uninsured women over 40 and underinsured and uninsured men over 50. For individuals who qualify for the CSP, there are no income requirements for the exams, which include mammograms, pelvic, breast and pap tests at all Bassett Healthcare clinics. Take-home colorectal screening kits will also be available. On Sunday from 9 am -3 pm, the Mobile Cancer Screening Coach will be at the Mill providing screening and tours.

"This successful Big Squeeze Weekend fundraiser is a way to use agri-business to promote the early detection of Breast Cancer. I lost my mom, dear friends and team members to breast cancer. I'm proud to have our Mill help fund local cancer patients needs as opposed to national projects. Bassett’s commitment to detecting and fighting cancer is proven by providing more than 6,000 mammograms and 3,000 ultrasounds each year," states Brenda Michaels, co-owner of the Mill.

In addition, the Mill will offer more than eight different varieties of New York State-grown apples for sampling. A Cornell University study published in 2007 identified a dozen compounds in apple peels called triterpenoids that either inhibit or kill cancer cells in laboratory cultures.

The Fly Creek Cider Mill & Orchard, located at 288 Goose Street in Fly Creek, NY, is just 3-miles from Cooperstown and 24-miles south of Herkimer. For more Big Squeeze Weekend information visit their website at www.flycreekcidermill.com.

To help the Friends of Bassett, please make a gift at https://donate.bassett.org/donate-now.