Christopher Reeve said “Once you choose hope, anything is possible.” The Chautauqua Nursing Rehabilitation Center believes in choosing hope as well as spreading it … like frosting? On Friday, Oct. 18, CNRC hosted its second annual Pink-a-licious Bake Off to support breast cancer awareness. One in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in American women, second only to skin cancers.

Nearly 25 unique entries were submitted for the fierce competition. All hopefuls were judged based on three categories: taste, appearance and originality. Our esteemed panel of judges included some of Dunkirk’s finest and CNRC’s favorites. They included OBSERVER advertising representative Amy Pomeroy; CNRC’s Hospitality Liaison Jude Lester; CNRC’s LPN and Breast Cancer Survivor Andrea Bissonette; from the city of Dunkirk, Edwin Ramos; Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce’s Dave Kleparek; and Executive Director of the United Way Northern Chautauqua County, Adam Dolce. CNRC couldn’t have selected a better panel of judges if they tried. These judges came hungry and ready to taste lots of sweet treats all for an incredible cause.

The residents got to join in the fun as well. Not only did they taste test the many decadent deserts, everyone was encouraged to wear as much pink as possible. Prizes were awarded for the ‘Pinkest’ resident and staff. Based on applause (the room was roaring) the Pinkest Resident went to Kelly Thompson and the Pinkest Staff was Activity Aide Stacy Stalter.

The winners, by only single points, were awarded. In third place, Stacey Fadale; second place Paige Brown; and first place Kathy Stonefoot.

“Programs like this aren’t only good for the cause, they help boost morale and heighten awareness,” said Activity Director Paige Brown. CNRC staff, residents and friends believe that together we are tougher than cancer.