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    Tie One On….At the Shore is an event inspired by the friends of Christine Marie Massaro. My sister Christine, or “Sissy” as most knew her, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.  Luckily after surgery, radiation and chemotherapy she went into remission.  Unfortunately, in the spring of 2009 her cancer returned and spread throughout her body.  She fought this courageously until March 11, 2011 when she sadly lost her battle with this dreaded disease.
    Inspired by Christine’s diagnosis of breast cancer, her friends in Madison, NJ wanted to make a difference in the fight against this disease. Six years ago they started the Tie One On campaign, a unique (and pink!) way to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. This year, we will be expanding this campaign to the Jersey Shore!!  The concept is simple, and the message is clear: cure, cure, cure!
    According to the American Cancer Society, about 200,000 women in our country are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. That's a big number. But a more impactful number? One. You only need to know one person—a friend, mother, sister, daughter, grandmother—who has been diagnosed with breast cancer for this disease to forever change your life. We, as Christine’s family and friends know this well. Back in 2006, we learned that Christine was diagnosed with breast cancer. We were all stunned. Of course, we were aware of the statistics. We knew that one in eight women is diagnosed with breast cancer every year. But we never imagined that the "one" in the "1 in 8" would be Sis.
    With this news, everyone went into action. They made dinners, wrote cheery notes, created happy moments, were "chemo-buddies" and provided a shoulder to cry on. Breast cancer was no longer a random statistic and never would be again. It was an ever present reminder of the precious nature of friendship and life. Everyone wanted to do more. They knew that they personally couldn't cure Christine but they could certainly help raise awareness and money to help others find a cure. So, they came up with a plan, a very visible pink inspired plan, they christened Tie One On.  "When Christine was first diagnosed more than six years ago, I thought, 'what can we do with our friends and their families to show our support,'" stated Gretchen Coviello. "And since I've always adorned my car with seasonal ribbons I thought, why not tie a pink ribbon on our cars … hence Tie One On."
    The concept is straight forward. During the month of October, donors would buy specially selected and pre-cut pink ribbons from Gretchen. They then tie these ribbons in a big bow on their car's rear window windshield wiper. The ribbons, fluttering boldly on the back window, serve as a vivid reminder of the need for a cure.  The response to the Tie One On campaign has been overwhelming.  "Each year I send out an e-mail with my thoughts about this year's campaign and I'm always a little afraid that no one will respond," she said. "But one of the most exciting moments happens when, within minutes of sending the e-mail, friends respond instantaneously and my heart soars."
    The first year, the Tie One On campaign raised $700 for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The next year, the proceeds doubled. But the big surprise came last year when over $10,000 was raised.   "People are extremely generous in their donations and this is a beautiful discovery," Coviello said. Driving through Morris County, you can see cars "wearing" their pink ribbons from previous years and can't wait to see them replaced with this year's ribbons.  "It truly warms my heart," she said, "to drive into a parking lot whether it's in Madison or on Route 10 or in another town and see our pink ribbon, knowing it's for our friend."
    Sadly, in March of 2011, Christine lost her battle with cancer.  She was always touched by the support. She wrote the following in Gretchen's annual "Tie One On" e-mail letter in 2009: "This disease isn't funny (as much as I/we try to make it that way). It is about hospital stays and needles and pain medication and chemo and radiation. It's a disease that ravages the body, it's exhausting and it takes away so many good things.  BUT…Tie One On is a reminder that there are still good things, even with the disease looming. Friendship and family and love and smiles … these are things my disease will NEVER take from me. I hope it reminds everyone what friendship is capable of."
    This year, we are expanding the Tie One On campaign to the Jersey Shore.  We will be kicking off the month with a festival to be held to celebrate Christine’s life.  Yes one can make a difference. One friend, one pink ribbon and, one day, a cure.

Tie One On Cause:  Tie One On is a fundraising initiative to raise awareness about breast cancer and funds for patient programs.  Tie One On strives to promote overall health and wellness for women and children. We invite everyone to Celebrate and Remember—celebrate life, celebrate survivors, and remember those who have died.  Please contribute to the Wall of Hope, a life-size collage to Celebrate and Remember loved ones affected with cancer. If you have someone you would like to honor, please submit a name, photo and message to the address below or give it to us personally.

Tie One On Fundraising: Tie One On is the main fundraising event of the Christine Massaro Foundation.  90% of all funds raised stay local and benefit breast cancer organizations in the state where the event is held.  The remaining 10% is donated to the Foundation to fund scholarships, community education projects and wellness programs. Proceeds from Tie One On…at the shore, benefit Mary’s Place by the Sea.  The Christine Hansson Massaro Breast Cancer Foundation 501c(3) documentation is available upon request.