Staten Island Pickleball Tourney Raises Breast Cancer Funds

When Tammy Leyden and Dr. Caryn Siegel Finley both faced breast cancer within a year of each other, they made a promise to turn their pain into purpose.

Now the lifelong friends are hosting their third annual "Dink for Pink" pickleball tournament on October 11 at Fairview Park in Staten Island. All proceeds benefit Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Staten Island.

Leyden, a Great Kills resident and occupational therapist, was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer in 2018 at age 45. Her diagnosis came just a year after her best friend since childhood, Siegel Finley, fought her own battle with the disease in 2017.

Both women caught their cancer early enough to avoid chemotherapy and radiation. That experience taught them the life-saving power of early detection and community support.

"The last two years I did this event, it was a huge success," said Leyden. "This year we are donating to Making Strides Staten Island and we hope everyone will join and have fun for a good cause."

The tournament welcomes players of all skill levels from 8 a.m. until play concludes. Entry costs $50 per person for one event, with additional events at $10 each, and includes a tournament shirt, breakfast, and lunch.

Divisions include men's, women's, mixed, and over-50 play. The event also features raffles and plenty of chances for the community to get involved, even if they're not competing.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the tournament, Leyden and Siegel Finley launched an online initiative offering encouragement and information to women facing breast cancer. Their goal is simple: make sure no one fights this battle alone.

The two friends understand that early detection saved their lives. Now they're channeling that gratitude into action, urging women to stay attentive to their health and get screened regularly.

Registration closes October 4, and the community response has been overwhelming. People are showing up not just to play pickleball, but to stand with survivors and support life-saving research.

Sometimes the best way to heal is to help others do the same.