With a little help from a lot of friends, Tamaqua's Norene (Engleman) Valentini is making great strides as she raises funds for breast cancer research.

Norene and her team of family, friends and co-workers will celebrate National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by doing what they do best having fun while helping others.Known as "Team Bosom Buddies," the group originated after the 1971 graduate of Tamaqua High School was diagnosed with breast cancer in May of 2009.Thanks to the treatment options available, she has now been cancer free for three years and has turned the team's attention to helping others.Last year, the team collected $2,000 in the month of October through activities based at Norene's place of employment, T.J. Maxx in Bethlehem.The events culminated with the 2011 Strides For Life Walk in Bethlehem on Oct. 29, the day a freak snow storm hit the Northeast.The snow and cold didn't deter the team members from walking the 3.5 mile course, including the youngest member, who was only 2 at the time.This year, the team has broadened its horizons, planning three events.First up is a two-day event at Cabela's in Hamburg this weekend, where team members will offer hot dogs and drinks, Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.A Longaberger Breast Cancer Bingo will be held Oct. 7 at the West Penn Fire Company. Doors will open at noon, with games set to begin at 1 p.m.A Facebook page has been created for the event, at Facebook/Bosom Buddies Longaberger Bingo.The team will close out the month in Bethlehem, at the Strides For Walk Like Walk on Oct. 27. The 3-plus mile course winds its way through the heart of Historic Downtown Bethlehem.For more information about the events, call Norene at (570) 668-3841, Bernie Engleman at (570) 668-4539 or Marie Schock at (570) 778-2452.