Public Employee Press

Breast Cancer:
Why we walked

By JANE LaTOUR

Thousands of New Yorkers were inspired to put on their sneakers and head to Central Park Oct. 21 to join in the American Cancer Society’s annual “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walkathon. DC 37 members and officers were there in force, bundled up against the chill in the crisp morning air.

The walkathon raises money and awareness about the disease women fear most, which will kill more than 40,000 in the United States this year, including some men.

Local 1070 member Joan Reid came to honor an aunt who successfully fought the disease and to support those who are struggling with it. “Cancer is not just about your family — it’s about everybody,” she said. Reid recruited her co-worker at the Bronx Surrogate’s Court, Donald Samaroo, to walk for the first time.

Local 372 member Janice A. Sutherland, a School Lunch Aide at P.S. 33 in Queens, walked in honor of a friend, Darlene Nelson, who succumbed to the disease in August. “She was a beautiful coach for my son in track and field,” said Sutherland.

Dionne D’Arrigo, a Local 372 member at Sheepshead Bay High School in Brooklyn, celebrated a healthy mammogram and her birthday by putting together a support team at work and walking Oct. 21. “The women in my kitchen — Doris Thompson, Lynnette Williams and others gave donations and good advice. They are very much in my heart,” she said.

Anita Holder, who chairs the Local 420 Women’s Committee, walked in honor of union members who have won and lost their battles with breast cancer. Local 420 President Carmen Charles said she walked “to increase awareness and support our survivors. I hope to see the day we eradicate cancer.”

“We need to stamp out this disease and improve the lives of women suffering from it,” said Local768 President Darryl Ramsey, who walked with members.

Local 154 member Edna Marks John came out to support her younger sister who is struggling with the disease. Her mother and grandmother died of ovarian cancer, and her own persistence in getting a pelvic sonogram saved her life, she said. “Be assertive in getting the tests you need,” she counseled.

Sallie Robertson, a 34-year veteran School Crossing Guard and Local 372 member, was unable to walk this year, but she still raised over $900. “I’m twice a survivor — of breast cancer and ovarian cancer,” she explained. “When I was going through all that, the Cancer Society was very good to me.”

The DC37 Women’s Committee and the Health Committee were responsible for organizing the union’s participation in the walkathon. Michelle Keller, Health Committee chair and Local 375 2nd vice president, brought her daughter Chloe, 12. “I want to see the disease cured in this generation, so women don’t have to go through this horrible experience,” said Chloe.