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Members join the fight against cancer

By DIANE S. WILLIAMS

Hundreds of DC 37 members and staff put their best foot forward Oct. 15 at the annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Manhattan’s Central Park and other venues.

“As a cancer survivor I know how critical this issue is and I feel so very strongly because this dreaded disease affects our members and their families,” said former Local 1482 Brooklyn Library Guild President Eileen Muller.

The Making Strides Walk is one of many events held in October to raise awareness and funds for research, information and support services that help people reduce their breast cancer risk with mammograms, early testing, and treatment.

DC 37’s large contingent of striders included President Carmen Charles and New York City Hospitals Employees Local 420 members and President Shaun Francois I and members of Board of Education Employees Local 372, who joined other union members and staff at cancer walk events citywide that brings people of diverse backgrounds together to support those whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

“Our members look forward to participating in the walk every year, and we will continue to do so until they find a cure,” said Clerical Administrative Local 1549 Executive Vice President Alma Roper, who walked in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens. DC 37 members also participated in the 3-to-5 mile cancer walks in Brooklyn, Staten Island and the Bronx.

“We walk to support our mothers, our sisters, aunties, men, and ourselves,” Muller said. “It is really a great day and a very special cause that our union supports yearly.”