300 DC 37 members battle breast cancer
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Breast cancer affects all of us," says Regina
Glover. Standing outside the DC 37 tent at the "Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer" walkathon, the Local 1549 member cited
the theme that brings breast cancer supporters and survivors out
each year.
Early Sunday morning, Oct. 22, 300 DC 37 members were among the
20,000 people who joined in the 5-mile Central Park walkathon sponsored
by the American
Cancer Society in its campaign for breast cancer awareness
and prevention.
School Crossing Guard Sallie Robertson has survived both breast
and ovarian cancer. This year she raised $1,075 in pledges. Every
year, the Local 372 member tries to outdo her prior fundraising
record. "It means a lot," she says. "When I was going
through it, the Cancer Society helped me out. They made sure I had
the carfare to go to my chemotherapy every day. I'm here to support
others and to let them know that we can make strides—we can
do it together."
DC 37 Executive Director Lillian Roberts walked in memory of her
friend, Ann Woodson, who died last year. "I'm here to honor
her today," said Ms. Roberts. "It's important for all
of us to have sensitivity to those who fall victim to this ugly
disease."
Local 1549 member Faith Champy's mother died of breast cancer when
she was 15 years old. "God blessed me to walk for her,"
said the young woman. Local 371 member Aurea Mangual said: "I've
had friends who've died of breast cancer, but today I'm walking
for Jackie Catala, who is a breast cancer survivor."
Gloria Acevedo, president of the United Federation of Nurses Local
436, stressed the critical importance of prevention: "As a
nurse, I am very aware of how important this is for women—especially
minority women. Black and Hispanic women wait to get care, but the
sooner you get to it, the better the rate of survival."
Stephanie Tolbert, Clerical Vice President of New York Public Library
Guild Local 1930, is keenly aware of this fact. October 2002 marked
her ninth anniversary as a survivor. "Early detection is the
key. That's my mantra."
The event raised over $1.9 million. Michelle Keller, Chair of the
DC 37 Health and Nutrition Committee, hailed the contributions of
the DC 37 participants: "You offered your money and your support,
saluting our survivors and taking time out to remember those for
whom the cure remains their symbol of hope. "
—Jane LaTour