More than 600 Capital Region residents celebrated hope in the fight against breast cancer Thursday. At a breakfast to kick off the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks for this fall, NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira announced that the statewide union, in addition to its fundraising efforts, would this year be adding an educational component.

Educating members and students "on the importance of having annual mammograms will be highlighted during open school weeks this year," Neira told participants at the American Cancer Society event. NYSUT is in its sixth year of being a flagship sponsor for the walks.

Last year, more than 9,000 NYSUT walkers raised $873,000. In addition to a goal of 10,000 walkers, "This year we are committed to raising $1 million across the state," Neira said to rousing applause. "Our members are ready to walk the walk of a lifetime."

The non-competitive 5K Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks will take place at numerous sites across the state Sept. 30, Oct. 14 and 21. You can register as a walker and raise money online by logging on to www.nysut.org/makingstrides . Information on forming teams of walkers is also available from NYSUT regional offices.