More than 10,000 NYSUT members participated in the American Cancer Society's premier fundraising event, known as Making Strides walks. 

NYSUT, a flagship sponsor for the annual event, hopes to top last year's record-setting participation level, in which the statewide union became the first organization to surpass $1 million in fund-raising in a single year.

NYSUT vice presidents Maria Neira and Kathleen Donahue were among an estimated 17,000 walkers in Albany who filled Washington Park. When Neira took the stage before the walk she was cheered on by a contingent of 150 students, faculty and staff, led by Barbara Oberdieck of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Teachers Association in Saratoga County.

"We have kids from the swim team, field hockey, participation in government classes, clubs like Students Against Destructive Decisions and Interact, which is like a Key Club. Increasing awareness about cancer just brings everybody out," said Oberdieck, a social worker.

Neira praised the efforts of so many who participated and noted she was sure NYSUT would again raise more than $1 million for cancer research and programs.

"Every step we take and every dollar we raise goes toward lessening the impact on our members, their students and families, and the cutting-edge research these walks support will help find cures for breast cancer and other deadly cancers," Neira said.

Watch New York Teacher or log on to www.nysut.org for more information on these efforts.