Step by step, NYSUT members raised more than $1 million for the American Cancer Society for the second year.

"More than 13,000 NYSUT members raised $1,148,066 to help find a cure and to help those suffering from cancers," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who oversees the union's efforts for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks.

"The generosity and strength of our members is evident each and every year, but considering the tough financial times this fall it is especially gratifying to know that our members, who are leaders in their workplaces, in their communities and in this effort, work to save lives," she said.

The 2008 effort was 11 percent above last year, which was the first time NYSUT members raised $1 million. Members in Nassau County led the state's regions with $158,171 while members in the Capital District, Hudson Valley, Rochester and Westchester areas of the state each raised more than $100,000. Members at "unofficial" sites and events kept up the pace, with the Jamestown region raising $26,868 and the North County $25,000.

NYSUT's efforts as a flagship sponsor since 2002 are noteworthy, said Jeanne Walsh, executive vice president of the American Cancer Society.

"Quite simply, the American Cancer Society is making strides against breast cancer because of the dedication and commitment of NYSUT's members and leadership," she said. "Each and every member can take pride in the fact that they are helping to create a better future for New York families facing breast cancer."

The teaching and health care professions have been especially touched by cancer, which is why NYSUT became a state flagship sponsor in 2002. The walks are noncompetitive events to raise funds to fight all cancers on four fronts: research, education, advocacy and service programs.

United Federation of Teachers members are a strong show of force at Making Strides walks in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Manhattan and the Bronx, and even at Jones Beach on Long Island.

Teachers, secretarial, nurses and paraprofessionals with the UFT raised more than $180,000 last year. For several years the Making Strides walks were dedicated in honor of former UFT President Sandy Feldman, who lost her battle against breast cancer in September 2005.

Setting the pace in Suffolk County for the second year in a row was the Sachem Central Teachers Association.

Members turn out in force at Jones Beach and this fall SCTA members raised more than $18,000.

"I still get goose bumps when I remember seeing hundreds of our members and our students and our families," recalls Cathy Rienth, an SCTA vice president who oversaw the local union's efforts.

For Susan Arifakis, the walk is a crusade with family and friends. She received her diagnosis of ductal carcinoma three years ago this August, right after getting a job as an aide with the Long Island school district.

"I felt enveloped by everyone and it's what got me through surgery that September, and I did the walk that October even though I had not started the chemotherapy yet," Arifakis said.

"That first walk, I just stood there and it overwhelmed me how many people where there, families and kids and busloads from my school, from other schools and how we were all together," said Arifakis, now a teaching assistant at Sachem East High School.

Her three sons know every fall to set aside the third weekend in October. The effort starts much earlier as they are all part of Sue's Butterflies, the name of her team. The boys help raise money by collecting recycleable cans and bottles.

"I'm doing great and I'm looking forward to participating in many more walks," Arifakis said. "Because while much has been done and those with cancer have more hope than ever, we can still do more to promote early detection and to improve access to mammograms."
Other locals that filled their walking shoes as well as contributor sheets include the Webster TA from the Rochester region, raising $15,706.50; Holland TA from western New York raising $10,280; and the North Syracuse EA, $8,718.30.

— Betsy Sandberg