Why I Walk: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer
Here are a few of the stories from NYSUT members at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks Oct. 4 in Buffalo, Binghamton, Rochester, Waterloo and Washington County. Go to http://www.nysut.org/ to see more photos Walks are Oct. 18 in Albany, Albion, the Hudson Valley, Jamestown, Jones Beach, Utica, Manhattanville College in Westchester and in New York City in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Central Park in Manhattan, Queens and Staten Island; Oct. 24 in Watertown; and Oct. 25 in Warren County.
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Top: Carolynn Grausgruber and her daughter, Kassie, 9, walk in Binghamton to support Jill Andrews.Middle: Jill Andrews with her daughter, Jordyn, 13. Grausgruber and Andrews are both members of the Vestal TA.Bottom: Pat Canfield, left, and Pat Wolf, retirees of Cheektowaga Central TA, take part in Buffalo's Strides walk. Photos by Betsy Sandberg. |
Pat Wolf
Cheektowaga TA
I walk because my best friend, Pat Canfield, was diagnosed with breast cancer 15 years ago. Back then there was little awareness and no walks. As soon as they started them, we walked together. Pat's cancer came back several years ago, but she beat it again. As long as I'm up and around I will do the walks because it's a unique atmosphere of caring, sorrow and celebration.
Mary Pierce
Sidney TA
Specifically, I'm walking in memory of my mother. I'm walking with my union. We have a big team and it's such a great thing to do.
Nathena Kain
Bainbridge-Guilford TA
I walk for several survivors in the district.
Kristy McElhinny
Afton TA
Cancer is a horrible sad thing, but these walks turn it into a victory. I love seeing everybody here. I love everybody coming together. That's why I walk.
Jill Andrews
Vestal TA
I have no family history of breast cancer in my family. I've done the walks with the Vestal TA several years, never realizing that someday people would be walking for me. I was diagnosed one year ago with ductal carcinoma in situ, (considered the earliest form of breast cancer.) I've had three surgeries, radiation and am now done with all treatment. I had so much amazing support from everyone. I'm glad I can be out here today.