When the last runner crossed the finish line at the fifth annual Ovarian Cancer Walk/Run in Albany's Washington Park on Sept. 17, Florence McElligott did not say goodbye to the many colleagues who wished her well.

"I'll see you in about a month," she said. "Next is breast cancer."

Known as "Flit," the retired elementary school librarian from the Niskayuna Teachers Association in Schenectady County will celebrate nine years surviving ovarian cancer with the next new year. Since her diagnosis, she has been relentless in her focus on increasing awareness of that disease, which has few symptoms.

When she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, she attacked that cancer the same way, with education and relentless research. "I guess it's the librarian in me, I always have to look things up," she said, also crediting a positive outlook and empathy from family, friends and from Caring Together, a support group founded to help those suffering from ovarian cancer.

Turning a phrase made popular by a British band, she says, "I get by with a lot of help from my friends."

On Oct. 15, she will join thousands of women in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks at 11 sites across the state including Washington Park in Albany, New York City and Long Island.

NYSUT is a statewide flagship sponsor of the fund-raising and awareness event.

"Awareness of cancer issues is at an all-time high in New York, and one reason is the volunteerism and compassion of our walkers every October," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira, who leads the statewide union's efforts for the Making Strides walk. She noted with pride that NYSUT walkers perennially come out in force to support the walk, last year raising nearly $700,000.

"About 65 percent of our membership is women, and breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, so this is a vital issue for us," Neira said.