February 2012 Issue
January 29, 2012

Members raise more than $1 million to fight cancer

Author: Liza Frenette
Source: NYSUT United

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer continues to make strides, with a hefty boost from more than 10,000 NYSUT members who last fall participated in 22 walks around the state. NYSUT members raised $1,039,559 — marking the fifth consecutive year union contributions have broken the $1 million mark.

"This year's total is an amazing number, especially considering the economy," said Maria Neira, NYSUT vice president who oversees the union's efforts supporting the American Cancer Society. NYSUT has logged 11 years as a flagship sponsor of the walks, which took place in September and October in communities from Corning to Queensbury and from Long Island to Buffalo.

The dollars raised through the Making Strides events help the ACS continue to save lives by helping people stay well and get well by funding research to help find cures, and by fighting back against breast cancer.

Neira thanked members for their ongoing commitment to support colleagues, family members and friends who have breast cancer, to give hope to their own struggles with cancer, to support women's health care, to raise awareness and to serve their communities.