Every October, NYSUT members across the state take to the streets for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks.
This marks NYSUT’s 25th year as a sponsor for the event, and during that time, NYSUT members have raised $20 million by doing what we do best: working collectively.
“Every year, our members participate in walks across the state and donate generously to this cause — all to ensure that individuals diagnosed with this disease receive the best possible care,” said J. Philippe Abraham, NYSUT secretary-treasurer. Abraham’s office coordinates the statewide union’s social justice initiatives. “We know every dollar raised helps defeat this deadly disease and we are proud to lead the way toward a cure.”
The Plainedge Federation of Teachers has been one of NYSUT’s top fundraisers every year, and they attribute their success to a strong partnership with their retiree chapter.
“Whatever we do in the building, we invite them to be part of it, and they have their own efforts as well,” said Lynn Mudryk, member of the PFT and Making Strides coordinator.
The partnership is a win-win because it gives retirees meaningful ways to stay connected to the district and helps busy educators reach their fundraising goals. And that’s essential, because the disease affects so many — both in and out of the schools.
“We collect every year for our dear friend Sheila Goldberg,” said Laura Pokorny, president and treasurer of the Plainedge retirees' chapter. Goldberg, former president of Retiree Council 17 and Nassau NYSUT Making Strides Coordinator, died of cancer in 2020 but continued raising awareness about breast cancer right up until the end of her life. “Most of us still remember Sheila,” said Pokorny.
Mudryk has also battled breast cancer. She was first diagnosed in 2007 and underwent a lumpectomy and radiation, but her doctors continued to discover precancerous cells in the years that followed. In 2023, Mudryk opted for a double mastectomy with reconstruction, hoping to finally put an end to it.
Mudryk has been participating in the Making Strides event ever since her diagnosis. “Some people may think, ‘Oh, it's about cancer. It's gonna be a Debbie Downer type of day,’ but it's really not. It's a very positive experience.”
Tarrytown teacher Christin Creary has lost three of her family members to cancer. “That’s why raising money for research is so important to me,” said Creary, vice president of the Teachers Association of the Tarrytowns and Making Strides team captain.
Each year, Creary relies on her members, but she also works across bargaining units in her district. “It’s really becoming something that’s outside of just our team,” said Creary.
Creary canvasses the CSEA, as well as members of the Association of Administrators and Supervisors, and she said this helps her team exceed their fundraising goal year after year.
“It’s that interpersonal connection with people, whether they’re teachers, principals, or special ed directors. They’re people regardless of titles, and they know this is a good cause,” said Creary.
All Tarrytown staff are invited to walk with the team at the Westchester walk, and that spirit of community is emblematic of the whole day, she said.
“There’s a real sense of camaraderie,” Creary said. “You leave there feeling like there are good people in the world.”