This year, as part of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, NYSUT members raised $426,150 to support groundbreaking breast cancer research and ensure greater access to quality care.
Each year, the United Federation of Teachers turns out in strength for Making Strides walks, and members say it is a sight to behold.
“When you’re there, and you see all your UFT brothers and sisters walking because they have been affected by this terrible disease, you realize you’re not alone,” said Mara Baboff, UFT member and chapter leader at PS 721 in Queens. Baboff’s grandmother died of breast cancer 10 years ago, and the loss was hard on her. “This event always removes that sense of isolation,” she said.
Each year, UFT members raise significant money to fight breast cancer, and 2022 was no different. UFT members collected more than $112,000 to help ensure that breast cancer is no longer a life-threatening diagnosis. Baboff’s team was one of UFT’s top fundraisers this year, with members raising $4,537. “We were the second highest UFT team in all five boroughs,” she said.
This October marked NYSUT’s 20th anniversary of its partnership with the American Cancer Society. The annual walks, held in locations across the state, help raise funds to support groundbreaking breast cancer research, ensure greater access to quality care, influence public policy and provide critical patient support.
“NYSUT is proud to be a flagship sponsor for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” said J. Philippe Abraham, NYSUT secretary-treasurer, whose office oversees the statewide union’s social justice initiatives.
“Since 2002, our members have walked to show solidarity with individuals who have been diagnosed with breast cancer and to ensure they receive the best possible treatment. With our members’ help, NYSUT has been able to raise more than $16 million dollars to support the ACS mission to save more lives.”