NYSUT members and their families raised $1,026,937 for cancer research by supporting the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks last fall, the sixth consecutive year exceeding the $1 million mark.
"The dedication of our members in raising money for the American Cancer Society in their pursuit to find a cure for breast cancer is truly amazing. We can't thank them enough," said NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira.
NYSUT members have raised almost $10 million over the last 11 years for Strides — more than any corporate sponsor in the country.
"Just think about everything that was happening this past fall. Our members were still feeling the impact of a terrible economy, and the state and national elections were a month away. Yet, our members stepped up and found the time to raise an incredible amount of dollars for Strides," said Mark Chaykin, NYSUT's director of field operations, who helps coordinate the union's participation in Strides walks.
Chaykin said more than 10,000 members mobilized for Strides activities during September and October at sites around New York. Men, women and children suited up in sneakers and sweatsuits, many of them swathed in pink, to walk in the fundraisers.
Making Strides invests in breast cancer research to find, prevent, treat and cure the disease. It provides comprehensive support through transportation, lodging, emotional support and cancer education classes.
The organization reports that one in every two women newly diagnosed with breast cancer now turns to Making Strides for support. Another integral part of its mission is to provide access to mammograms for women who need them, so that more lives are saved.
For more information, visit www.makingstrides.org.