Local 338 Steps Up In Fight Against Breast Cancer
October 25, 2012
By Joe Maniscalco
Since its official inception back in 1993, the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk has raised close to half-a-billion dollars to help families across the nation overcome a disease that continues to threaten the lives of 1 in 8 American women.
This week, about 120 members of RWDSU Local 338 turned out at Flushing Meadows Corona Park in Queens to help pave the way for a world without breast cancer.
“Our hopes were to raise awareness among our members and in the community about the importance of breast cancer screenings and early detection, as well as raising funds for a wonderful organization that supports cancer research, and does an amazing job with cancer education, outreach and support for cancer patients and their families,” Local 338 Funds Administrator Charles Hamilton said.
In all, about 15,000 people helped the American Cancer Society raise over $910,000 at this year’s Making Strides event. Caring Local 338 members were able to raise $33,000 of that grand total.
In addition to pioneering new treatments to eradicate breast cancer, the American Cancer Society also helps those stricken with the disease regain their health with a variety of day-to-day services that run the gamut from providing everything from transportation assistance, to holding beauty workshops.
The late Margery Gould Rath started what would become the Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk in 1984 after discovering that she had the disease. Margery Gould Rath succumbed to breast cancer in 2001, but not before she touched the lives of so many others, and inspired 8 million walkers to take steps against breast cancer along with her.
Breast cancer death rates have actually been on the decline over the last 20 years, but 39,520 American women were still expected to lose their lives to the disease in 2011. Experts believe medical advances, increased screenings and greater awareness are helping more victims live longer, healthier lives.
Help for anyone affected by breast cancer is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-227-2345.
