BY VALERIE VICTOR
York College sponsored a Breast Cancer team to walk for a cure this month in Central Park. The Women’s Center on campus teamed up with the American Cancer Society by joining the “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” event. The team consisted of both students and faculty that came together and walked in Central Park Sunday. The school’s objective was to raise awareness among students while raising money for breast cancer research.
“It lets our students know that we genuinely care about women’s issues and everyone that this disease may affect,” said graduate level York College assistant, Cassita Charles. “We care about students and bringing everyone together. It lets them know that their college supports them, and that we are here for them.”
Since 2012, the Women’s Center at York college has organized the breast cancer event.
The manager of the Women’s Center, Ebonie Jackson said last week, “This year our team goal is to raise $2,500. So far we haven’t reached the goal yet, and the numbers are low, but there’s still time for people to join and contribute.”
Contributions for this year are still being accepted, and will close at the end of October. Donations will still be accepted after October and will be added towards next year’s goal. “I plan to walk next year. Hopefully next year we raise more money and recruit more people to add to the group,” Charles said.
The college has raised 18 percent — $460 — toward the team goal. The American Cancer Society has raised a total of $1,909,101.75 for breast cancer research, including the college’s contribution.
The York College team is one out of 2,200 total teams from across the country that have joined together with the American Cancer Society. According to Jackson, approximately 45 people have signed up online and on campus to join the York College team Sunday. Altogether 17,796 participants will take part in the walk, including York students and faculty members.
“It’s been great putting it together. A lot of students show interest, and many people can relate to the cause,” said Jackson. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger. There are so many students, and it’s team-oriented. I look forward to a lot of participants and all the great conversations.”
This year the college has received a lot of support from within its ranks, especially from the cheerleaders and honor society, Chi Alpha Epsilon. Because the York student body is composed of about 70 percent women, the Women’s Center is dedicated to increasing awareness and creating support groups for students. Jackson is focused on gaining a lot of participation in order to increase breast cancer awareness across the campus.
The York College team grouped together in the cold and began walking at approximately 9am Sunday morning. “It was amazing like it always is. It was freezing, but once we got going and saw tons of people with banners, and felt the energy it was great. I’m glad I got to be a part of it,” said Charles.
The York team walked among many other teams nationwide. The college completed the four mile loop nearly two and a half hours after starting. “I enjoyed the comeradery and cheering each other on. It was worth it,” said Charles.
In order to join the York College team or donate funds for breast cancer research, visit the Women’s Center at the York College Campus in room 3C01. Participants outside of the college body may sign up or donate online at www.main.acsevents.org and search York College Woman’s Center to contribute.
Below is the Broadcast Video created about the York College walk for a cure in Central Park.
Article and video were first Published in the TimesLedger Newspaper.
