2006-10-16
American Cancer Society and Manhattanville College
Raise Over $1 Million to Fight Breast Cancer
October 15, 2006...For the eighth consecutive year, Manhattanville College hosted “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer,” a walkathon that benefits the American Cancer Society. Since 1993, Making Strides has been the American Cancer Society’s rallying cry to raise awareness and dollars to fight breast cancer. The event raised $1.2 million.
13,000 people turned out for the walk at Manhattanville College which was a
co-sponsor of the event. The student participation level continues to rise each year and Manhattanville’s community relations efforts continue to thrive under the determined leadership of Richard Berman, Manhattanville’s 10th president. “We are truly proud of our partnerships,” said President Berman, “and remain committed to meeting the needs of the greater community.”
“Our students want to make a difference in society and this walk helps them to achieve this,” President Berman said. Over 200 Manhattanville Athletics students volunteered as road marshals and parking lot attendants. Nearly all of the school’s student athletes either volunteered to work or walk in the event, with many other Manhattanville students, alumni and faculty and staff from every department either lending a hand or going on the 5-mile walk.
Uriel Reid, director of the college’s CSTEP and STEP programs said he’s been participating in Making Strides since Manhattanville first hosted it. He always walks with his wife, a two-time breast cancer survivor.
The activities were fun too, but had a deeper meaning behind them, — they included T-shirt decorating (i.e. writing in name of a loved one whom the walker is supporting) and face-painting (i.e. pink ribbons).
Right before the walk began, Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano addressed the massive crowd. Congresswoman Nita Lowey also made a few remarks before wishing the walkers well as the start of the walk neared. Spano and Lowey also walked to the steps of Manhattanville's Music Building to personally thank Manhattanville's student volunteers for offering their commitment, time, and donations to this most worthy cause.
The walkers, led by President Berman and a team of Manhattanville participants, passed Reid Castle and headed out to Anderson Hill Road. It seemed like the line of walkers would never end.
Every three minutes, a woman learns she has breast cancer. The disease will strike more than 200,000 times this year and claim 40,000 lives. The annual walk is an effective tool in the fight against this terrible disease. Making Strides raises funds, not just for breast cancer research, but also for education, advocacy, and patient services. For more information call (800) ACS-2345 or visit www.cancer.org.