Towers Residents Walk To Raise Funds For Cancer

North Shore Towers residents Jayne Clark, a two-time cancer survivor, and Adam Ganz will participate in the 40-mile-long Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in October.
Clark was first diagnosed with breast cancer eight years ago and then again four and a half years ago. In the past, she was involved in Avon walks that were 60 miles in length. After having done the 40-mile Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in 2006, this will be the second time that she has walked in it. She said that while she was sick there were days she could hardly walk at all.
“I will continue walking until we find a cure,” said Clark, who has lived at the Towers for five years and has worked as a concierge for 20. “There was a time when I couldn’t do it. Now, I pledge to walk, and I will walk every mile of it.”
When Clark first asked Ganz, a resident of the Towers for about three years, to participate in the walk, he said sure. He said that like many people, his life has also been touched by cancer. His sister passed away from the disease last year.
During the first walk the two did together in 2006, Ganz said during the 40-mile walk they saw many parts of Manhattan that most people may not notice. They also walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. The walk ended at South Street Seaport, where family members of both Clark and Ganz greeted them.
“It was very inspirational to see,” Ganz said, adding that it was overwhelming to see the amount of people who turned out to participant and to cheer the participates on. “It was a tear jerker.”
Clark said that taking part in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer is her way of giving back, even in a small way, and increasing awareness. She also said that it reminds her of what she and others have gone through.
Although the two Building Three residents were already friends before going on the walks, Clark said that it has strengthened their bond as they have gotten to know one another better while also helping to support each other.
“Now we walk together to hopefully wipe this out someday,” Clark said. “I hope our friendship will continue [to grow] from here.”
In order to participate in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer, Ganz said each participant has to raise $1,800. He said that their goal is to raise that and use any money above that amount to help others who want to walk but are unable to raise that total. He said that it is exciting to know they can help someone else walk.
“This year I would like to dedicate this walk to Ruth Seiden and Adam’s sister Claudia, who lost thier battles,” Clark said. “And for all the wonderful people at North Shore Towers who are going through this terrible disease and for the ones who have won the battle. This one is for all of you.”
Anyone wishing to make a donation to Clark and Ganz for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer can leave it at the front desk of Building Three, where Clark is a concierge. Ganz’s participant number is 882193 and Clark’s is 882489.