By Sadef Ali Kully
The annual Making Strides Queens Walk, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars every year to fight breast cancer, geared up with a kick-off breakfast that gathered over 700 survivors and supporters who plan to take part in the October event in Flushing Meadows Corona Park.
The breakfast was held Tuesday at Antun’s Catering Hall on Springfield Boulevard. It featured survivor stories, details on new treatments, preparatory materials for the Oct. 18 walk and information about the steps being made in breast cancer research.
Potential participants get information on the walk and receive materials for the walk from current team captains.
Despite the rainstorm outside, breakfast attendees were greeted by the color pink: pink balloons, boa constrictors, cheerleaders, sunglasses, T-shirts, shorts, socks, hats and even underwear, all pink.
For the many survivors, who brought along their families and close friends, the breakfast was a chance to share stories of how they found out when they were diagnosed with cancer, how they collected their courage and the motivation they received from people close to them to stay on the path to recovery.
Attendees said that the walk is a way to unite for a common cause and experience the hope of survivors and the comfort of others who are fighting the same battles.
South Jamaica resident Cora Ellison, in her 50s, said she had been part of the Making Strides walk for almost 20 years now.
“I do this every year,” said Ellison, smiling from ear to ear.
Queens Library Central Branch staff members Nina Luca Bolowski, 52, and Tamara Michel, 32, have also been participating for a long time.
“We go pink every October, the whole staff is in pink,” Michel said.
The 3-mile-long walk, beginning at the Unisphere and the Fountain of the Planets, raises money for breast cancer research. It will take place rain or shine. The walk has no registration fee and no fund-raising minimum. People are also welcome to just come and experience the atmosphere at Flushing Corona Meadows Park.
The walk will also provide members of the community with health information, such as updated breast cancer screening guidelines, and where to go for a mammogram.
Most donations go towards affiliated organizations that support those diagnosed with breast cancer or those affected by the illness, such as the Road to Recovery, a volunteer program that transports patients to and from treatment, and The Look Good Feel Better Program, beauty workshops led by cosmetology volunteers.
Reach Reporter Sadef Ali Kully by e-mail at skull
