A record fundraising year for our team, members helped raise $2,919.91 at the time of publication—a mere $81 away from our goal of $3,000— which is deeply meaningful to members like those quoted in this article. You can still contribute through December at Team NYSUT FASCC. (photo courtesy Victoria Pendzick)

On Saturday, October 4, hundreds of passionate walkers gathered at Grangabel Park in downtown Riverhead for the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event. Bathed in sunshine, NYSUT Team FASCC, consisting of more than 35 walkers, moved through a vibrant sea of pink, united by hope and determination alongside family, friends and students from the Rotaract Community Service Club at the Grant Campus.

	Teresa Noto, above with her husband Nino, is a perennial top fundraiser for Team NYSUT FASCC. She also shows up with a sizable crew of family and friends each year. We appreciate you, Teresa! (photo courtesy Teresa Noto)

Associate Professor of Automotive Technology Teresa Noto brought her enthusiastic team—all decked out in pink—to cheer on the walkers and show their support. Teresa has been our top fundraiser for the past several years, and she truly outdid herself this year as well. Having been through the breast cancer fight and recovery, this event helps keep her strong. Teresa said, “Walking alongside survivors, fighters and supporters is always a reminder of the strength and hope within our community. God bless all the warriors!”

This year’s event also saw a wonderful turnout of young participants: Victoria Pendzick, specialist II of media services and adjunct professor of visual arts, brought her two young daughters Iyla and Arya. Victoria also generously takes photos of this (and many other FA events) to document the good work of our members. Thank you, Victoria!

Danielle DiMauro, adjunct instructor of college seminar and history, brought her son Patrick who proudly earned community service hours for his participation. Danielle walked alongside Lisa Behnke, professional assistant II of Academic Advising and Mentoring, who was diagnosed last year and had some strong feelings about her participation this year. Lisa reflected on the event:

When I participated in last year’s walk, it was still so new having been diagnosed and managing all of the feelings associated with this disease. Since last year, I had my mastectomy and been through several revision surgeries. Walking in this year’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk was more emotional than I anticipated.

I really understood what it meant to be on the other side of this terrible disease. I was grateful for the participation our union brought to this event and had some really honest and heartfelt conversations with the staff at the Northwell Health tent. This is where I expressed my sincere gratitude for the team that helped me through this. With hope and grace, I pray for others managing breast cancer and continue to pray that we find a cure.

This was a banner year for our team. Together we raised $2,919.91! There’s still time to donate to NYSUT Team FASCC. We’re just $81 away from reaching a record $3,000! Those who support the team will have their name (first name only) included on our Wall of Hope in the FA office. For more pictures and to follow our progress, check out the FA Facebook page.

Whether you’ve walked with us before or are thinking about joining for the first time, we’d love to have you on NYSUT Team FASCC next October. Our team participates in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event each year as a representative of NYSUT, our parent union and a flagship sponsor of this American Cancer Society event since 2002.

Every step we take brings us closer to a future without breast cancer—and your presence makes a difference.

At left: Danielle DiMauro participated in Strides this year with her son Patrick, and Lisa Behnke participated as a breast cancer survivor. At right, FA officers Cynthia Eaton, Courtney Brewer and Kim Ng Southard show the “In October we wear pink” tees purchased by Kim as a special surprise for the trio. (photos by Victoria Pendzick)