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| Union makes strides against breast cancer; dedicates walk to Feldman October 15 , 2005 ALBANY, N.Y. October 15, 2005 - For the fourth year in a row, New York State United Teachers is a flagship sponsor for the "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk," a noncompetitive 5K walking event taking place at several regional locations across the state on Sunday, Oct. 16. More than 6,000 walkers from NYSUT locals are expected to participate statewide. Last year, NYSUT members raised more that $650,000 to fight breast cancer. NYSUT is dedicating this year's walk to the memory of Sandra Feldman - former president of the United Federation of Teachers and the national American Federation of Teachers. Feldman lost her battle with breast cancer last month. "Sandy Feldman's courageous battle against breast cancer was yet another remarkable chapter in a remarkable life," said NYSUT President Richard Iannuzzi. "In her every action, Sandy Feldman defined courage. She stood tall for children, for education, for social justice and fairness, and she never wavered, no matter how high the odds or how seemingly insurmountable the obstacle. We want this year's walk to inspire others to take a lesson from her compassion, fortitude and determination." NYSUT Vice President Maria Neira noted that when breast cancer strikes, the impact of the diagnosis is far-reaching. "This is a very special cause for NYSUT; almost 70 percent of our members are women," Neira said. "NYSUT is proud of its role in Making Strides and we'll keep on working to help find a cure." NYSUT, the largest union in New York state, represents more than 525,000 classroom teachers and other school employees; academic and professional faculty at the state's community colleges, State University of New York and City University of New York; and other education and health professionals. NYSUT is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO. |
CONTACT: NYSUT Media Relations and Communications. (518) 213-6000, Ext. 6313. E-Mail: mediarel@nysutmail.org. |
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