  |
| |
Behind-the-scenes efforts propel the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walks
Oct. 7, 2004 Grace Vento-Zogby is a remedial reading teacher at Sauquoit Valley Elementary School. Both Grace Caruso and Grace Vento-Zogby agree — gratitude for their own good health inspires their involvement in the American Cancer Society's annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk. "Every time I go in for a mammogram, I think, 'There but for the grace of God ...'" said Vento-Zogby of the Sauquoit Valley Teachers Association near Utica . "Any kind of cancer is a nightmare. You can't not be involved." Vento-Zogby serves on her regional walk advisory committee, carrying out behind-the-scenes work. "On walk day, we're in charge of the New York State United Teachers booth," said Vento-Zogby. Other duties include recruiting corporate teams and registering walkers. "Grace is very creative and energetic," said Kathy Peters, community executive for the Mohawk Valley American Cancer Society. Helping at UFT United Federation of Teachers member Grace Caruso has been in the Staten Island walk for years. "I got started after I was asked to distribute walk T-shirts to fellow UFT members (in New York City )," said Caruso, a pre-K teacher. "I asked 'Why don't we have a UFT walk team?'" The next year she formed a borough team. "Grace helps set up meetings with UFT groups and provides outreach for all of them," said Kathryn Wilday, Staten Island ACS walk manager. "Thank God, as far as I know, no one I know has died from breast cancer," said Caruso. "When I look at my young students, I hope for the day when they won't have to worry about this disease." - Kara E. Smith |
|
| | |