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Union promotes awareness about colorectal cancer
March 17, 2005 From left, Maria Neira, Guilderland teacher Deb Wing and Dick Iannuzzi wear their support. Continuing to raise awareness about cancer and other health issues affecting its members, New York State United Teachers has extended its advocacy role to National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in March. NYSUT has made a donation to the American Cancer Society for colorectal cancer research. NYSUT staff hosted a fund-raiser for the fight against this deadly disease. Articles are running in union publications to raise awareness in ACS's "Fear Nothing" campaign to encourage colorectal cancer screening. "This campaign is a good fit for our members because it combines prevention and activism — two principles our members identify with closely," said Dick Iannuzzi, NYSUT vice president, who helped kick off the March program. Teacher Deb Wing, a member of the Guilderland Teachers Association and an ACS volunteer, kicked off the colon cancer campaign with Iannuzzi in Albany by announcing a "Fabulous at 50" grassroots program. Volunteers over 50 get screened for colon cancer and share information with friends and family about preventive care. "We're getting the word out," said Maria Neira, NYSUT vice president. "We're giving information to locals." The cancer society believes 30,000 lives could be saved annually if everyone age 50 or older got tested for colon cancer. The ACS is offering awareness wristbands bearing the message "fear nothing" from its Web site, www.teamacswristbands.org. For more information on colorectal tests and the latest research news, visit www.cancer.org. The ACS campaign will include TV, print and radio ads. NYSUT is also a statewide flagship sponsor of the ACS's annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer fund-raiser in October, and a year-round supporter of ACS education and awareness programs. |
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