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Sports teams join cancer fight
Oct. 6, 2005 Niagara-Wheatfield local President Darlene Fegatilli, center front, with her school's swim team at the 2003 Making Strides walk. For teacher-coach Andrea Castellitto, joining the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk with her field hockey team works on many levels. "It's definitely a team builder, a community service and an important fund-raising event all wrapped up in one," said Castellitto, a Somers middle school special ed teacher who will walk again this year with members of her girls' modified field hockey team. Last year, Castellitto and fellow coach Danyelle Ostrye, also a special ed teacher, were joined by 30 team members and eight parents at the Westchester County walk to raise about $3,500 for American Cancer Society research and programs. "The girls had a great time making signs and banners and we made matching pink headbands," Castellitto said. "Of course, it's great exercise, but the girls also know what they're walking for — maybe a cure in their lifetime." The Somers team was one of many New York State United Teachers groups participating in the statewide walks this month. Others signed up included the Newburgh girls varsity swim team, led by Newburgh TA's Lori Hoarty. Across the state in western New York , Niagara-Wheatfield Teachers Association President Darlene Fegatilli has walked with her district's swim team, who participated in honor of Kim Link, a former coach who had breast cancer. Last year, more than 6,000 NYSUT members raised over $650,000 to prevent, fight and educate people about the deadly disease. — Sylvia Saunders |
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