The University took part in the annual  Stride Against Breast Cancer Walk at  Flushing Meadows-Corona Park on Oct. 16.

The University has been a flagship sponsor for the walk for 13 years, helping to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. This year, close to 500 students, faculty, staff and administrators took part in the walk.

When The Torch went to print, St. John’s had raised $2,890, according to the Strides Against Breast Cancer Web Site.

Margaret Cashin, assistant for Community Relations, has helped organize the event at the University since it became involved with Strides. She said the opportunity to get involved in Strides came from the American Cancer Society.

“They came to us wondering if we wanted to help sponsor the event,” she said. “Since then we’ve been a big part of it every year. We have our own tent over there and we bring people over to walk and to help raise funds.”

Cashin said that the event is “not only good public relations for the school,” but that “it’s something that’s worth sponsoring because it’s going to help so many people.”

The event began at the Law School cafeteria, where participants registered and were given t-shirts that would be worn throughout the event. Those ready to walk sat down awaiting transportation to Flushing Meadow Park.

Junior Tyler Deng has participated in the March of Dimes and marched in Strides Against Breast Cancer for the first time this year. “It’s a lot more fun
when you do it with friends,” he said adding, “It’s good for them too when they learn they’re doing it for a good cause.”

First-time walker Allister Ferrer said that although breast cancer does not run in his family, he believes that supporting the walk is very important. “It’s a good deed and it’s something that just shows general support for those that do have it,” he said.

Senior Franchesca Silvestre participated in her second walk with the University, but said she participates in other walks in different parts of New York. She said that the main difference is the age of those walking. “At the other walk I go to at Jones Beach, there are a lot of older people,” she said. “Over here there are a lot more younger people and I think that’s great.”

Silvestre said that some college students may not be fully aware of just how serious breast cancer can be. “I think it’s time people woke up, because it’s very important to be aware of this, especially for women,” she said.

Cashin said there was an outpouring of support from the student body, not only in participating in the walk, but in organizing it, too. “We have students here who are working their tails off here,” she said, pointing out just a few of them busy registering walkers and handing out shirts. “They’ve been working arduously for the past few weeks stamping flyers, handing out brochures and working the tables.”

Cashin added that although she was excited with the enthusiasm shown at the event, her ultimate goal is that “a cure will one day be found and we won’t have to walk next year.”