Women’s Committee of Joint Council 25 raised almost $10,000 for the American Cancer Society’s breast cancer research and support fund at the Inaugural Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk in Park Ridge, Ill., earlier this month.
Our sisters recruited nearly 200 participants, making them the top fundraising team at the walk.
The marchers decked themselves out in pink feather boas, flashy hats and snazzy sunglasses as they were encouraged by children and cheerleaders.
Although this was the first American Cancer Society walk held in the Chicago suburb of Park Ridge, the 3.1 mile trek raised more than $70,000 – exceeding fundraising goals by more than $20,000.
The National Cancer Institute estimates more than 234,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed this year. So it's not surprising that many participating Teamsters had a personal connection to the disease. For many participants, Teamster support in this year’s march demonstrates how important the issue continues to be.
Leo Watkins from Local 700 said the march is a great way to make a difference in people's lives.
This march is a way of telling people that have this sort of illness that people support them, and to give them hope.Carrie Sapienza, a machinery operator from Local 727, said the march was a way for the Joint Council and the Women's Committee to say that women are important too.
It's about unity, it's about solidarity. We've all got the same goal that everyone else has. We're not going away. If we show up to one of these things, it shows that we aren't going anywhere.In previous years, local Teamsters participated in the Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization walk in downtown Chicago, but changed organizations after that walk was cancelled earlier this year. After their rousing success, the Women’s Committee is already planning bigger and better participation in next year’s efforts.
Remember, THUGGS stands for "Those Helpful Union Guys and Gals."
