By Andrew Hackmack
Next month, she and her teammates will take part in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Jones Beach for the fourth straight year.
Downing found immediate support at her workplace, the office of Valley Stream orthodontist Dr. William Mittler. These days her mother, after two surgeries and numerous treatments, is cancer-free. It's her mother's success that keeps Downing and the other members of Team Mittler walking every year, because they know that their fundraising does make a difference in the fight against cancer.
Team Mittler comprises a few dozen of the 60,000 people who turn out for the walk each year. "It's a beautiful walk and we always get a beautiful day," Downing said. "It makes you feel good that you do it."
Mittler explained that even though he works in the dental field, anything he can do to support better health is worth it. "We needed to be totally behind a major health concern in the country and support it as an office," he said. "It's become a major part of what we do every year as far as outreach."
Downing explained that Team Mittler typically exceeds its annual fundraising goal of $5,000. Mittler himself matches the donations made by all the other members of the team. He also supplies each walker with a Team Mittler T-shirt and water.
This year, Mittler says, the team will probably gather at around 7 a.m. on Oct. 19, before the Jones Beach boardwalk starts to get crowded. "The event is so popular that we start earlier and earlier every year," he said.
Given the high rates of breast cancer on Long Island, Mittler said, Making Strides is a meaningful event that can help make a difference in the lives of others. He added that the simple fact that he has two daughters makes him want to support the cause, because he would want them to be taken care of if they were ever stricken with breast cancer. "I'm concerned about their health and well-being," Mittler said.
Mary Mosca, an employee at his orthodontic practice, knows a few survivors of breast cancer, and sees the importance of properly funded cancer research. "I just want to do as much as I can for it," she said.
Mosca said that the Making Strides walk is a very positive event because the people who attend are committed to the cause. "Everybody is there to cheer everybody else on," she said.
Mittler, who has had a practice in Valley Stream since 1982, said he tries to help the community in any way he can. He sponsors a Little League team each year, supports the Chamber of Commerce, the Lions Club and the Lynbrook PBA, reduces fees for families in need, supports children for trips abroad or for participation in scholastic programs, and has made donations to the Blessed Sacrament outreach program. "We're always writing a check for something," he said. "I don't think about it. It's just what we do."
Alice Smith said that as a native of an area with a high breast cancer rate, there is no better cause for her to contribute to. "There's nothing more important for women to support if you live on Long Island," Smith said. "I'd like to see breast cancer stamped out in my lifetime."
Team Mittler welcomes members of the community to take part in the Making Strides for Breast Cancer walk. It will be held on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Jones Beach. For more information, call Dr. Mittler's office at (516) 561-1881.
Comments about this story? AHackmack@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 265.
