By Jacquie Rath
Susan Masciello, Elaina McCavera and their daughters, Kristen and Diana, participated in the Pfizer Long Island 2-Day Walk to Fight Breast Cancer on June 4 and 5. It was the second annual weekend walk, and it started at Smith Point Park in Suffolk County and covered 35 miles. The event was created to raise awareness - and funding - for the fight against breast cancer on Long Island.
The women raised money for the cause with the help of Lynbrook residents and businesses. They placed collection buckets at Beckmann's Deli on Broadway and B.K. Sweeny's Restaurant on Sunrise Highway. One deli employee felt so strongly about the cause that he went to the train station during the morning rush to solicit funds. He attracted attention by displaying a large sign for the walk around his neck, fastened with a large pink bow.
According to Ginny Salerno, the event's director, total donations for this year's walk, which will benefit breast cancer resources in Nassau and Suffolk counties, exceeded $300,000.
The weekend also offered survivors of the disease an opportunity to unite and share stories of hope. Throughout the event, there were special moments demonstrating how far the fight against breast cancer has come, and how far it still needs to go. According to Masciello, "It was an incredible experience. The people are wonderful, and full of love and spirit like you have never seen. It becomes a very personal and emotional weekend, with hope for the future for so many survivors and families touched by this disease."
The women were especially touched by the donations and volunteer efforts that helped make the event a success. "It took a lot of people to get it all together," said McCavera. People who were not able to walk cheered the walkers on and provided refreshments. There were massage and first-aid stations along the route. Meals were provided, along with hot showers and tents to sleep in. In addition, there were raffles and entertainment to motivate the participants.
When asked what their most memorable moment of the weekend was, the Lynbrook residents agreed that crossing the finish line was one of the most moving experiences of their lives.
Clad in dark-pink shirts, breast cancer survivors came together at the finish line to demonstrate the impact the event can have. The love and support of family members, there to greet the walkers as they finished, is still a vivid memory for the women. Masciello said, "Many small children were there to meet their moms, holding flowers and balloons for them. It was very moving."
Preparations are already under way for next year's event. Those interested in learning more can visit the organization's Web site at www.libreastcancerwalk.org.
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