The Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead showed its commitment to service, compassion and leadership by raising $11,000 at this year’s 32nd annual American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk, on Oct. 19 at Jones Beach.
More than 150 students, along with faculty, staff and families, joined together to walk in solidarity with breast cancer survivors, honor loved ones lost and support ongoing research and patient care. Their turnout and fundraising efforts reflected the school’s mission to “Lead With Heart.”
“I am so proud of the young women of Sacred Heart Academy for participating in the Strides Walk. Their dedication to raising awareness and supporting breast cancer research reflects our mission to “Lead with Heart”. Principal, Maria Hecht said
“Each October we work together to raise awareness for breast cancer, to raise money for research and pray for those who have been impacted by breast cancer, “President of Sacred Heart Kim Johnson said in a statement.
The walk was to raise money to support breast cancer research and patient services. The nonprofit cancer society aims to end cancer through advocacy, research and support programs that help patients and families prevent, detect and survive the disease
Faculty member and student council moderator Mary White said it was a proud moment to see Sacred Heart students among the 81,000 participants who filled Jones Beach that day.
Natale Raimo, executive director of the organization’s Long Island region, said that in 2025, more than 319,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed nationwide, including more than 19,000 in New York. That’s why events such as the Strides Walk are so important for raising awareness, she added.
According to Raimo, the Jones Beach walk has become the biggest walk in the country. Last year’s event drew roughly 77,000 participants and raised around $2.4 million. The event, she said, attracts community groups, corporations, friends and family members to help raise awareness.
