October 22, 2009
On
Sunday, October 18, 2009, 175 members of the St. John’s University
community braved the wind and rain to walk through Clove Lakes Park
as participants in the Staten Island campus’ annual Making Strides
Breast Cancer Walk to raise money for breast cancer research and
treatment.
The day began with Mass in the Kiernan Suite celebrated by Rev.
Rocco Danzi, SJ, a member of the New York Province of the Society
of Jesus. Fr. Danzi reminded the worshippers that their
commitment to walk to alleviate suffering from the terrible disease
of breast cancer “…was a reflection of the words found in today’s
Gospel, where Jesus said ‘whoever wishes to be great among you will
be your servant; whoever wishes to be first among you will be the
slave of all’” (Mark 10:43)
Following Mass, participants prepared for the walk by enjoying a
hearty breakfast in the Campus Center cafeteria before boarding the
bus for the brief trip to the park.
Carrying pink and white umbrellas and bundled up in hooded
sweatshirts and ponchos, the group enthusiastically made their way
around the park, inspired by the knowledge that their efforts were
a direct reflection of the Vincentian values of caring and
compassion for others that have served as the foundation of the
University’s mission for more than 140 years.
“In seeing ordinary people walking together to achieve
extraordinary results, we are reminded of the Vincentian charism
that is ever-present and ever-affecting the lives of our students
and every member of our St. John’s family,” said Andriana Lewinsky
’04CPS, Assistant Director for Institutional Advancement, Staten
Island campus. “It is a powerful reminder that we are
fortunate enough in simply having life so that we can give
ourselves to others in need.”
Many individuals joined the walk for very personal reasons. “I lost
my cousin to breast cancer at the age of 32,” noted Susann Ragone
’03GEd, Assistant Dean, St. John’s The School of Education.
“There are several co-workers here on the Staten Island campus that
have been affected by this disease. Walking with the St.
John’s community is a way for me to show my support for our
co-workers as well as everyone who has been touched in some way by
this disease.”
At the end of the day this worthy initiative had raised more than
$3,100, with all proceeds contributed to the American Cancer
Society.