On Saturday, September 19th, Allison Alexis and over 200 of her friends and neighbors participated in the 2nd Annual Queens Cancer Walk at Phil “Scooter” Rizzuto Park in the Richmond Hill neighborhood of Queens. The group gathered for a 2 mile walk to honor the cancer survivors among them and to spread the message of cancer awareness and early detection. Allison is a 4 year cancer survivor who has made it her mission to bring a message of hope to the culturally and racially diverse neighborhood she calls home. All proceeds from the walk will be donated to SHAREing & CAREing and we cannot thank Allison and the walk participants enough for their generosity.
Allison was referred to SHAREing & CAREing in 2011 by her surgeon when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. S&C provided her with escort and transportation services to and from treatment. She says, “SHAREing & CAREing was there when I had no one to be with me for chemo. Anna Z. made sure I got home safe, their support group was an outlet for me to speak to other woman going through the same as I was.” Years later she feels it is her calling to reach out to members of the Queens community who are deeply affected by cancer and the complications that go along with late stage diagnosis. Allison says, “I think people are afraid. I want them to know there are organizations like SHAREing & CAREing that can help by giving referrals for mammography, treatment, and the best doctors.”
Allison’s efforts were supported by the following individuals, organizations, and sponsors:
* Linda Bulone, Research Nurse Manager, Queens Hospital Cancer Center
* Melva Millen, Director of Economic Development, Queens Borough President’s Office
* Joy Poliah
* Anthony J. Lemma, Director of Community Relations, Assembly David Weprin
* Office of State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. who graciously donated water
* Officer Eddie Severino, 102 Precinct
* Marina Simovic of Stretch Zone who provided tips on relieving stress and stretch therapy to walk particpants
* Philip Craig, naturopathic doctor who provided Reiki massage to walk participants
* H&L Counseling
* Metro Plus Health Plan
* SaladMaster was on hand giving out free salads
* DJ Dean of “The Professionals”
* Des photography
* Kadesha, Lily’z Closet
* Keisha, Holistic Products
* Performer’s: Victoria Labban, SocaCize Fitness, Gabriella Callender, David Ali Dance Academy
* Testimonials: Shivonie Deokaran, Ria Dolabaille Keith McCutheron. James Blair
* Honorees: Zaman Mohamed, Victoria Labban, Las Reinas de la Cancion, Akehsam Production
SHAREing & CAREing is so thanksful for Allison Alexis, for her recovery & survivorship, and for her leadership in organizing the Queens Cancer Walk. We are eternally grateful to all of our friends and family who have benefited from S&C’s services and choose to become volunteers in their community and ours.