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Community Corner

Local Breast Cancer Walk Holds Fundraiser in East Meadow

The Long Island 2Day Walk drew out the crowd to raise funding to support its mission.

The ladies of the Long Island 2Day (LI2Day) Breast Cancer Walk celebrated St. Patrick’s Day a little belated this year, but all for a good cause.

was full of eager supporters and survivors on Friday evening who were there to raise money for the LI2Day's benefit walk in June. This fundraising event acts as a support to put on the actual walk, providing funds for logistical coordination, food and entertainment.

“This is our eighth walk and we have made a tremendous amount of money,” Vice President of LI2Day Stephanie Sciara said.

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LI2Day was started in 2003 and the walk is a two-day 35-mile walk in Suffolk County. Participants are provided with food, entertainment and a tent to sleep in overnight between the walking days. They began with about 100 walkers and now have over 400 people wanting to participate. Each walker raises around $1,000 and all of that money is donated back to grassroots organizations that help those afflicted with breast cancer. Last year the walk yielded $515,000.

“When I heard that the money raised through this organization stayed on Long Island – I really believe that the money is distributed to all Long Island organizations – and I feel especially good about that,” said ten year breast cancer survivor Carol Esposito during the fundraiser on Friday night.

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Mary Anne McCarrick, part of the planning committee for the fundraiser at Callahan’s, has been with the walk since the first year. She is a breast cancer survivor of eight years.

Breast cancer runs deep in her family--McCarrick was only eight years old when her mother died of the disease. Her aunts, a cousin and her sister have all lost their battles with breast cancer.

“We thought that was all behind us until we became adults and realized it was affecting each and every one of us,” McCarrick said.

The difference between the LI2Day walk and other popular national walks is that 100 percent of the money raised by the walk itself gets donated directly back to Long Island grassroots organizations. Founder Ginny Salerno realized the need for a fundraising event that gives back to the community when attending other big name events, McCarrick said.

“The amount of money that they use on advertising and overhead, which is absolutely necessary, how much of that money really comes back here to Long Island that has the highest rate of breast cancer,” she added.

The beneficiary organizations, including Cure Mommy’s Breast Cancer and Manhasset Breast Cancer Coalition, vary year to year, but most help those fighting breast cancer in ways such as childcare, income support, supplements, medical costs or home repairs. The beneficiaries cannot use the money donated to pay for salaries or administrative costs. LI2Day also donates money to the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, which is doing breast cancer research locally.

“They really do good stuff,” said Anna Rosamilia, who is also on the planning committee, in regard to the organizations that benefit from the walk. “One day hopefully we will find a cure.”

The venue and food for the fundraiser is provided free of charge from the owner of Callahan’s. Furthermore, The Bassenettes were also on hand to supply entertainment for the evening.

McCarrick explained that at this event they are usually able to raise between $5,000 and $7,000. Additional money is raised by gift basket raffles, which are put together by members of the planning committee and featured gift certificates to restaurants and salons, as well as digital cameras and other interesting themed items.

“You just want to give back because you have your health and you have your life,” said Karin Genalo, a breast cancer survivor of seven years and Merrick resident.

This year, the walk will be held on June 11 and 12. If interested in becoming involved, please visit the website.

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