Local 342 Makes Strides Against Breast Cancer

Members of Mineola-based Local 342 joined more than 60,000 breast cancer survivors and their loved ones on Jones Beach Sunday for the Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

According to the American Cancer Society, more than a quarter of a million women in the United States will be diagnosed this year with breast cancer, and nearly a half million will die from the disease. Of these numbers, nearly 2,500 women will be diagnosed on Long Island; it is estimated that more 400 will die from the disease.

On hand to show support early Sunday morning was Mary Anderson, a meat cutter at the Wantagh King Kullen.

“I want everyone to know this is not just something that affects women,” Anderson said, in a statement. “Men are affected by this terrible disease, too.”

Anderson noted that her aunt had a double mastectomy and is a 12-year survivor. Another aunt, now 82, had a mastectomy and is a 30-year-survivor. A third aunt passed away from the disease. Anderson attended the walk with her best friend, who was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, and recently underwent surgery.

Anderson assisted other Local 342 members at the union’s tent, where more than $6,000 was raised by selling pink bagels, muffins, homemade treats, and pink T-shirts supplied by the American Cancer Society.

Additional Local 342 members also participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walks in Brooklyn, Queens and Staten Island.