feature stories
In the pink
Oct 29, 2009 11:48 AM
Schools raise awareness for breast cancer
The whole school community got into the act at PS 180 in Brooklyn, proving that real men aren’t afraid of pink.
[For more photos, go to the “Go pink” gallery]
Schools throughout the city went pink throughout the month of October to support a good cause: breast cancer awareness.
There were pink ribbons, pink posters, pink outfits worn by students, staff and parents, and even pink lemonade and cupcakes to be had. But more important than that was the message about giving back that students in all five boroughs benefited from.
Proceeds from selling ribbons, bracelets and tasty goodies, as well as donations collected, went for funding for access to treatment and research for a cure.
“Both my parents had breast cancer, and my best friend is in treatment now,” said Antonella Ungaro, an executive board member of the PTA at PS/IS 229 in Brooklyn.
Ungaro suggested a fund-raiser for the cause last year, and it caught on like wildfire. “We have pink hearts and ribbons, a great big ribbon on the school’s front door, and a lot of support from teachers, staff and administrators,” said PS/IS 229 Chapter Leader Linda Palmer.
“It’s good for kids to learn to count their blessings and to share with the community,” Ungaro said.
At PS 180 in Brooklyn, Chapter Leader Lynettte Azar said that the whole school came together “in a big way” for their school’s pink day. “Community service and reaching out to others is important to us,” she said.
Art teacher Ann Patrone guided students in creating a large poster with the message “Together we make a positive difference in saving lives.”
UFT Chapter Leader Felicia Turner (holding cupcakes) is surrounded by pinkness from colleagues (clockwise from lower left) Vivian DeLuca, Brian Streames, Taiji Rivera and Suzanne Manto at PS/IS 288 in Coney Island on Oct. 20. The school raised twice as much money this year as last for breast cancer research and had a good time doing it.
At PS 333 in Manhattan, Chapter Leader Andrew Martell and Pam Rios, who both teach 4th grade, on their school’s Breast Cancer Awareness Day on Oct. 16.
Members of the UFT’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer committee accept donations for a gift basket they raffled off at the Delegate Assembly on Oct. 14. Committee Chair Servia Silva (right) reported that, between the DA and the first chapter leader training weekend, more than $1,000 was collected.
Students, PTA parents and staff from PS/IS 229 in Brooklyn got started early — 8 a.m. — on Oct. 21 for their breast cancer awareness day. Shown here are teachers, staff, PTA leaders and other members of the school community.
