St. John's News

Once again, the St. John's University Queens campus is decorated with Pink Ribbons bringing awareness to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walkathon on Sunday, October 19 along Queens Boulevard.  St. John's is proud of the nine-year flagship sponsorship that was established under the Office of Community Relations.  Over the years, through the Strides Walkathons, the University has raised over $200,000 for research and programs related to breast cancer.

The pink display of ribbons is the work of St. John's University varsity athletic teams under the guidance of Lucy Pesce, Associate Director of Leadership. The teams gathered on Tuesday, October 7 at the Storm Center for an inspirational message from a two-time cancer survivor and staff member, Mary Siconolfi, from the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health.  Both as a teenager and then as a young mother, Mary faced health related issues.  She inspired all present with her upbeat attitude and thankfulness for the blessing of good doctors that brought her to health.  Joseph Sciame, Vice President for Community Relations, thanked all for coming out on such a beautiful day and explained that the colors of the wheel of ribbons represent many different types of cancer.  “We thank you, our student-athletes, for bringing awareness to the fund raising event.  You are making a difference with every dollar that is raised to find a cure.” 

On October 2, students from the Women in Science Society joined many staff and administrators in responding to the University-wide invitation from the Office of Health Services, the Grants Office and Community Relations, and attended a lunch time discussion as part of the St. John’s University Kick-off Event in Council Hall.  Two excellent speakers addressed those gathered.  Dr. Nancy McGarr, a 17-year faculty member in the Speech and Hearing Department, herself a survivor of breast cancer, spoke of her determination to recover from the diagnosis and continue to teach her students who were so caring and supportive during the treatment and recovery process.  The love and concern for her family along with the students’ reassurance and prayers were instrumental during recovery. 

The second speaker, Dr. Karen Karsif, Director of the Breast Center, New York Hospital of Queens, gave up to the moment information regarding maintaining proper health through diet, exercise and  a physician supervised health care regime.  She explained why students need to know their own bodies and how important it is to stay current with medical appointments.  She also encouraged the students to follow through on their dreams for an education that will lead to successful careers.

More Information
For more information about the Walk on October 19, call (718) 990-1941 or stop by the Office of Community Relations in Newman Hall Room 155.  You can sign up under the St. John's University team online at http://www.acsevents.org/strides. Follow the prompts to join the St. John's University team.