SOUTH HUNTINGTON, NY — More than 200 Stimson Middle School students and teachers participated in the school's third annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk on Oct. 19, raising $1,500 to support breast cancer research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
The event, which began in 2024, has now raised $3,000 over three years as part of the South Huntington Union Free School District's efforts to promote civic engagement and community service among students.
"Never give up and believe in yourself," Seventh grader Sophia T. said. "You're stronger than you think."
Participants gathered on the school's outdoor basketball court before walking or running twice around the perimeter of the back field. Students and staff wore pink, with some carrying a large pink ribbon as they completed the walk together.
Participants donated $5 each to take part. Additional funds were raised through the sale of pink "United Against Breast Cancer" T-shirts and sweatshirts, which students and staff were encouraged to wear on Wednesdays throughout October in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
"It shows our respect for people that are battling [breast cancer], and by doing this, it shows that you care about them," seventh grader Gabriella B. said. "It makes me feel relieved to know that our kindness is going to help someone."
The money will be donated to Stand Up for Suzanne, a local nonprofit founded in memory of Huntington resident Suzanne Sokolowski-Shea, who died from metastatic breast cancer. The organization supports breast cancer research at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.
"You have to think about the real world that kids are faced with every single day," Principal Michael Duggan said. "It's not just the books they're reading and the math. It's these real-world things that kids are dealing with, and if we can show support for something like cancer, we can tackle anything."
Stimson Middle School plans to continue hosting the awareness walk each October to support local cancer research and encourage students to give back to their community.
"It builds awareness so they understand that families within our community have been impacted by illness," Assistant Principal James Tomeo said. "We have to work to strike a balance and help them understand the importance of giving back to something larger than themselves. Instilling that awareness at this age helps them become better citizens in the future."
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