The Young Israel of Plainview teens participated in the Making Strides of Jones Beach, an event to honor survivors of breast cancer and to raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight this terrible disease.
The walkers, participating under the name Team YIP, came together to support this event, one of the many orchestrated by the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer network. The team was organized by Max Kahn of Plainview, who said of the experience, “It was inspiring to look around me and see all my friends from our shul walking together as a team to raise money to fight cancer.”
The teens raised more than $1,000 from sponsors in their synagogue.
The event, which was from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., was formatted with a rolling start such that participants can begin their walk at different times. The walkers used each other for inspiration as they pushed forward toward the finish line, all against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, a fitting representation of the enormity of the challenge faced by those affected. The walk concluded in an emotional finish as participants got together to both celebrate those that have defeated breast cancer as well as honor the memories of others not as fortunate.
Jordana Rothschild, a representative of the synagogue, expressed how uplifting the whole event was. “Seeing both the passion and dedication of the teen participants showed today’s youth to be tomorrow’s leaders. Unfortunately, breast cancer is an illness that will not be cured overnight. That being said, raising awareness by taking part in events such as these is, indeed, a great way to put our best foot forward.”
