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Schools

'GC For A Cure' Raises More Than $21K

The Garden City Teacher Association's first annual race a community success.

Garden City embraced the balmy weather and rallied for a great cause on Saturday to participate in the Garden City Teacher Association's first annual "GC For A Cure" walk/run to benefit Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Spearheaded by Kerry Calvert, a fourth grade teacher at Stratford School, the race boasted nearly 2,000 participants and raised $21,225.

Calvert's mission was inspired by her father who died of lung cancer in 2006.

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"My father died of lung cancer almost four years ago and I have been a volunteer for several lung cancer charities ever since," says Calvert. "As a Garden City teacher, I wanted to get the teachers, district, children and community involved in a cancer charity event."

Parents, teachers, students and residents from all over Long Island participated in the race. Matthew Granville, a fourth grader at Stratford School, placed first in the 1.5 Mile Fun Run with a time of 9:02 while Dan Finnegan, a ninth grader at Garden City High School, placed first in the 5K with a personal best time of 15:44.

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A "Kite Fly" hosted by Uniting Against Lung Cancer was also held on the fields of the high school to raise money for lung cancer research. 

Monika Mohacsi, once a student of Calvert's, was recruited by her former teacher to get the high school on board. "I was excited to participate," she said. "We have students representing most of our clubs and I'd like to thank Miss Calvert for this great event."

Nancy Calvert, Kerry's mom, added, "Kerry has dedicated thousands of hours and I'm so proud of her."

Karen Sa walked with her daughter, Ali, a twelfth grader at Garden City High School. The walk held special meaning for them. "Memorial Sloan-Kettering is a great place, the caring staff and support is incredible," Ali said. "My dad survived leukemia and was treated there and it made all the difference."

Family and friends of Claire Mahoney walked in her honor, adorned with T-shirts featuring a photo of Claire. Mahoney battled breast cancer for 11 years and succumbed to the disease a year ago.

Leigh Dowden, a fifth grade teacher at Stratford School, said she was overwhelmed by the number of people who supported the race. Garden City Middle School teachers, Donna Scarola and Mariangela Sorace, were happy to support the cause and do something as a community. 

Homestead School teacher aide Gloria Casale cheered her students on from the sidelines and even Garden City High School's Trojan mascot was on hand to lend moral support.

Garden City mom Ann Dickinson and the other girls varsity lacrosse moms that participated were happy to support the cause and the "very important work of Memorial Sloan-Kettering."

Fellow resident Mary Focella agreed: "Cancer is in our family and we like to do anything we can to help the cause."

Perhaps the day could be summed up best by a heartfelt message middle schooler Caitlin Gallant left her father on a message board: "Dad, we love and miss you! We miss you every day!"

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