A number of survivors, thrivers, and supporters joined Allison Alexis, third from left, sitting at her Seventh Annual Most cancers Consciousness candlelight vigil on Oct. 18 in Queens. Meeting Member Khaleel, fourth standing within the again row, was among the many supporters.
Photograph by Tangerine Clarke
Friday, Oct. 18, marked the Seventh Annual Most cancers Consciousness Candlelight Vigil to recollect victims and survivors who proceed to combat for his or her lives as observances proceed throughout America.
13-year breast most cancers survivor Allison Alexis, a Trinidad & Tobago nationwide and founding father of Angels of Hope Help Group in Queens, welcomed Caribbean nationals, buddies, households, advocates, and legislator, Meeting Member Khaleel M. Anderson to a makeshift shrine arrange on the Determine Studio at 11149 Lefferts Blvd., in Queens.
Alexis, a selfless advocate, lit a candle in honor of her mom, who died from the illness virtually three years in the past, a pal who not too long ago succumbed, and invited supporters to do the identical for others, like Alexis, within the courageous combat for his or her life, as solemn music performed within the background.
She stays vigilant after having a lumpectomy and the dreaded information that she had most cancers, has collaborated with numerous organizations, and hosted her first most cancers stroll in 2014 to uplift and encourage sufferers.
She mentioned she has been praying for consolation for a lot of who joined the Angels of Hope assist group.
Meeting Member Khaleel Anderson, who represents District 31, Southeast Queens, mentioned the vigil was a time to be in solidarity with those that misplaced family members and people who are surviving and thriving and to say we’re with you, to assist you and take care of you.
“I thank Allison Alexis for her arduous work, dedication, and dedication to this effort. Her personal losses and her ache assist people who find themselves struggling via these pains and permit them a protected area to precise themselves.”
“You may rely on Allison Alexis to be there for you. She’s going via her personal private struggles, however she places these issues apart, creating collaborations and neighborhood round others.”
“I wish to speak about a number of the successes we’ve made on this problem in October. Governor Hochul signed a chunk of laws that I used to be proud to vote for, which expands entry to people who want screening. That’s vital. Early detection permits us one other instrument within the toolbox to combat again.“
“I am additionally excited as a result of our pal from Caribbean Life is right here. Let’s give her a giant spherical of applause for fortunately masking this occasion and masking occasions throughout the district. It’s vital to have the Caribbean diaspora perspective on how issues are taking place in our neighborhood. One factor she requested me is how can we be sure that we create assist for girls, moms, aunties, grandmas, but additionally how can we encourage our brothers who have to have these assist teams to get examined wanted for wellness.”
“I shared together with her that a number of the messaging has been round ladies to do self-exams. How can we market the identical message? I say the similar ways and techniques that we’re utilizing to ensure that we’re prioritizing this. Ads, occasions, social gatherings, and encouragement to obtain companies for normal prostate checkups.“
“We prepare psychological well being counselors and professionals that may help somebody who’s in a psychological well being disaster or wants to be referred elsewhere, however we’ve expanded our barbershop conferences. We’re making an attempt to satisfy of us the place they’re, he mentioned, including that his workplace has visited Barber outlets in Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, and the Rockaways and can proceed to broaden the initiative, breaking down these limitations and stigma that exist with wellness,” he mentioned.
“We will need to have religion and love whereas battling this illness and lots of ailments and supporting one another,“ mentioned Meeting Member Anderson.
Gina Vasquez, a social employee who attended the vigil together with her husband, is an advocate for companies and can host an annual most cancers stroll on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Brookville Park in Rosedale from 10:30 a.m.
Towards a pink backdrop adorned with the symbolic “pink ribbon“ and the phrases Hope, Power, Survivor, Struggle, Vasquez spoke of the unhappiness she skilled when her then 17-year-old son was recognized with a uncommon type of most cancers. He’s now cancer-free and in his thirties.
The group helps making strides in occasions to save lots of lives. She has partnered with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., State Senator James Sanders Jr., NY State Senator Leroy Comrie, Main Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, and NY State Meeting Member Khaleel M. Anderson.
Wendy, who was recognized in 2006 and is now cancer-free, praised Angels of Hope for preventing for his or her lives.
“It’s a battle. I used to be ‘down‘ after I met Allison, and he or she inspired me to remain constructive. I’ve been battling most cancers for seven years; I am now cancer-free. I misplaced my father to the illness. I wished to attend the vigil to see all of you who’re preventing identical to me. Better of luck to all of you in your journey,” she mentioned.
“I wish to thank everybody who got here out, in addition to the members of the Angels of Hope Help Group who may attend. We miss different members who weren’t right here,” mentioned Alexis.
“Tangerine Clarke, thanks for being there final night time. I actually respect you and all that you just do for me, the occasions I host, and all of the occasions you assist. I want you continued blessings and success,“ mentioned Alexis.
Meeting Member Khaleel Anderson, thanks a lot. I additionally respect you and thanks on your love and assist and all you do on your communities. I want you continued blessings and success,” added Alexis. She additionally thanked Ms. Vasquez for sharing her story. “I want you continued blessings.”
Alexis additionally prolonged appreciation to Angela Vasquez, Wendy Kamal, Karen Elders of SoundChat Radio, Ria Dolabaille-Husein, Sandy Sheriff, Wendy Foster, Mary Casaberry, Jennifer Sookdeo Moonilal, Vicky Lal, Indera Man, Geeta Lalchan, Karen Stewart, Tessa Cayenne, Judy Ortiz, Dee Thompson, Roshni Mangaroo, Joe Mangaroo, Shellyann Singh, Mari Lo-Collado, and different donors.
