To Council 43 home page | Tina's message (You are now on this page) | History Council 43 Last updated October 11, 2007 0:47 AM | Past messages from Tina

From Tina's Point of View

Tina Sharp is the president of Council 43. This message posted September 3, 2007.

September welcomes a new season

Welcome to the new "business year" about to begin for each of our 15 Units spread across our adopted state of Florida. This web site will feature the hi lights of our New York State United Teacher retiree activities occurring in the various locations. If you are a retiree from any New York State public school district or AFT district from anywhere in the nation, we have opened our doors to you and any guests you may wish to bring to a meeting.

Walking together for a special cause

There is a very important matter I urge you to consider that involves teacher retirees and others from every sector of our world -- Breast Cancer. Let one of our Unit officers tell you about the special weekend of October 19-21, 2007 when we anticipate more than 2,000 women and men will walk to help make us all aware of this often curable cancer that plagues both sexes, women more than men. Elly is an officer of one of our 15 Units; here is her message:

Inspired by friends

"I could never understand why three of my friends developed cancer and I didn't. All three fought the battle and only one didn't make it. Watching her struggle, I knew I had to do something. In 2006 I bit the bullet and agreed to participate in the Susan G. Komen Foundation 60 mile walk to both raise awareness and have sponsors provide donations for every mile completed. I thought raising the money was going to be the difficult part, but it seemed everyone I approached for a donation had been touched in some way by the disease.

"Once again, on Friday through Sunday, October 19 -- 21, Tampa Bay will be one of twelve cities hosting the three Day, 60 Mile Walk that began with two sisters and a dream to make a difference and wipe out breast Cancer. When only one sister was left to do the work, the Susan G Komen Foundation began its journey.

A long walk for a great cause

"More than 2,000 women and men will take to the streets of Clearwater and walk toward St. Petersburg. Opening Ceremonies at Sand Key Park begin at 6:30 AM on the 19th and conclude at the St. Pete Pier on Sunday. While many of us have been training for this walk, anyone may join even if for only a few miles. Did you know that Breast Cancer is the leading cause of death for women 40 - 55? Or that 200,000 will be diagnosed and 40,000 will die this year?"

Elly has much more to add---but the bottom line is YOU. Whether you choose to walk with sponsors you can locate, support someone who asks or simply open your checkbook, support the cause and make your donation through the Breast Cancer 3 Day site, in the name of Elly Rotheim #122992596.