FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SIA Supports Breast Cancer Awareness & ResearchLong Island, NY - October 19, 2011

Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. P. O . B o x 11 7 3 ■ N e w Yo r k , N Y 1 0 1 5 6

M a r k e t i n g D i r e c t o r : Je a n e t t e S p a t a r o , m a r k e t i n g @ h e r m a n d a d - s i a . o r g

The Long Island/Queens Region of Hermandad de Sigma Iota Alpha, Inc. worked on educating and fundraising for Breast Cancer Awareness during the month of October. On October 12, our Xi Chapter at Long Island University at CW Post held an educational program entitled “Think Pink”. This program included a trivia game (to test the audience knowledge on the topic of Breast Cancer) and a very informative power point presentation which discussed possible causes, statistics, as well as provide facts about cancer. The audience left the program enlightened and more knowledgeable.

On October 16, the Gamma Epsilon Chapter (Long Island/Queens Graduate/Alumnae) and the Beta Chapter (SUNY Stony Brook University) joined forces to fundraise and participate in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Jones Beach. Annually, SIA participates in this walk and dedicates their efforts to a particular individual. This year the team walked in honor of one of our fellow hermanas, Michelle “Arco Iris” Arenas-Pasco who through the strength of her husband, children and family has survived her battle with cancer. According to Gina L.“Amorosa” Johnson, “It is unfortunate that cancer has touched the lives of so many of our sorority sisters – it is heartwarming to see them overcome their battle and get healthy again. As a sorority, I am proud of the work we do to support our hermanas. We come together to help make a difference in the cause.

We bring along our family members to emphasize the family support system.” SIA’s Making Strides Long Island team surpassed their fundraising goal and successfully raised over $1000 for the charity.

Various members of the Queens/Long Island Region also participated in Making Strides Against Breast Cancer at various locations throughout the state. Most notably, Meliza “Samara” Sanchez (Gamma Epsilon Chapter), who individually raised $1000.

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ABOUT HERMANDAD DE SIGMA IOTA ALPHA, INC. (SIA): SIA was founded in New York on September 29, 1990 by thirteen Latina women with the purpose of creating an organization that would help their communities, unite women, promote the Latino culture and uphold a set of distinct goals. Our dedication to scholarship, service and professional development within the Latino community has grown beyond New York, with chapters in several states including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Illinois, Michigan, and California. We are also a 501(c)7 tax-exempt organization and we work in conjunction with the Solidaridad Inspiración Amistad Community Foundation, Inc.- a 501(c)3 Community Foundation committed to scholarship, service and professional development within Latino communities nationally. Together, we administer a national scholarship fund for incoming college freshmen who demonstrate academic merit, service to communities in need and exemplary leadership capabilities.

ABOUT MAKING STRIDES & THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY: Since 1993, 4 million walkers have raised more than $280 million through Making Strides. Making Strides is your opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, educate women about breast cancer prevention and early detection, and raise funds and awareness to help achieve a day when no one will have to hear the words “You have breast cancer.” The American Cancer Society has a presence in more than 3,400 communities across the country and is the only organization available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help people touched by cancer. Breast cancer is the number one reason people call the Society. For more information, please visit http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/