Queens Residents Walked for Cancer Awareness
The 11th annual community event provided local residents with cancer screening resources and peer support.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Cancer
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Community members gathered at Smokey Oval Park in Richmond Hill for the 11th annual Queens Cancer Walk to honor survivors and remember those lost to the disease. The event offered participants access to educational pamphlets, health counseling, and group exercise routines.
Why it matters
The walk serves as a hub for community-based support and health education, which remains vital as participants navigate cancer-related challenges and access to screening services. It also highlights ongoing advocacy for local legislative measures aimed at funding worker access to cancer screenings.
The 11th annual Queens Cancer Walk functioned as a grassroots health outreach effort featuring resource booths and counseling for the local community. While the gathering offered immediate educational support, the long-term effectiveness of such outreach compared to clinical programs remains under evaluation.
The players
Lynn Schulman
The chair of the Health Committee in the New York City Council who introduced legislation to increase funding for worker cancer screenings.
Allison Alexis
A long-term cancer survivor who celebrated 15 years since her initial diagnosis at the event.
Anthony Lemma
A community representative who presented citations to youth volunteers for their contributions to the cancer awareness event.
The details
The Queens Cancer Walk integrates peer support with practical health resources, including educational materials on early detection and exercise programming. Organizers from the non-profits Queens Cancer Walk and We Fight Cancer Together Inc. designed the event to address both emotional recovery for survivors and the dissemination of health information. Additionally, the event served as a platform to highlight legislative efforts, such as the bill introduced by New York City Council member Lynn Schulman to provide funding for workers to access cancer screenings.
Timeline
The 11th annual Queens Cancer Walk occurred on September 19, 2026.
Chandra Bhajan passed away from breast cancer in January 2026.
Health Landscape
This community-led initiative underscores a shift toward local, advocacy-driven health support in response to federal funding gaps for cancer trials. The event aligns with the goals of New York City Council legislative health screening initiatives by promoting preventive care access in the local community.
Residents are encouraged to prioritize routine screenings and discuss appropriate timelines for tests like mammograms with their primary care physicians. Keeping track of local health advocacy efforts can help you stay informed about new resources or funding available for preventive services in the area.
The takeaway
Community-based events provide essential connections for survivors and opportunities for health education. Residents should consult with their doctors to establish a personal screening schedule based on their risk factors and individual history.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest resources and support services in our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribbean Life.
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