Friday, Oct. 18, marked the Seventh Annual Cancer Awareness Candlelight Vigil to remember victims and survivors who continue to fight for their lives as observances continue across America.
Thirteen-year breast cancer survivor Allison Alexis, a Trinidad & Tobago national and founder of Angels of Hope Support Group in Queens, welcomed Caribbean nationals, friends, families, advocates, and legislator, Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson to a makeshift shrine set up at the Figure Studio at 11149 Lefferts Blvd., in Queens.
Alexis, a selfless advocate, lit a candle in honor of her mother, who died from the disease almost three years ago, a friend who recently succumbed, and invited supporters to do the same for others, like Alexis, in the brave fight for their life, as solemn music played in the background.
She remains vigilant after having a lumpectomy and the dreaded news that she had cancer, has collaborated with various organizations, and hosted her first cancer walk in 2014 to uplift and inspire patients.
She said she has been praying for comfort for many who joined the Angels of Hope support group.
Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, who represents District 31, Southeast Queens, said the vigil was a time to be in solidarity with those who lost loved ones and those who are surviving and thriving and to say we are with you, to support you and care for you.
“I thank Allison Alexis for her hard work, commitment, and dedication to this effort. Her own losses and her pain help people who are suffering through those pains and allow them a safe space to express themselves.”
“You can count on Allison Alexis to be there for you. She’s going through her own personal struggles, but she puts those things aside, creating collaborations and community around others.”
“I want to talk about some of the successes we’ve made on this issue in October. Governor Hochul signed a piece of legislation that I was proud to vote for, which expands access to individuals who need screening. That’s important. Early detection allows us another tool in the toolbox to fight back.“
“I am also excited because our friend from Caribbean Life is here. Let’s give her a big round of applause for thankfully covering this event and covering events across the district. It’s important to have the Caribbean diaspora perspective on how things are happening in our neighborhood. One thing she asked me is how do we ensure that we create support for women, mothers, aunties, grandmas, but also how do we encourage our brothers who need to have these support groups to get tested needed for wellness.”
“I shared with her that a lot of the messaging has been around women to do self-exams. How do we market the same message? I say the same tactics and strategies that we’re using to make sure that we are prioritizing this. Advertisements, events, social gatherings, and encouragement to receive services for regular prostate checkups.“
“We train mental health counselors and professionals that can assist someone who’s in a mental health crisis or needs to be referred elsewhere, but we’ve expanded our barbershop meetings. We’re trying to meet folks where they are, he said, adding that his office has visited Barber shops in Rosedale, Springfield Gardens, and the Rockaways and will continue to expand the initiative, breaking down those barriers and stigma that exist with wellness,” he said.
“We must have faith and love while battling this disease and many diseases and supporting each other,“ said Assembly Member Anderson.
Gina Vasquez, a social worker who attended the vigil with her husband, is an advocate for services and will host an annual cancer walk on Sunday, Oct. 27, at Brookville Park in Rosedale from 10:30 a.m.
Against a pink backdrop decorated with the symbolic “pink ribbon“ and the words Hope, Strength, Survivor, Fight, Vasquez spoke of the sadness she experienced when her then 17-year-old son was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. He is now cancer-free and in his thirties.
The organization supports making strides in events to save lives. She has partnered with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., State Senator James Sanders Jr., NY State Senator Leroy Comrie, Major Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Powers, and NY State Assembly Member Khaleel M. Anderson.
Wendy, who was diagnosed in 2006 and is now cancer-free, praised Angels of Hope for fighting for their lives.
“It’s a struggle. I was ‘down‘ when I met Allison, and she encouraged me to stay positive. I have been battling cancer for seven years; I am now cancer-free. I lost my father to the disease. I wanted to attend the vigil to see all of you who are fighting just like me. Best of luck to all of you in your journey,” she said.
“I want to thank everyone who came out, as well as the members of the Angels of Hope Support Group who could attend. We miss other members who were not here,” said Alexis.
“Tangerine Clarke, thank you for being there last night. I really appreciate you and all that you do for me, the events I host, and all the events you support. I wish you continued blessings and success,“ said Alexis.
Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, thank you so much. I also appreciate you and thank you for your love and support and all you do for your communities. I wish you continued blessings and success,” added Alexis. She also thanked Ms. Vasquez for sharing her story. “I wish you continued blessings.”
Alexis also extended 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 other donors.
