Your Union, Our Tomorrow ‘Sea of pink’ helps support CSEA sister BUFFALO — Hundreds of CSEA delegates are standing by one of their union sisters as she faces what may be the biggest fight of her life. Theresa Young, a 27-year CSEA member and site supervisor at Central New York DDSO, is facing a rare form of breast cancer. Ironically, 2015 started on a high note for Young, who got married on Feb. 7. Shortly after her wedding, she discovered a lump on her breast while doing a self-examination. A week later, she received the cancer diagnosis. Public service and dedication to her union and community already runs in Young’s blood. Both of her parents were CSEA members, with her mother employed in state corrections and her father working for the Village of Manlius. Young’s sister is Central New York DDSO Local activist Cherie Casler. “We are a very tightknit union family who cares deeply about our community,” Young said. When Young told her co-workers about the diagnosis, her union family also stepped up to help her in her fight. “I was overwhelmed by all the people who called, sent donations and showed support for me,” Young said. “I was very thankful and full of pride.” Cherie Casler and Theresa Young. The support by Young’s union family didn’t stop there. On the first day of the 105th Annual Delegates Meeting, hundreds of CSEA activists wore pink T-shirts in support of Young and others whose lives have been touched by cancer. “I love my sister so much, and I was so happy to see so many CSEA members rally around her,” said Casler. “It brings tears to my eyes; it was a sea of pink at the convention center.” Young, who has already had a lumpectomy, will soon have chemotherapy sessions. While she’s undergoing treatment, she is planning to work as much as possible. Meanwhile, her co-workers are helping her win the fight by forming ‘Team T’ and raising money for the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. The team participated in the Oct. 18 Syracuse walk, one of many Making Strides events that were held across the state in October. In addition to the CSEA members at Central New York DDSO who are part of ‘Team T,’ hundreds of CSEA members across the state participate in the Making Strides walks every year to raise money to fund breast cancer research, as well as critical support programs for survivors and community education. CSEA is a longtime community partner with the American Cancer Society. “While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and I TheWoorrkk FFoorrccee CSEA We are The Union We’re the Leaders of tomorrow Let us embrace And walk hand in hand For alone we are small But together we stand tall It’s not Black It’s not White But it’s doing what is right Be bold and be strong encourage others to do the same,” said Young. “I’m very optimistic about the future. It’s a comfort to know I have a lot of support.” Sisters and Brothers sing along For we are The Union ... WE’RE CSEA! © Photo by Ron Wofford CSEA member Joe McMullen, a delegate representing CSEA SUNY at Oneonta Local 635, performs the song he wrote, “We are The Union,” during the Annual Delegates Meeting. November 1997 • • The Public Sector • • Page 11 — Ove Overmyer CSEA Statewide Treasurer Joe McMullen, who previously announced that he will step down at the end of his term to spend more time with his family, was recognized for his decades of outstanding service to his union brothers and sisters. McMullen’s many talents and accomplishment include extraordinary musical ability. The image depicted here memorializes the composition of “We are the Union” a song he wrote at CSEA’s Annual Delegates Meeting in Buffalo in 1997 and will be a part of his enduring legacy. November 2015 The Work Force 11
The Work Force - November 2015
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