Rescheduled Walkathon Honors the Memory of Talia Cohen

New date: June 10 from 7 to 9 pm is new date

by Elizabeth Cruikshank

(May 18, 2005) The student council at Mamaroneck High School is sponsoring the Third Annual Walkathon in memory of Talia Cohen, a former MHS student who died of cancer in 2002. This year’s Walkathon, which will be held at the MHS track on June 10 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm, will raise money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, a summer camp founded by Paul Newman for children suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Previous Walkathons have benefited the Hope and Heroes Cancer Fund and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Talia Cohen was a fourteen–year-old eighth grader at Hommocks in March 2001, when she was diagnosed with Stage IV Unfavorable Wilms Tumor, a rare form of cancer Although her primary kidney tumor was removed, the cancer had spread and did not respond to treatment. Talia died on November 30, 2002.

Talia’s father, Andre Cohen, is pleased that the high school continues to honor Talia’s memory. “We’re very touched that so many people in the community are involved.” Talia’s mother, Naomi Cohen, feels that Talia would have approved of the choice of charity. “Knowing how difficult cancer treatment was for her, I think Talia would have been thrilled with the choice of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp because she knew that kids really need a break from the stress and exhaustion of treatment.” The first Walkathon event in Talia's honor, in 2003, raised funds for Hope and Heroes Children's Cancer Fund. (See: Students Walking.) The next year, the funds went for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. (See: MHS Community Turns Out For Talia.)

This year's Walkathon was originally scheduled for May, but had to be cancelled because of weather conditions. Senior Nina Ryan, vice president of the executive board of the MHS Student Council, is grateful for the extra time. “We’re happy about the date change because it seems that a lot of people didn’t know about the Walkathon, and now we have an extra month to advertise. Also, Talia was a member of our class and this Walkathon is very special to us.”

Members of the MHS Student Council model their Walkathon t-shirts.

The two previous Walkathons both raised over $12,000, and the student council would like to match or exceed that amount this year. Blythe Hamer, MHS student activities coordinator, is hoping for a big turnout and noted that everyone is welcome to participate. In addition, there will be food, a raffle and performances by student bands. “There will be unbelievable raffle prizes, including a $100 gift certificate to Outerluxe, and student bands, including Oblio and Famous Amos, will appear,” Ms. Hamer commented.

Donations to the Walkathon can be brought to the event, or mailed to Blythe Hamer at Mamaroneck High School, 1000 West Boston Post Road, Mamaroneck, New York 10543. Checks should be made out to the Hole in the Wall Gang Fund. For more information, call (914) 220-3141 or e-mail hamer@mamkschools.org.

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