St. John's News

Queens, NY - Margaret Duffy, an employee in St. John's University's The Peter J. Tobin College of Business, and a two-time survivor of breast cancer, will lead the St. John's University team in the annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" Walkathon on Sunday, October 17, 2004.

"I was shocked to be diagnosed with breast cancer after accidentally finding a lump, especially when two mammograms failed to detect it," said Mrs. Duffy. The mother of three young children had a mastectomy and endured 16 months of chemotherapy while still attending Girl Scout meetings, teaching Sunday school at her local parish and caring for her family. Fifteen years later her daughter Tara, the second oldest of the Duffy children and a 26 year-old newly married social worker, was diagnosed with brain cancer. Sadly, she succumbed to the disease in 1997. 

It was the loss of her oldest daughter that inspired Mrs. Duffy to once again overcome breast cancer when she was re-diagnosed with the disease in 2000. A dedicated employee at St. John's University, she scheduled her second mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation sessions over weekends to avoid taking time off work. "I was fortunate to survive breast cancer two times," said Mrs. Duffy. "I think my mission is to provide support for other women struggling with the disease and to educate all women on how early detection can save their lives."

This year marks the 5th year that St. John's University has participated in the program. Marge Duffy along with members of the St. John's University community will join thousands of others in the five mile walk to find a cure.

Media are invited to cover this event. Please look for the St. John's University table in front of Queens Borough Hall located in Kew Gardens, NY. Walkers from the university will arrive at this location at approximately 9:45 a.m. prior to the walk.

Any interested media should contact Christine Dolan, Assistant Director of Media Relations, at (718) 990-2451 or at dolanc@stjohns.edu.