Photos: Pink And Purple Balloons At The 88th Precinct’s Inaugural Walk For A Cure

“1, 2, 3, 4, We Hope That They Find A Cure!”

That was the chant that soared over the pink and purple balloons floating along DeKalb Avenue this past Sunday, October 25, as around 40 women and children walked from the 88th Precinct to Fort Greene Park for the inaugural Walk For A Cure, hosted by the 88th Precinct as part of October’s breast cancer awareness month.

The event — which was capped off with a barbecue and rock climbing wall at the park — also served double duty as a domestic violence awareness event — thus the purple — noted Police Officer Andrene Sergeant, of the precinct’s community affairs unit, which organized the event.

Marchers and passersby alike expressed satisfaction at seeing what is usually a Manhattan-based, nationally-organized event come to our own backyard.

“It’s great having this in our own neighborhood. I would love more participation, but maybe as word spreads more people will come for future walks,” said Frances Canty of Clinton Hill, who wore a sign on her back declaring that she was walking “In Loving Memory Of Friends Gloria and Pat” — her best friend’s sister and sister-in-law.

Former Fort Greene resident Heidi Green was in the neighborhood to patronize favorite businesses with her two small children when the parade passed by and her kids stopped to clap to the sounds of chanting.

“It’s a great idea,” Green said of the walk. “It reaches people just walking in their own neighborhood on a regular Sunday. It’s more than a big thing. Maybe it will spur conversation later with the kids.”

Sergeant Annette Perry of the 88th Precinct also brought her young daughters along for the event. “We have to start somewhere and I’m glad that finally the police community is getting together with the community and bringing awareness to important issues together.”