Trinidadian-born Allison Alexis celebrated her 15 years as a cancer survivor. Her journey was not measured by her struggles to stay healthy and, well, it was her strength, and determination to help others, that kept her cancer-free all these years.
Saturday, Sept. 19 was a fitting example of Alexis’ vigilance and advocacy through the non-profits Queens Cancer Walk and We Fight Cancer Together Inc, which helped her to bring together scores of survivors and thrivers at the the 11th annual Queens Cancer Walk and resource fair at Smokey Oval Park (Phil Risotto Park) in Richmond Hill, where educational pamphlets, counseling, and an exercise routine were offered at the day’s initiative.
NYC Councilmember Lynn Schulman, who represents District 29, a six-year breast cancer survivor among thrivers, noted the significance of the Cancer Walk, and how important it was for her to be there to support the community.
Selfless volunteers strike a pose, with Cancer Walk founder Allison Alexis, fifth from left, at the resource table of We Fight Cancer Together Inc. and Queens Cancer Walk in Smokey Oval Park, Richmond Hill on September 19.Tangerine Clarke
“I would like to thank Sherry Algredo for her work in the community and for keeping me informed,” said Shulman. “We do have to make sure that our kids take up the fight when we are no longer around.”
Shulman spoke of the current innovation around breast cancer, but noted that despite this, the federal government has removed funding for cancer trials
“We have to fight back on that,” she said, adding that as the chair of the Health Committee in the New York City Council, she put forward a bill to get private industry to fund workers’ access to screening, while acknowledging Allison Alex as someone special who fights for cancer survivors.
Community Board 9 Chair Sherry Algredo spoke of the gratitude she felt after a negative breast cancer diagnosis, but during a two-week waiting period for the result from a biopsy, she made contact with Alexis and joined the advocacy program.
“I have lost friends and family members to the disease that hits all of our homes. It takes someone like Allison to bring this walk to the community. Allison is an inspiration,” said Algredo, thanking the advocate for her exceptional work.
Babita Bhajan tearfully recalled the loss of his sister Chandra, who died at a very young age. “It’s tough losing Chandra, she was so strong, she fought hard.”
Members of the NYPD DESI Society, with emcee Raquel Baldeo, far right, supported the Queens Cancer Walk at its 11th annual celebration at Smokey Oval Park on Sept. 19.Tangerine Clarke
“She had so much hope. She found people on Tik Tok, who supported and encouraged her. She found comfort and peace there. People she didn’t know were reaching out to her. She saw young people passing away, and worried if she would be next,” said Babita, mournfully.
With tears running down her cheeks, Babita said, “It was not only Cha’s fight with cancer, but the joy she had for life. She loved dancing, and traveling.”\
“Traveling gave her the strength to come back home, undergo chemotherapy, and then travel again. She loved life, but unfortunately it was cut short. We all miss her very much. She will forever be in our hearts,” said Babita, adding that she and her sisters came to the cancer walk to honor and remember their sister, whose Tik Tok handle was “Cha the Warrior.”
“We are here for all who are fighting for their lives, and those who have lost family and friends to this disease,” said Babita, thanking Allison Alexis, whom she said has been wonderful, and supportive of her family.
Chandra Bhajan’s daughter, Tina Rampertabe, said her 56-year-old mother passed away in January 2026 of breast cancer,” Bhajan said. This was the reason she attended the Queens Cancer Walk for the first time: to support breast cancer warriors.
“My mom found out she had cancer during a routine mammogram screening and was diagnosed with Metastatic breast cancer,” Bhajan said. “She returned to the hospital after she had breathing problems. That was when fluid was found in her lungs, and metastasized.”
At age 30, Tina, a Registered Nurse, plans this year to get her first mammogram due to her family’s history. She thanked Alexis, and her group who have been the support system that helped her family.
Alex said this year’s walk has been amazing, with many more vendors than in the past supporting the casual.
“Friends come out every year, and despite having a full-time job, I have been successful hosting the yearly Queens Cancer Walk.”
Family members of Chandra Bhajan, who lost her bout with cancer in January 2026, came out to support the Queens Cancer Walk hosted by Allison Alexis, who they said was their support system in times of grief. From left are Sunita, Grace, Mala, Sari, Tina, Sharon, and Babita.Tangerine Clarke
The champion, however, confessed to having a scare last year when she discovered a pulsating pain in the back of her head. Fortunately, for her though, tests proved she had nothing to worry about pertaining to her cancer journey.
“I am getting more sleep, and keeping stress away. Everything I eat is what my mom fed me while I was growing. I can live on fruits and vegetables. I have a passion for helping and sharing with others. When I am no longer here, share the pictures of people I made happy,” said the advocate.
Also in attendance were Rokeya Akhter of the Office of District Attorney Malinda Katz, LiveOnNY, Community Board #9, NYPD DESI Society, SocaCize Fitness, The Family Center, Better Vision Optical, Autumn Arts and Crafts, and others.
District Director Anthony Lemma, on behalf of Assemblymember David Weprin’s office, presented Citations to volunteer youths, Racquel Baldeo, Anaya Vasquez, and Sarah Sookraj.