Staten Island martial arts students raise $10K through ‘Kick for a Cure’ program | Inside Out

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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Students from Dragon Kim’s Karate USA presented a check for $10,000 to Dr. Daniel J. Messina, president and chief executive officer of Richmond University Medical Center in support of the breast cancer care programs at the West Brighton health care facility — as well as its Comprehensive Breast and Imaging Center.

The funds were raised by the students of the martial arts school who sold pink karate belts throughout the month of October, which is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“On behalf of our entire hospital, I can’t say thank you enough for thinking of us and more importantly, our patients who come to us for screenings and for treatment after being diagnosed with breast cancer,” Dr. Messina said. “Our hospital has served Staten Island for nearly 120 years. Thanks to support from our community and from our neighbors like you, we will go on serving Staten Island for many more years to come.”

Prior to the check presentation, students from the school provided an exhibition of their skills, including breaking wooden boards with elbows, kicks and hand chops.

Each year the students support RUMC through their “Kick for a Cure” program — and this year’s donation was the largest since the program began several years ago.

The check was presented to Dr. Messina by Dragon Master Robert Kim, owner and head instructor at…