STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Since October has been designated “Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” St. Joseph Hill Academy played host to its Fifth Annual Breast Cancer Walk And Bake-A-Thon in memory of Doreen Quirk, the grandmother of Antonia Lanni, Class of 2026, and AnnaDoreen Lanni, Class of 2022.
Doreen succumbed to complications of breast cancer in 2010 at age 56.
And since that time family members have also participated in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Clove Lakes Park representing a team called “In Memory of Doreen Quirk.” And over the years they’ve raised more than $50,000 for the cause from their team alone.
“My mom was the backbone of our entire family and our lives have changed forever since she is gone,” said Supreme Court Justice Susan Quirk, Doreen’s daughter and the mom of Antonia and AnnaDoreen Lanni.
From the left, Antonia Lanni and teacher, Denise Benson. (Courtesy/Lanni family)Staten Island Advance
“Everything I do, I do in her honor,” Quirk added. “She was so beautiful, kind, loving and growing up everyone went to my mom for whatever they needed.”
Quirk went on to explain that her daughters help direct the Annual Bake-a-Thon and Walk-a-thon at the Arrochar school and Larry Hansen, the school principal, not only conducts the event but donates all proceeds to the American Cancer Society in memory of Doreen.
Eileen Gregor, director of Early Childhood, After School Programs and executive camp director, and Sister Mary Coffelt, provincial superior and president of St. Joseph Hill Academy, and students at the Arrochar school. (Courtesy/Lanni family)Staten Island Advance
Quirk noted that Hansen’s efforts have have been extraordinary over the years, as well as the faculty and parents whose children attend the elementary school.
And though COVID-19 set the event back a few years, the sale has nonetheless become a Hill tradition.
Last year, St. Joseph Hill raised $4,500 and this year a close…
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