Christian Spencer

At Bloom Botanical Bistro in Forest Hills, the music carried more than rhythm, it carried hope.

On October 17, the Etcetera Band transformed their monthly performance into a night of healing and remembrance, raising funds for stage 4 breast cancer research and for their friend, Jeanette Mercado, who is currently fighting the disease.

For band members James and Claire Ramsay, the cause hits home.

Claire, a breast cancer survivor, lost her mother, Leslie Connolly, to stage 4 breast cancer in March of last year.

“I wanted to do something that would honor my mom and give back to the women I know,” Claire said. “This isn’t just an event. It’s personal.”

The Ramsays partnered with Reclaim October, a grassroots organization founded by Trish Michelle to empower women and promote breast cancer awareness.

Together, they organized a fundraiser featuring live performances, raffles, and giveaways at the Metropolitan Avenue restaurant, where the Etcetera Band performs monthly.

The event also supported the Magee Women’s Research Institute, which focuses on women’s cancers, including breast and gynecological cancers.

“We’ve been close to the cause for years,” James said. “My wife is a survivor, and we lost her mom just a year ago. We’ve performed for the American Cancer Society and other events before, but this one felt different — this one was family.”

While Claire worked with the band and venue owners to bring the event to life, she also leaned on her friendships forged online through shared experiences of cancer. One of those friends is Mercado, whose own fight has inspired many across Queens.

Mercado, who was first diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer in 2021, endured chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery before learning in 2022 that the cancer had spread to her bones, liver, and lungs.

“I did everything they advised,” she said. “Then I started getting pain in my hip, and it turned out to be stage 4.”

Despite her diagnosis, Mercado has continued working full time and uses her story to spread hope.

“I’ve had so much support — from strangers, family, friends, my colleagues. It’s been amazing,” she said. “It’s all about your mindset. There are hard days, but you have to stay positive and believe that you’ll get through it.”

That mindset echoed throughout the evening at Bloom, where community members filled the cozy bistro, singing along, bidding on raffles, and celebrating the survivors among them.

“Music heals,” Claire said. “We wanted people to leave feeling encouraged and to know they’re not alone.”

As the band played their final set of the night, applause swelled, not just for the music, but for the message.

A good song can make healing feel possible.

NYC Marathon Spotlights Two Inspiring Queens Athletes

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

Two Queens runners are among the 26 athletes selected by New York Road Runners for Team Inspire, a group spotlighted for their compelling stories leading up to the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. Ceil Witherspoon of Long Island City and Karen Bdera of East Elmhurst exemplify the resilience, dedication, and community spirit that have made the marathon one of the most iconic sporting events in the world.

The marathon, set for Sunday, Nov. 2, draws more than 55,000 runners from around the globe and two million spectators lining streets across all five boroughs. The race is known for its inclusivity, welcoming Olympians, Paralympians, first-time runners, and final finishers alike. Team Inspire represents one mile of the 26.2-mile course for each athlete, highlighting the diverse and inspiring ways running transforms lives.

Origins of Running

For Bdera, a 41-year member of NYRR, running began in 1984 after seeing a bus ad that read, “Who says women can’t run the world.” She had never been a competitive runner in high school or college.

“I said, I think I can do that,” Bdera recalled. “I didn’t feel threatened, because there wouldn’t be any alpha-type men trying to push through me. I just sort of fell in love with it.” Over the years, she has completed more than 700 NYRR races and met her husband while volunteering at a race, forming lifelong connections through running.

Witherspoon’s path to running was shaped by health and circumstance. Growing up with asthma, she never imagined participating in a marathon. Her introduction to the sport came through volunteering with City Harvest, the nonprofit that provides free nutritious food to New Yorkers in need.

“The reason I did the marathon was because I could, if I could run to raise money to feed people, that’s a reason to do something,” Witherspoon said.

Training and Preparation

The two athletes approach preparation differently, reflecting their experience and health considerations.

Bdera begins her marathon build in June, gradually increasing mileage with structured runs through Queens parks, including Astoria Park and Flushing Meadows-Corona Park.

“Part of that is also knowing where every great bathroom is, knowing that you can get on a bus or the subway if something goes awry,” she said. Her training is methodical, building endurance while tapering before the race to prevent injury.

Witherspoon navigates the added challenge of asthma. She described her first marathon as “really hard” and admitted early coaching did not account for her limitations.

“I was a beginner. The first half of the marathon to 13 miles was okay, but starting at 11:30, everything was closing down,” she said. Over the years, she has adjusted her preparation to accommodate both weather and her health.

“This year, it’s cold outside. I have to stay as warm as possible and make sure my lungs don’t seize up like last year,” she said.

The Experience of the Race

Both runners emphasize the energy and inclusivity of the marathon, but their perspectives differ.

Bdera reflects on the growth of the marathon over her 25 years.

“Now the race has grown to the extent that there are five waves of people on all levels… It respects the entire gamut of the running community. It really is mind-blowing,” she said. She recalls her first marathon as a smaller, more intimate race and marvels at how NYRR has maintained a supportive and welcoming environment amid tens of thousands of participants.

Witherspoon, often a final finisher, experiences the race as a deeply immersive event.

“There’s so much going on—the music, the cheering, all the sounds—you really can’t concentrate on anything else but just making sure you’re walking okay, don’t hit a pothole,” she said. Completing the marathon represents more than a personal accomplishment; it is a way to inspire others and support City Harvest.

“When I come home with the medal, I think, okay, I did this. Now this is going to work out for a lot of people,” she said.

Being Part of Team Inspire

Both athletes describe Team Inspire as a unique opportunity to motivate others.

“For me, Team Inspire means I can motivate someone who is older to do something they never thought they would and enjoy doing it,” Witherspoon said.

Bdera sees the team as a network of support and inspiration.

“The group that has been assembled… have stories that are truly amazing. It really makes me feel like I’ve got a support net that we just met, and we feel like family,” she said.

Looking Ahead

Bdera is considering future marathons cautiously, with the milestone of 25 looming large.

“25 is a convenient number, although I’ve had a few people say, well, the marathon is 26.2 so you have to at least one more after this one,” she said.

Witherspoon reflects on her journey from a first-time marathon walker to a five-time finisher.

“I was going to quit after the second marathon, but then something inspired me to keep going,” she said. “I have to wait and see what happens, to figure out if I’m going to do it six times next year.”

For both, the marathon is more than a race; it is a celebration of resilience, community, and the transformative power of running.

“Anything is possible if you set your mind to it,” Bdera said.

NYC Students to Rally at City Hall Against Statewide Device Ban

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

A coalition of New York City students is planning a rally at City Hall during winter break to oppose the state’s newly implemented ban on Wi-Fi-enabled personal devices in public schools, arguing the policy widens inequities and hampers learning.

The demonstration, organized by Voluntas Juvenium, a student-led nonprofit known as “Will of the Youth,” follows a petition with more than 5,000 signatures and growing online support. The group’s campaign calls for what it describes as a “student-centered device policy” — one that balances classroom focus with flexibility for caregiving, communication, and academic needs.

Students from across the five boroughs have joined the effort, representing schools such as Brooklyn Technical High School, Bronx Science, Townsend Harris, Newtown, Francis Lewis, LaGuardia, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Many are helping to organize petition drives, coordinate outreach, and mobilize classmates to attend the upcoming City Hall protest. Voluntas Juvenium leaders say the cross-school coalition reflects a shared frustration with the ban’s impact on learning and communication, uniting students from specialized, arts, and neighborhood high schools under one cause.

“It’s our social responsibility to dismantle barriers and make sure overlooked voices are heard,” said Yu Hei Ip, a board member of Voluntas Juvenium and founder of the initiative. “We’re not asking for phones in class — we’re asking for policies that respect students’ lives, promote learning, and close equity gaps.”

The policy, which took effect statewide this fall, restricts students from bringing or using any Wi-Fi-enabled personal device, including phones, tablets, and laptops on school grounds. While the move was intended to curb classroom distractions, students say it has created logistical problems and academic setbacks.

“When they announced it on the first day of school, everyone just booed,” said Jin Park, founder of Voluntas Juvenium and student body president of The Brooklyn Latin School. “Our school doesn’t even have enough working laptops. Phones often fill that gap. For many students, they’re the only way to access Google Classroom, email teachers, or complete assignments.”

Park and Ip, both seniors, said enforcement has varied widely across schools. Some campuses use locking pouches to store phones, while others require students to surrender their devices to the main office. “At our school, the line to pick up phones at the end of the day is 20 minutes long,” Ip said.

Beyond inconvenience, students say the ban disproportionately impacts lower-income schools that lack up-to-date technology. “Private schools and wealthier communities still have access to resources,” Park said. “This just widens the digital divide.”

Students interviewed described difficulties completing college applications, studying during lunch periods, and communicating with family members — especially those who serve as caregivers or work after school.

“The time it takes just to log into a school laptop can eat up half the period,” Ip said. “Everything is online now. Taking away devices takes away the tools we need to learn.”

Teachers, too, have expressed reservations, according to Ip, who serves on his school’s student senate. “Most of the teachers I’ve spoken to didn’t want this policy,” he said. “They know students rely on devices to check grades, submit homework, and communicate through email.”

Voluntas Juvenium, which has more than 1,200 members across 17 countries, has organized hundreds of community service and advocacy projects. The group’s leaders say their experience working with local legislators, including Assemblymember Emily Gallagher and Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, has prepared them to navigate the political aspects of the campaign.

The upcoming City Hall protest is expected to draw at least 500 students, according to organizers, though they are aiming for double that number. The event will feature student speakers, press briefings, and outreach to elected officials.

“This is about setting a precedent,” Ip said. “We want to show that youth can organize, speak up, and influence change. Every major movement starts with students.”

The group has proposed a compromise policy allowing devices to remain “off and away” during instruction, but accessible during non-class periods such as lunch or passing time. Their framework also calls for restorative enforcement approaches and better funding for schools with outdated technology.

Park said the goal isn’t outright defiance, but reform. “The ideal outcome would be a full repeal,” he said. “But if that’s not possible right now, we want amendments that make this policy livable — and fair — for students.”

The rally date has not yet been finalized, but Voluntas Juvenium plans to coordinate with the NYPD and City Hall for permits. In the coming weeks, student organizers will continue recruiting high school representatives citywide to mobilize participation.

“When you dare to share your perspective,” Ip said, “you don’t just claim your own space, you give others permission to do the same. We’re building something that can outlast us.”

 

Inside Breast Cancer Awareness Month with Dr. Roudakova

MOHAMED FARGHALY

mfarghaly@queensledger.com

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Dr. Kseniya Roudakova, MD, a fellowship-trained and board-certified breast surgeon at NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County, reflected on the significance of the month, her experiences treating patients, and the ongoing fight against one of the most common cancers affecting women today.

“It’s a time for us to come together, honor survivors, celebrate their strength, and acknowledge everything healthcare providers are doing to combat breast cancer. In the process, we’re also raising awareness,” Dr. Roudakova.

For Dr. Roudakova, Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not only symbolic—it can be lifesaving. “I actually had an interesting case,” she recalled. “One of my patients, a man, discovered a lump on himself during Breast Cancer Awareness Month after learning that males can also be affected. He palpated a mass and came to see me. That’s how he was diagnosed with breast cancer. So, yes, this month truly makes a difference. It’s impactful.”

Understanding Breast Cancer

Dr. Roudakova explained that breast cancer has no single cause, and that patients should not blame themselves. “When my patients ask why they got cancer, I always tell them, ‘Don’t blame yourself.’ It’s not anything that you did or didn’t do,” she said. “It’s multifactorial—it can be related to genes, environmental factors, or sometimes things beyond our control.”

She added that the best line of defense is early detection through regular screenings. “Hopefully, everyone is getting their mammograms annually if they’re over the age of 40 and at average risk,” she said. “You might not feel anything wrong, but imaging can detect early signs before symptoms appear. Early detection gives patients the best possible prognosis.”

Why Early Detection Matters

“The earlier you catch it, the more likely you are to treat it successfully,” Dr. Roudakova emphasized. “When we diagnose breast cancer early, there are more treatment options available, and outcomes are better.”

For women, she explained, annual mammograms beginning at age 40 are the standard for those at average risk. “For high-risk women, supplemental or earlier screening might be necessary,” she said. “Everyone over the age of 25 should undergo a risk assessment with their provider to determine whether they’re average or high risk.”

While breast cancer in men is rare, she said awareness remains essential. “Male breast cancer accounts for about 1% of all cases, but it does exist,” she said. “If men notice changes in their breast, they should bring it up to their doctor. There’s no official screening recommendation for men, but vigilance is key.”

After a Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis is confirmed, Dr. Roudakova said the next steps involve a multidisciplinary approach. “It starts with imaging, followed by a biopsy,” she said. “If cancer is confirmed, I meet with the patient to discuss what type of breast cancer they have. The treatment is tailored to the individual—it’s not one-size-fits-all.”

That treatment, she explained, often involves a team of specialists. “It’s not just me as a surgeon,” she said. “We have medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other professionals who all come together to propose an individualized plan. It’s a team effort.”

Clearing Up Misconceptions

Dr. Roudakova said one of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is the belief that breast cancer must show symptoms before it’s serious. “Sometimes it’s not symptomatic—and that’s actually the best time to catch it,” she said. “Just because you don’t feel a lump doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be screened.”

She also cautioned against comparing one’s treatment to another’s. “Breast cancer is unique to each patient,” she said. “Just because your mother or sister had a certain treatment doesn’t mean it’s the right one for you. Every case is individualized, and that’s what makes personalized care so important.”

When Cancer Goes Untreated

When left undiagnosed or untreated, breast cancer can spread to other parts of the body—a stage when surgery is no longer curative. “Too late, for me as a surgeon, would be stage four cancer,” she explained. “That means it’s metastasized to areas like the lungs, bones, liver, or brain. At that point, treatment becomes palliative. Timing is everything. The earlier you catch it, the more options there are for treatment—and the better the chances for survival.”

Advances in Treatment and Surgery

Dr. Roudakova said that breast cancer research and technology continue to evolve rapidly, giving patients more options and better outcomes than ever before. “Tumor genomics is a big advancement,” she said. “It helps predict whether the cancer might recur and whether chemotherapy will be beneficial. It allows us to personalize treatment—sometimes even avoiding chemotherapy altogether if it’s not necessary.”

She added that surgical techniques have also advanced to preserve both form and function. “We’re constantly working to make procedures less invasive while maintaining the best cosmetic outcomes,” she said. “We now have hidden-scar surgeries, nipple-sparing mastectomies, and various reconstructive options. We also take measures to reduce long-term complications, like arm swelling after surgery. It’s an exciting, ever-evolving field.”

A Message of Hope

As the month dedicated to breast cancer awareness continues, Dr. Roudakova’s message remains one of urgency, trust, and hope.

“Don’t wait until the last minute to address symptoms,” she said. “Timing is of the essence. Trust your healthcare providers, especially if they have the right credentials. And remember, if breast cancer is caught early, everything is going to be okay. It’s very much treatable, and we’re here to help.”