A WORD FROM THE BOARD - Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

FOR
LIFE
•
FOR
HOPE
•
FOR
CHANGE
•
FOR
IN THIS ISSUE:
Volume 21, Issue 3
THE
F U T U R E
fall 2015
A Word from the Board ........................................... 1
Knowledge is Power ................................................ 2
Board of Directors ................................................... 3
Plastic Safety Tips......................................................3
Lend a Helping Hand Testimonial ............................4
In Honor of/In Memory of ...................................... 5
In the Spotlight ........................................................ 6
Coping with Cancer and the Holidays .................... 8
In Gratitude ........................................................... 11
What A Vision! ...................................................... 12
Ribbon Path In Honor/In Memory .........................14
O Path In Honor/In Memory..................................14
Dedicate a Brick .................................................... 15
Volunteer Van Driver Needed ............................... 16
Save the Dates ....................................................... 16
A word from the board
By Tess Helfman
Many changes are in store here at
the BBCC for 2016. Last January,
Suzanne Schettino, our dedicated vice
president and longest serving board
member, and I, who have served as a
volunteer for 12 years, six of those
years as president, gave notice that it
was to be our last year serving in our
positions. Our transition team has
been hard at work making the necessary plans for 2016, and we are leaving
behind the strongest, most compassionate team possible.
Suzanne has been a steadfast partner, and I am grateful to have had her
by my side during my presidency. She
had the history to share with me and
the steadfast, even-keeled loyalty
needed to get this grassroots organization through the transition we made
six years ago when the last of our
founders stepped down from the presidency. Taking on a grassroots organization from a founder is a difficult and
daunting task because most grassroots
nonprofits fail when a founder steps
away. As with any close-knit community, loyalties splintered a bit for us in
the beginning, but the BBCC did
manage to get through the difficult
times and managed the transition with
great success. We have, in fact, broadened our reach and been able to
expand our level of services. In 2016
and beyond, the new leadership will
continue on this great mission, and we
have every confidence that they will
do so with the same passion that has
kept us successfully serving the community for 22 years.
Our mission is bigger than any one
person, so it is a wonderful testament
to our current board and employees
that we continue to come up with
ways to support the sustainability of
this mission — no matter who comes
and goes. Through it all, the ones who
have had the flexibility to sway with
the winds of change are those who
fostered its success. Suzanne and I
have watched with great pleasure as
the new leadership has emerged, and
we know these are going to be the
strong voices that stand behind the
families we serve and that the BBCC
will continue to thrive in its mission.
The 2016 team is amazing, and I am
so proud of them! As my husband and
I look forward to some changes that
we hope will bring us closer to family
and our beautiful grandchildren, the
2016 transition team has made the
worry of making sure this mission
remains intact and sustainable so
much easier.
It has been my great honor to serve
the community as president of this
amazing organization. I have been so
humbled by the great people I have
gotten to know and am blessed by so
many lasting friendships. I will continue to champion this cause and, as part
of our transition, will still volunteer
my time and for a while longer will
continue to be the administrator of
our Lend a Helping Hand Program. I
will also be there to support the new
leaders with any other help they need.
(continued on page 6)
Knowledge is Power!
L.I. COMMUNITY BREAST
AND GYNECOLOGIC
CANCER GROUPS:
Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition
631.893.4110
www.babylonbreastcancer.org
Brentwood/Bay Shore Breast Cancer
Coalition
English 631.273.9252
Spanish 631.951.6908
www.bbsbcc.org
Brookhaven Breast Cancer Survivorship
Coalition
631.654.7577
E-mail [email protected]
Coalition for Women’s Cancers at
Southampton Hospital
631.726.8715
www.cwcshh.org
Glen Cove C.A.R.E.S.
516.671.0629
www.glencovecares.org
Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition
516.829.1139
www.greatneckbcc.org
Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition
631.547.1518
www.hbcac.org
Islip Breast Cancer Coalition
631.968.7424
www.islipbreastcancer.com
Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition
516.943.3404
www.longbeachbcc.com
Lucia’s Angels (late stage support)
631.204.9331 • www.luciasangels.org
Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against
Breast Cancer • 516.627.2410
www.manhassetbreastcancer.org
Mid-Nassau Lend A Helping Hand
1.888.420.1030
www.midnassaulahh.org
National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
(NOCC) 631.838.4357
www.ovarian.org/LI
Northfork Breast Health Coalition
631.208.8889
www.northforkbreasthealth.org
North Shore Neighbors Breast Cancer
Coalition • 631.255.2401
www.northshoreneighbors.org
West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition for LI
631.669.7770
www.wibcc.org
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS:
American Cancer Society
800.ACS.2345 • www.cancer.org
Suffolk 631.300.3185
Nassau 516.921.6082
Breast Cancer Action
877.2STOPBC • www.bcaction.org
Cancer Care
800.813.4673 • www.cancercare.org
L.I. Division: 516.364.8130
NCI Cancer Trials
www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials
National Institute of Environmental Health
Sciences • www.niehs.nih.gov
National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC)
202.296.7477
National Cancer Institute
800.4cancer
www.nci.nih.gov
National Center for Complementary
& Integrative Health www.nccih.nih.gov
NY State Department of Health
1.800.458.1158
www.health.state.ny.us
LONG ISLAND BREAST AND
GYNECOLOGIC CANCER
SUPPORT AND HOTLINES:
Adelphi NYS Breast Cancer
Support Program • 516.877.4320
Hotline 800.877.8077
Cure Mommy’s Breast Cancer
516.967.1148
www.curemommy.org
Hewlett House • 516.374.3190
LI Oceans Ovarian Cancer Education
Advocacy Support Network
631.928.0298 • www.lioceans.org
North Shore Family Guidance Center
Free support groups for teens
516.626.1971
SHARE – Breast Cancer Hotline
866.891.2392
SHARE – Ovarian Cancer Hotline
866.537.4273
SHARE – Latina Hotline
212.719.4454
Suffolk Y JCC
Support group for breast and ovarian
cancer patients • 631.462.9800
2 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
LONG ISLAND BREAST
HEALTH CENTERS:
Breast Health Center at Winthrop
University Hospital • 516.663.2400
Brookhaven Women’s Imaging Services
Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical
Center
631.654.7448
Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center
Stony Brook University Hospital
631.638.1000
Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at
Southampton Hospital 631.726.8466
Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather
Hospital • 631.476.2771
Good Samaritan Breast Health Center
631.376.3736
St. Catherine’s of Siena Breast Health
Center • 631.862.3171
OTHER SUPPORT:
Cancer Care Hopeline
1.800.813.HOPE (4673)
Cancer Services Program of Suffolk
Breast and cervical screening for
under/uninsured • 631.548.6320
HER2+ Patient Support
www.HERconnection.com 866.449.HER2
Hite: Health Information Tool
www.hitesite.org
BBCC Board
of Directors:
Tess Helfman, President
Suzanne Schettino,
Vice President
Darrell Conway, Esq.,
Secretary
Michele Fiore, Co Treasurer
Frank Pokorney,
Co Treasurer
Jeanne Birkel
Denise Botiglione
Lorraine Geyer
Vicki Jauron
Debbie Kolovich
Karen Kunkel
Erika Tripoli
Lymphedema Patient Support
www.lymphedemapeople.com
SHARSHERET
Breast cancer support for Jewish women •
www.sharsheret.org
SIBS Place
Support for children with a parent or
sibling with cancer • 516.374.3000
Sisters Network, Inc.
Breast cancer support for African American
women
www.sistersnetworkinc.org
Witness Project of Long Island
Breast and cervical cancer education for
African American women
631.422.7642
Contributed by Beverly Flaherty our Be Smart Program Coordinator
Did you know what the codes on
the bottom of plastic containers
really mean? They are recycling
codes, but they can also tell you
which plastics to avoid and which
plastics are safer to use.
The symbols tell you important
information regarding the toxic
chemicals used in the plastic, how
likely the chemicals are to leach into
your food, and the biodegradability
of the plastic. Refer to the charts
above and check out your favorite
plastic items!
Remember to use stainless steel
water bottles whenever possible.
Also, never cook with plastic or plastic wrap in the microwave. Always
use glass or paper, and cover the food
with a paper towel or wax paper.
Make smart choices for your
health!
newsletter
Editorial
committee:
Tess Helfman
Terry Prag
Beverly Flaherty
Claire Meirowitz, Copy
Editor
Agapito Design Studio,
Graphic Design
Contributions for this issue
also made by Lorraine Geyer.
Look Good, Feel Better
631.376.3736
Long Island Cancer Help & Wellness
Center • 631.675.9003
PLASTIC SAFETY TIP:
Proud Supporters
WOULD YOUR
BUSINESS LIKE TO
SPONSOR AN
UPCOMING ISSUE OF
THE BBCC’S
NEWSLETTER?
This newsletter used to be funded
in part by a grant that is no longer
available and we could use some
help. It’s a terrific community service
and clearly demonstrates your commitment to helping prevent and educate the community about breast and
gynecological cancer. For more information and other ways you can help
with this and our other programs,
contact the BBCC at 631.893.4110.
Alexandra McDonough
Anne Demopoulis
Artie Shaw
Babylon DECA Club
Babylon Honda
Betty Lou Fahie
Bikers for Boobies
Bohlsen Restaurant
Group
Brickman Group
Care to Knit
Courtney Kate
Eileen Lamotte
Home Depot Copiague
Janet Cimino
Janet Powell King
Jeanne Birkel
Jeff Comiskey
John Capurso of Stables
Katherine Rooney
Kathryn Margiotta
Kerryanne Augello
of Skills USA
Mary Ann
Mandelino-Pino
Michael Indrigo
Miss Barbara’s Preschool
Norah Gusmerotti
North Babylon
Teachers’ Organization
Off Key Tikki
Restaurant
Pam Stockley
Pamela Warren
Peter Devine
Powell Funeral Home
Rachel Burke
Risa Locascio
Rosalie Scarfi
Rothco
Ruth Ann Klaus
Sally Gabriel
Salvatrice Pino
Toni Anne Summers
Verizon Lindenhurst
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 3
lend a helping hand testimonial
Donna Barile
My name is Donna Barile, and I am
both a breast and ovarian cancer
survivor (both Stage III).
It started in 2001 when, at the age
of 31, I found a lump in my breast on
Father’s Day. I called my regular
gynecologist, who counseled me to
“wait a few months, it’s probably just
a cyst.” I was not comfortable with
that advice and decided to consult
with my mom’s breast surgeon for
a second opinion. Surgery was
scheduled for three days later, and
my frozen pathology section showed
it was cancer. My second surgery
revealed I had metastatic disease in
my lymph nodes, Stage III TNBC
(triple negative breast cancer).
Married only two years to my
awesome husband, we were about
to face a tough battle. Eight chemo
treatments and 36 radiation
treatments later, I was declared
cancer-free!
I wish I had known about the
BBCC back then but had no idea. I
was told I was in chemo-induced
menopause. I went through genetic
counseling and tested negative at the
time for both BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
Because my mom had passed
away from what was believed to be
metastatic breast cancer, I was
watched very closely. I had
countless needle biopsies, MRIguided biopsies, ultrasound-guided
biopsies – you name it, I had it,
including multiple biopsies and
mammo clip placements.
I was told I would never have
children. I figured I’d live my life. I
was thankful to be alive – only to
discover in 2005 that I was pregnant,
and with twins no less! Time went on
and, in 2012, my entire family’s lives
changed forever. My older sister
received the news that not only did
she have breast cancer, but she
was also a BRCA1 gene carrier. I
wondered how that could be. On the
advice of my breast surgeon, we
decided to revisit the genetic
counseling to see if something had
been missed. Lo and behold, with all
the advances that had been made in
the field of genetics, I now tested
positive for the BRCA1 mutation,
which was pertinent to my ethnic
background.
I opted for a bilateral prophylactic
mastectomy with immediate DIEP
flap reconstruction. Why take any
chances? Ironically, when my
pathology report came back, I
actually was also diagnosed with
DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ, stage
0 breast cancer). After five months of
recovery, I decided Stage 2 of
reconstruction was something I really
wanted to do. I figured, being
BRCA-positive, I will have my
ovaries and fallopian tubes out “just
to be on the safe side!” I found a
4 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
surgeon who worked with my plastic
surgeon, who ironically is a
gynecologist. She sent me for a
sonogram and decided I needed
surgery sooner than later. A week
later I was diagnosed with ovarian
cancer.
My second surgery was a
compete hysterectomy with optimal
debulking, which means removing all
the cancer except for residual nodules
less than 1 cm in diameter. It turned
out that I was now diagnosed with
Stage III ovarian cancer. I suffered
through C-diff and wound vac
(vacuum-assisted closure) before
chemo began.
This is where the Babylon Breast
Cancer Coalition blessed me by
coming into my life. I knew I had a
tough road ahead of me. Being a
stay-at-home mom to 9-year-old
twins, with one a special needs kid, is
challenging. How could I hold it
together so my house could remain as
normal as possible? My niece in
Chicago did some research and
found the BBCC. She told me to give
them a call. That was the best phone
call I have every made!! Upon calling,
I spoke to Tess. She told me of all the
programs that were available and all
the ways the BBCC could help! For
the very first time in the entire year, I
cried happy tears!
I entered the BBCC Lend a
Helping Hand program. To have
professional cleaners come to my
home and clean was more than I
could ask for (with a husband,
9-year-old boys and their friends, and
a dog, you could imagine! lol). One
afternoon I came home from a
doctor’s appointment to find a book
in my mailbox titled, Outshine, by
Karen Ingalls. It was a memoir written by an ovarian cancer survivor. For
the first time, I thought I might actually be okay. The book, I later found
out, was dropped off by Tess.
AMAZING!
I completed 18 chemotherapies.
When I called to let the BBCC know
I did not need any more cleaning and
to say thank you, they sent flowers to
congratulate me! Unfortunately, my
doctor wanted me to undergo six
more treatments because of my double-digit CA 125 (a tumor marker for
ovarian cancer). The BBCC had contacted me to ask whether I’d like to
get involved in something. I told
them about my current chemo situation, and they kindly sent more
cleaning help. When my chemo was
finally done on September 23, 2014,
the BBCC once again sent me a beautiful bouquet of flowers to congratulate me. I have attended both their
mediation and Reiki healing groups;
these helped me not only emotionally to deal with my cancer, but also
spiritually. To me, the BBCC ladies
are truly angels on Earth.
They are loving, kind and, most
importantly, genuine. They truly care
about each and every one of us. Most
recently, I was honored to join the
“Passing of the Torch” at the Ovarian
Cancer Walk to help raise awareness
that breast and ovarian cancers are
linked, and that we need to stand
together! For me personally, having
the BBCC give back so much to our
community is truly amazing and a
blessing. The love and support they
provide to someone with cancer is
personal, and the ladies make you
feel just that. Thank you, Tess, Terry,
Beverly and all who volunteer and
offer love and support. You are so
very much appreciated and – more
importantly – loved!!
Donna Barile
In MEMORY of
Ann Traverso by Christina
and John Buonamano
Ann Traverso by
Mr. and Mrs. Pat Colarullo
Ann Traverso by Barbara Chiappetta
Patricia Goess by the
Babylon Dental Family
Grace Hordisky by
Mary Como
Grace Hordisky by
Sal Como
Grace Hordisky by
Annette Ferraro
Pam Costidis by
Jodi and Dean Gillen
In Honor of
Janet King by
Linda Thompson
Marian Barr by
Jackie and Kenneth Feit
Nancy Keller by Salon Seven
Linda Falzarano by
Melissa Serrano
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 5
in the spotlight:
Volunteers Maryann, Eileen and Rose
As we sat down to think about
which volunteer to select for this
article, we realized how difficult a job
this is! We have so many wonderful
volunteers, each bringing his or her
own special something to the
Coalition. Over the past year, three
ladies have volunteered in the office
on a weekly basis, and we have come
to rely on them so much!
Maryann Dubartell is a whiz with
Excel spreadsheets and on typing. She
started working for us when we
created a master donor list more than
two years ago and has been coming in
weekly ever since. No job is too big or
small for Maryann; she just continues
until the job is finished.
Eileen Babich stopped into the
office to see whether we needed any
help after leaving a job in the
Maryann Dubartell
Eileen Babich
nonprofit sector. Eileen totally understands our mission and knows the ins
and outs of the nonprofit world. We
rely on Eileen to help with so many of
our day-to-day chores, which she
accomplishes with a smile on her face!
Our most recent addition is Rose
Grasso, who also brings with her
Word from the board
While the news is not yet official, I
am proud to announce that Karen
Kunkel will be stepping into the role
of president at our January annual
meeting. Karen, like Suzanne, is a
long-standing board member and has
also been a steadfast partner to me
these past years and a blessing to work
with during my time as president. She
has served the BBCC well through the
years as chairperson of our Research
Grant Committee and as a member of
our Scholarship Committee, and has
headed various fund-raising committees, including Chefs for a Cause.
Karen also dedicates time to our Be
Smart Program and is a long-time
Lend a Helping Hand Program volunteer. She is the perfect choice for the
amazing computer skills and a
willingness to help in any way she
can. Rose is wonderful on the phone,
too, making reminder calls to our
ladies about upcoming events.
Here’s a big THANK YOU to
Maryann, Eileen and Rose for all
your hard work!
(continued from cover)
role of president, and I am thrilled that
she has graciously stepped up to the
plate. She will bring with her the history of our beginnings, is an extraordinarily compassionate caregiver, has
great business sense, and fully
embraces keeping up with the changing climate in the charity sector. I
know she will do an amazing job, and
I wish her all the best.
We hope as we make our changes
that the community continues to support us and also recognizes the everchanging landscape that cancer presents to families as public health care
resources and government funding
continue to dry up. We, as a community, truly need to keep giving on a
very grassroots level to our neighbors;
6 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
Rose Grasso
we all need to stick together and support each other more than ever.
As we are in the holiday season
now, we ask you to remember that
cancer does not take a break for the
holidays. In fact, many of our
neighbors could use a hand, whether
it be rides to their treatments, help
around the house or with something
as simple as a hot, cooked meal. The
BBCC is able to do the good work we
do only because of your generosity, so
please consider giving a year-end gift
to the BBCC that will, in fact, be a
great gift to a neighbor in need.
We wish you and yours the very best
holidays and a healthy, happy and
prosperous new year.
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 7
Coping with Cancer and the
Holidays – A Delicate Balance
by Christina Bach, MBE, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
Festive parties,
neatly
wrapped
gifts, cheerful cards,
elaborate
meals,
family traditions,
New Year’s resolutions – there’s a lot
to be excited about
leading up to the holidays.
For many, the holiday season is a
joyous time of reconnecting with family and friends, overindulging in seasonal treats, and observing longstanding traditions (or creating new
ones). However, along with good tidings and cheer, the holidays also bring
steep expectations, obligations and
stress. When cancer is thrown into the
mix, the season becomes all the more
difficult.
Perhaps you’re struggling to schedule your treatments so you can attend
the annual family gathering held a
thousand miles from home. Maybe
you can’t afford to host your usual
holiday party, let alone buy gifts for
the kids, due to mounting medical
bills. Or simply, after all you’ve been
through, maybe you’re just not in the
mood for a big celebration.
Regardless of your situation, you
don’t have to choose between decking
the halls and coping with cancer.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy
the season while balancing the obligations and expectations of the holidays
and the demands of cancer.
Remember the reason
for the season
The holiday season isn’t a competition to see who can spend the most
money, travel the farthest, send out
cards the earliest, wrap presents the
best, or bake the most cookies. Think
about what the holidays mean to you.
What traditions does your family
observe? Which ones are feasible
given your health status, treatment
schedule, and supportive care needs?
Take time to reflect on your goals,
wishes, hopes and expectations for
the holiday season, and focus on
what’s most important to you and
your loved ones. You might decide to
modify existing traditions or even create new ones.
Prioritize your to-do
list
Write down the things you would
like to do during the holidays this
year. Whom would you like to see?
Perhaps you have been away from
work for some time and would really
like to reconnect with your co-workers and thank them for their support.
In this case, attending your company’s
holiday party may take precedence
over another event.
Once you’ve made a list of things
you’d like to do, move on to the
things you need to do and think of
ways to make them easier on you. For
example, if you are in charge of hosting your family’s Hanukkah dinner
this year, you might ask that everyone
pitch in to help cook, clean and prepare for the party.
You might decide to
modify existing traditions or even create
new ones.
The events and traditions left over
after you’ve made your want and need
lists are the ones you might consider
skipping this year, although this doesn’t mean that they aren’t important to
you. You can find other ways to
engage in holiday traditions even if
you won’t be physically present. For
example, if you’re unable to attend
your friend’s annual tree-trimming
party, send an ornament for her to
hang on the tree in your absence.
Instead of embarking on a marathon
trip to the mall on Black Friday, wait
until cyber-Monday and shop online
from the comfort of your home. If you
don’t have the time or energy to prepare a grand feast, hire a caterer or go
to a restaurant for a holiday meal. By
shifting how you participate in traditional activities, you can conserve
your energy for the things you need
and want to do most.
Keep the lines of
communication open
It’s important to let your family and
friends know your needs and wishes
for the holiday season. Otherwise,
they may assume that because you
have cancer you won’t be up for celebrating the holidays. If this is not the
case, tell them so. It’s also okay to set
limits and to say no if you aren’t feeling up to doing something. Figure out
what works best for you and your family, and take on the holidays accordingly.
Coping with cancer during the holidays is a challenge, but finding ways
to navigate the season on your own
terms can help you make the most of
this special time of year. Your “holidays by design” may turn out to be the
most memorable yet.
Christina Bach is an educational
content specialist and psychosocial
content editor at OncoLink
(OncoLink.org), as well as the education director for the Association of
Oncology Social Work. Previously,
Christina worked as a clinical oncology social worker in both inpatient and
outpatient
settings
at
Penn
Medicine/Abramson Cancer Center
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Reprinted by permission of COPING® magazine, copingmag.com
8 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org •9
IN GRATITUDE
As we approach the holiday season this year, the
BBCC is so grateful for all our friends, volunteers and
supporters. We are able to do what we do in no small
part thanks to your efforts, so thank you to all who
played a part, large or small, in assisting us this year.
That being said, we would like to say a special
thank you to Tanger Outlets at the Arches in
Deer Park again this year. General Manager
Nancy Larson reached out to us to say that its
corporate offices wanted to do something special
for a local family this year. One of our special ladies
and her family came to mind. We met at her home,
and the lovely ladies of Tanger, Nancy Larson
and Eileen Rupnick, presented her with a $1,000
shopping spree for the holidays!
Another special thank you goes out to Amore
Salon in West Babylon for the annual “Photos
with Santa” event held in November. Thank you to
Giovanna and the staff at Amore Salon for making
this day happen every year. And of course, a special
thank you goes to Santa Claus himself, Mrs. Claus,
our Santa’s helpers, Vicki from Babylon and Beyond
Photography, and our photographic assistants
Allison and Kayla. This is a magical day, and the
photos captured its very special spirit!
Thank you to Care to Knit Stitches of Love
Chapter for the 2 bags filled with beautiful
handmade pink scarves and hats. These special
items are added to our Gift of Health and
Inspiration bags and are so appreciated!
North Babylon Teachers Organization raised
$1,500 from wearing jeans during the month of
October at their schools and donated the funds to
the BBCC. The BBCC has helped several women
within their district and they wanted to give back
to an organization that assists local women.
We are so thankful for their generosity!
10 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
Pictured from left to right are Maria Byrnes from the Office
Personnel Chapter of the North Babylon Teachers Organization
and Jeanne Birkel from the BBCC.
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 11
What a Vision!
On September 1, the
Babylon Breast Cancer
Coalition, in conjunction
with the Town of Babylon,
celebrated the newly
expanded Vision of Hope
Garden. During a ribboncutting ceremony, Babylon
Town officials unveiled the
new Vision of Hope
Garden sign, denoting our
completion of the expansion project that incorporates the new O Path and
the Connector Pathway
adjacent to the Ribbon
Path. The addition to the
town park area is very welcoming, with its new seating, flora and sculptures.
At the ceremony, many
members of the community
heard the emotionally
moving speech by Tess
Helfman, president of the
Babylon Breast Cancer
Coalition. She described the purpose and inspiration for
the Connector Pathway, Ribbon Path and O Path, as well
as the families and friends who are honored in the new O
Path. She also reaffirmed the BBCC’s commitment to serving community residents afflicted with women's cancers,
and their families.
The Vision of Hope Garden was encased with a mix of
pink and teal flags this fall for the Pageant of Hope. The
flags and “In honor of” detachable ribbon streamers were
on display as a tribute to loved ones and to promote awareness of women’s cancers: September, representing women’s
gynecological cancers, and October, representing breast
cancer. The ribbon path was adorned with pink flowering
annuals and perennials donated by Stables Garden Center.
The new addition to the Vision of Hope Garden’s O Path
had an array of roses, plants and flowers donated and
by Lorraine Geyer
installed by John Geantasio
of Sparrow Landscaping. In
addition, a crepe myrtle tree
in the garden was donated by
Alpha Kappa Alpha-Sigma
PSI Omega Chapter Sorority
Sisters, and a forest pansy at
the west end of the garden
was donated by friends of
Pam Warren, Long Island
Chapter of the National
Ovarian Cancer Coalition. A
plaque was also installed at
the foot of the angel in the O
Path to honor the very generous donation made by the
family and friends of Nadia
Viola. Each path has
inscribed bricks in honor and
in memory of loved ones,
compliments of Wellwood
Memorials. Unfortunately,
due to severe weather conditions, the second annual
Pageant of Hope ceremony
planned for October 1 had to
be cancelled. The ceremony was intended to honor our
loved ones and express gratitude for the donations and
devotion of our volunteers and families in our community
For many years, Jon Mason, retired BBCC board member and friend, lovingly devoted his time and heart to the
Vision of Hope Garden, placing the engraved bricks in the
Ribbon Path. We would like to extend our thanks and
appreciation by dedicating the bench in the Connector
Path at the garden in his honor. The task of installing and
placing the bricks has been passed to Vincent Calone, who
has graciously agreed to and has already assumed the
responsibility.
We hope you will all take a moment to stop by and take
in the beauty of our Vision of Hope Garden. It’s located on
the southeast corner of Babylon Town Hall, 200 Sunrise
Highway in, Lindenhurst, N.Y.
12 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 13
Please remember when shopping Amazon:
Go to www.smile.amazon.com when
placing your order select Babylon Breast
Cancer Coalition to
receive donations and
.5% of the price of
your eligible purchase
will be donated to
the BBCC by Amazon
each time you make
a purchase.
DONATE
YOUR
CAR
TO BENEFIT THE
BABYLON BREAST
CANCER COALITION
Do you have an old car, boat, truck or
RV and don’t know what to do with it?
Consider donating it to Cars 4 Causes –
The Charity that Gives to Charities!
They offer a unique way for people to
donate to the BBCC by selling your
donated vehicle. The proceeds from the
sale are donated to the Coalition and
you get a tax write off! One simple
phone call takes care of it all!
CARS 4 CAUSES
“The Charity That Gives to Charities”
Call 1.800.766.CARE to donate or
for more information and don’t
forget to mention the Babylon
Breast Cancer Coalition
14 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • fall 2015
Many Thanks to our
recent brick donors
for the Vision of
Hope Garden
DEDICATE A BRICK
__ Red Brick (Ribbon Path) at $50 each.
__ Gray Brick (O Path) at $50 each.
(One form per brick please.)
RIBBON PATH In HONOR:
c In Memory
c In Honor
RoseMarie Grasso for Helen Giglio
Adanya Collins for
Margaret McGruder-Collin
Camille D. Smith for Camille D. Smith
Camille D. Smith for Pamela Laggy
Camille D. Smith for Camille Walter
Marian Barr for Millie Idone
Anthony Botiglione for
Denise Botiglione
RIBBON PATH In MEMORY:
Allan Goetz for Esther Goetz
Matilda Kozloski for Liz Savarese
Anthony Botiglione for
Suzanne Y. Braun
Anthony Botiglione for Julia Webb
Anthony Botiglione for Nicolina Prech
O PATH In HONOR:
Marian Barr for Mary Innace
O PATH In MEMORY:
Vanessa Benson for
RoseAnn E. Orkwis & Richard C.
Andrew Butler for Joan Bohn
Donna Cardello for Dolores Leach
Donna Cardello for Nadia Viola
Jimmie McGruder for
M. Juanita McGruder
Doris Puglisi for Dorothy Panetta
Cindy Simmonds for
Barbara Braunsdorf
Stephanie Taylor for
Helen Chafetz
Your Name: _____________________________
Name of person the brick is dedicated for:
_______________________________________
DEDICATE A BRICK
The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition is very proud of our
beautiful Vision of Hope Garden, located on the southeast
corner of Babylon Town Hall on Sunrise Highway in
Lindenhurst. The garden is filled with beautiful perennials
in shades of pink and white, lovely shade trees, a sculpture,
statues and benches, along with two brick-lined paths.
One in the shape of a pink awareness ribbon for those
affected by breast cancer, and the other in the shape of an
O Path for those affected by gynecological cancer. Bricks
have been purchased and inscribed in honor or memory of
loved one. The garden is a restful place for meditation and
relaxation and very visually inspiring. We invite you to
visit anytime.
Interested in dedicating an
inscribed brick?
HERE ARE THE SPECIFICS: Each brick costs $50 and
can have up to three lines engraved on it, with a maximum
of 10 characters per line. Whatever wording you’d like can
go on those lines as long as each line doesn’t exceed 10
characters.
Examples:
VIRGINIA A
LORRAINE
MASON
GEYER
1943-1994
SURVIVOR
If you’d like to purchase one, please complete the
DEDICATE A BRICK form and remit with your
payment to the BBCC at 100 Montauk Highway,
Copiague, NY 11726.
13 CHARACTERS PER LINE
INCLUDING SPACES
Line 1 _________________________________
Line 2 _________________________________
Line 3 _________________________________
(Please print clearly)
Please send acknowledgment of the brick(s)
purchase to:
Name _________________________________
Address ________________________________
_______________________________________
Phone _________________________________
Email __________________________________
Please notify the following when the brick
has been installed:
Name _________________________________
Address ________________________________
_______________________________________
Phone _________________________________
Email __________________________________
FALL 2015 • www.babylonbreastcancer.org • 15
volunteer van drivers needed
Transportation to and from treatments is our most requested service
in our Lend a Helping Hand
Program. We have two vans on the
road to facilitate this and volunteer
van drivers are urgently needed to
ensure all our patients have access
to required medical services. Drivers
must be at least 21 years of age,
have a clean license, be punctual,
compassionate and patient. This is
a wonderful opportunity to help
those in our community. Anyone
interested should contact Terry
Prag at the BBCC office,
631.893.4110
VOLUNTEERS
are not paid for
their work – not
because it is
worthless, but
because it is
PRICELESS!
SAVE THE dates:
2/6/16
1/14/16
3/5/16
Super Saturday @ Duffy’s Ale House
Paint Night Fundraiser
Murder Mystery Show & Dinner
5/18/16
Chefs for a Cause @ Venetian Yacht Club
Founders Award to be presented at Chefs
for a Cause
100 montauk highway
copiague, ny 11726
PHONE: 631.893.4110
fax: 631.539.8862
Permit No. 05
Babylon, NY 11702
PAID
Non Profit
US Postage