SEN. HANNON SECURES FUNDING FOR ISLAND-WIDE BREAST CANCER AFTERCARE PROGRAM
Sen. Hannon Secures Funding for Island-wide Breast Cancer Aftercare Program
East Meadow, NY October 28, 2008….. Today, at the Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) in East Meadow, State Senator Kemp Hannon announced a $50,000 grant to the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council to develop an island-wide breast cancer aftercare program. The Hospital Council, of which NUMC is a member, is the association that represents all hospitals on Long Island. Hannon selected the Hospital Council because of its established network with Long Island’s hospitals and community organizations throughout the region. Hannon’s vision is to offer a comprehensive aftercare program, from counseling services to wigs, which women throughout Long Island can access via their local hospital.
“As Senate Health Committee Chair, I have continuously worked to support breast cancer funding, research, and support mechanisms. This grant will go even further, helping women through the day-to-day challenges of this terrible disease,” said Hannon.
“I accept this grant on behalf of all Long Island hospitals and look forward to working with community organizations and our hospitals in establishing an island-wide resource and referral program for breast cancer patients,” said Kevin Dahill, president/CEO of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council.
Breast cancer survivor Debra Celenza, who was treated at NUMC, participated in the press briefing. She thanked the doctors and nurses who took care of her from the time that she was diagnosed with breast cancer at NUMC and emphasized the importance of having every service that a patient needs to get well in one location.
Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, stressed the importance of the screening programs performed at NUMC and expressed his appreciation to Senator Hannon for his commitment to quality health care within the state of New York and for his continuous support of vital initiatives taking place at the Nassau Health Care Corporation.
Pictured from left: NHCC Board Member Dr. Rose Guercia; Angela Pappalia, Social Worker with the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program; Arthur Gianelli, President/CEO of NHCC; Sen. Kemp Hannon; NHCC Board Member Frank Saracino; Breast Cancer Survivor Debra Celenza; Chris Mancuso, Director, Breast Cancer Program at NUMC; Kevin Dahill, President/CEO of the Nassau-Suffolk Hospital Council; and Geri Barish Executive Director One in Nine: The Breast Cancer Action Coalition
