Meet The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

LINDENHURST, NY — Local charities are the unsung heroes of our communities. Nonprofit and not-for-profit organizations strive to create lasting change and positively impact the lives of those around them.

Some people start organizations as a way to cope with grief, some see an issue they want to tackle, and some want to bring lasting change. Sometimes, all those reasons apply.

Patch wants to highlight your local charity and connect it with community members who want to help and do good, so that way, more people can benefit. Here is just one of many charities doing terrific work in your community. SEE: Taking A Stand Against Cancer On LI: Patch Charity Index With Q&As

Karen Kunkel, president of the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition, talked with Patch about the work her group does.

What is the name of your charity?

Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

What is your position within your charity?

Volunteer President

What community is your organization based in
Township of Babylon

Link to your website
www.BabylonBreastCancer.org

What is your mission?

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) provides support and services for Town of Babylon residents in active treatment for Breast and/or Gynecological cancer. Our goal is to make their journey through treatment less stressful and provide support & services to assist them. The BBCC also supports research and provides a scholarship for Town of Babylon high school seniors who meet our criteria, provide the Gift of Health and Inspiration bag for our clients, maintain the Vision of Hope Garden at Babylon Town Hall and more!

What does your charity do to further its mission? Please list examples.

When a client is diagnosed with a breast and/or gynecological cancer we talk to them about what their most pressing needs are and how we can assist them. The client completes an application to enroll in our Lend a Helping Hand Program. We give them the Gift of Health and Inspiration, a tote bag filled with information and comfort items. We invite them to join our monthly support, creative writing and reiki groups. We help them by providing transportation to appointments, house cleaning, financial assistance, prepared food and more as needed while the client is in active treatment.

What inspired you to start your charity?

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition was started in 1993 by 3 women, 2 of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. They started the coalition with a mapping project to determine whether cancers were more prevalent in our area. The Lend a Helping Hand program was created to assist women and provide much needed support.

How can people help you accomplish your organization's mission or get involved in events?

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition is a volunteer driven charity, we rely on volunteers to assist our clients, assist with fundraisers and events. We are not funded by a government agency or insurance companies, we rely on donations, grants and fundraisers to allow us to help our clients.

What is the most memorable moment you've had since starting your organization?

My favorite event is our annual Chefs for a Cause fundraiser which is held in May of each year. This past year was very special as it was our first year back with our Chefs event after a 3 year hiatus due to COVID.

Another favorite moment is our annual Turkeys Against Cancer event held the Wednesday before Thanksgiving. We work with a local BBQ group and local restaurants to prepare 100 Thanksgiving Dinners for about 60 of our clients and their families, 15 of another charity's clients and 2 Veterans at Risk groups. This year we cooked 135 turkeys in total, it is an amazing event!

What else would you like people to know about your charity?

Our Board is comprised of 13 volunteers, each bringing their talents and skill to the Coalition. We have 2 full time employees and 1 part timer, and they work hand in hand with the board to run the Coalition. We are currently assisting over 100 clients!

What are your organization's social media pages or handles?

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BabylonBreast...
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Babylon_brea...

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