Integrated Approaches to Breast Cancer Care Attracts Engaged Audience

Riverhead – North Fork Breast Health Coalition hosted “Integrative Approaches to Breast Cancer Care” on Saturday, January 25, at Hotel Indigo. Tailored to patients, survivors and thrivers, the morning began with breakfast and a taste of Tai Chi, followed by a panel of leading medical experts and practitioners who shared their knowledge and experience.

Top physicians and medical professionals from MSK Sloan Kettering, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Northwell Health Cancer Center and Stony Brook Cancer Center individually spoke about how innovative treatments can support breast cancer patients from diagnosis through recovery, and life beyond. Natural health care practitioners discussed the benefits of including acupuncture, nutrition, naturopathy and herbs, plus meditation and yoga.

After a bit of yoga and a light organic lunch, the engaged audience listened to responses from the panel of experts to 60 individual healthcare questions. The questions had been submitted in advance by the 75 breast-cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and professionals attending the conference.

Currently led by Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski, NFBHC is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that supports local breast-cancer patients with programs such as the Helping Hand grants. The group provides free services including gentle yoga, massage therapy, reflexology and “Strength for Life” exercise to breast-cancer patients and survivors. They also have access to the Rita Duva Boutique that offers wigs, scarves, hats and prosthetics. NFBHC also funds Stage IV research through select laboratories.

For more information about the North Fork Breast Health Coalition and the services that the organization provides to breast-cancer patients and survivors who reside in the North Fork area, visit www.northforkbreasthealth.org. Ann Cotton-DeGrasse and the late Antonio DeGrasse founded the North Fork Breast Health Coalition with the help of Riverhead Rotary in 1998.

On April 11, the organization will hold the Annual Pink Pearl Gala in the Sea Star Ballroom, Hyatt Place, Riverhead. Tickets can be purchased through the NFBHC website.

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