Meet The Charity: North Fork Breast Health Coalition Fights Cancer

Riverhead, Southold, Shelter Island, 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.

What is your name?

Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski

What is the name of your charity?

North Fork Breast Health Coalition

What is your position within your charity?

President

What community is your organization based in?

Towns of Riverhead, Southold and Shelter Island

Link to your website
www.northforkbreasthealth.org

What is your mission?

The North Fork Breast Health Coalition is working to encourage and assist in the prevention, early intervention, and cure of breast cancer through advocacy, awareness, networking, and research.

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

The funds we raise go directly to programs such as "Lend a Helping Hand", which provides grants to patients on the North Fork who are being treated for breast cancer. As well, we provide free services to breast cancer patients, survivors ,and thrivers, including massage therapy, reflexology, tai chi, yoga, meditation and strength training classes. Additionally, we have a Stage IV Fund which provides grants to Stage IV thrivers and oncologists doing active research into breast cancer cures.

What inspired you to start your charity?

Our charity was founded 25 years ago by Ann Cotten-Degrasse after she experienced a breast cancer scare and found there were no breast cancer resources on the North Fork for her to turn to for help, guidance and support.

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

We are an all-volunteer organization with a working board of 13 committed individuals. We hold several events through the year with the help of volunteers.

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

We have given over $400,000 in grants to east end breast cancer patients.

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

Every dollar we raise goes right back into the community. In addition to our grants and services, we also offer a small college scholarship for high school seniors affected by breast cancer, as well as have a boutique for wigs, prosthetics, scarves, hats and other items that are free of charge for breast cancer patients.

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

https://www.facebook.com/north...

Do you help run a charity?

Nominate it here or share this link with someone who does.