Breast Cancer Coalition Works To Raise Profile

With new leadership in place and an expanded roster of fundraising events now set, the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition (WIBCC) is focused on further boosting its reach in the community and provide assistance to local women who are fighting the disease.

The WIBCC’s effort to raise its profile in the community comes at a time when the organization is seeing a growing need for services and assistance from women who are recovering from breast cancer surgery and may be going through post-operative treatments.

“There is a lot of new information out there regarding breast cancer treatment,” said Margaret Campise, the newly installed president of the WIBCC. “We are also finding a greater number of women who need assistance following their surgeries.”

As one of the original advocacy groups on Long Island in the fight against breast cancer, the WIBCC continues to be an educational outlet for local women seeking information on a variety of topics ranging from mammography to breast self exams.

Perhaps the most used service offered by the WIBCC is its Lend A Helping Hand program. Designed to help women who are recovering from surgery and who may also be undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments, the program provides assistance with house cleaning, catering to the home, obtaining post-mastectomy accessory items and transportation to/from medical appointment.

Campise said the coalition is also focused on expanding its reach in the community and further strengthening its long-standing relationship with . The WIBCC has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the hospital for breast cancer treatment over the years.

The newly installed WIBCC president said she has been working with Bonnie Edsall, RN, at Good Samaritan’s Breast Health Center, in an effort to better inform those receiving treatment at the hospital for breast cancer about the services the Breast Cancer Coalition offers woman and their families.

On the fundraising side, the coalition will again take part in the upcoming Long Island 2 Day walk and sponsor its highly successful Clam Shucking Contest, held each August on Fire Island.

But this year will see the addition of several other fundraising events. In May, the coalition will hold its Pretty in Pink Spring Fashion Show, May 18, at Shandon Court in East Islip. The $45 per ticket event will include the fashion show and dinner.

Other new fundraising events scheduled include a car wash and ravioli eating contest that will be held this spring and summer.

“With our new fundraising events we are hoping to get more members of the community involved, especially local students,” said Campise.

For more information on the Pretty In Pink fashion show or to purchase tickets call 669-7770.