October 2nd, 2020 – Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter and Babylon Town officials, in collaboration Northwell Health, kicked-off October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Northwell’s 2nd annual “Pink by the Bay” event by lighting both Town Hall cupolas pink.
“Pink by the Bay” will encourage community-based organizations and businesses on Main Street from East Islip to Babylon, to light and decorate their storefronts pink, as well as offer patrons educational information about breast cancer prevention, detection and resources. The program is a month-long effort that will promote breast cancer awareness and is organized by Northwell Health’s Community Relations Department in partnership with Imbert Cancer Center and South Shore University Hospital – both in Bay Shore – and Northwell Imaging at Great South Bay in Islip.
Participating businesses and community-based organizations received a starter kit, which included pink lights, window decorations and clings as well as chalk to help them decorate storefronts. This year, one of the window clings is a pink QR code with will lead to further education and free virtual events.
“We’re proud to partner with the Town of Babylon and Northwell Health for our second annual ‘Pink by the Bay.’ I think everyone standing here today can relate to someone in their lives, whether its family, whether it’s a close friend, or colleague, someone whose life has been touched by cancer. I am urging everyone to get screened. Early detection is STILL the best prevention,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
Donna Moravick, NP, executive director of South Shore University Hospital, noted, “It is so important that people keep up with their health care needs, including regular cancer screenings. Northwell Health and all of its facilities have put in place several safety measures to protect patients from COVID-19, so please don’t let fear stop you from getting your mammogram.”
“Breast cancer knows no borders. It doesn’t discriminate, and it’s devastating to the families that it affects. We send our hope and our strength and love to anyone battling this horrible disease,” said Babylon Receiver of Taxes, Jennifer Montiglio.
Northwell Health’s two additional speakers will also be taking part in an online forum on October 20th at 11am. Melissa Fana, MD, chief of breast surgery at South Shore University Hospital, will be a guest speaker alongside other Northwell Health breast health experts and Valerie Burger, assistant vice president of cancer services for Northwell’s Eastern Region, will moderate the discussion.
For more information about the “Pink by the Bay” program or the virtual forum later this month, call Northwell Health’s community relations office at 631-396-6700. To learn more about the Imbert Cancer Center, go to https://www.northwell.edu/Imbertcancer. .
