Register now for Walk for Hope

	In celebration of a 70th anniversary
	Stock market closed last week on an up trend
	Drug testing can identify problems
	The risks of pets' pregnancy

Extras

	comments to this article
	letter to the editor about this article
	print this article

April 16, 2009 | 10:43 AM
About five years ago, Louise Hershberger, RN, had Friday night duty at the end of a very full and hectic week. For Saturday, Louise's challenge was that she planned to walk the five-mile route in Families Walk for Hope, which started at 8 am. "I just threw water on my face and walked," said Louise. "I wouldn't miss it for anything.

This year, the fun-filled morning event takes place on Saturday, May 2. It's open to everyone — families, friends, civic groups, small businesses and large corporations. More than 1,200 people are expected to take part in the five-mile scenic journey that begins at Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson and heads through the Village of Belle Terre and back. Proceeds from the walk benefit the Fortunato Breast Health Center and breast cancer treatment at Mather Hospital.

"A lot of people who used to sponsor me are walking themselves now," added Hershberger. "Whenever someone new joins us, they always have a good time."

Student community service
High school students who need community service credits are encouraged to take part in the effort, which raises awareness of one of today's most pressing health issues.

"Many students are required to perform community service," said Laura Juliano, coordinator of the event. "Becoming involved in the Families Walk for Hope is a wonderful way for them not only to get the credit, but also to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer."

Students can raise money as walkers or lend a hand at refreshment and check point stations along the five-mile route. Mather Hospital will provide a signed letter to students indicating their contribution and acknowledging the amount of time they spent supporting the event.

For information on how to organize a walking team or become an individual walker, or get a student involved for community service credit, go to www.matherhospital.org, or call the Mather Hospital Public Affairs Department at 476-2723, or go to www.matherhospital.org/walk.

Walk registration underway
If you'd like to support the fight against breast cancer, register today for Mather Hospital's 15th annual Families Walk for Hope, set for Saturday, May 2.

Journeying the five miles through scenic Port Jefferson and Belle Terre will be cancer survivors, their families and friends, and others who want to show their support for the cause.

Before they take their first step, walkers secure donations from family, friends and colleagues. Walkers who raise $75 or more will win an official walk T-shirt and the top fundraiser will be awarded a Samsung 32-inch LCD television. Numerous other prizes will be awarded as well.

Registration is set for 8 am at Mather Hospital. The walk starts at 9 am. Refreshments/lunch will begin at 10 am and the raffle drawing will conclude the festivities at noon.

To register or for more information, call 476-2723 or log onto www.matherhospital.org/walk.

The people helped — Cheryl's story
Mount Sinai resident Cheryl Rubin is a nine-year breast cancer survivor. She shares her story of why the Fortunato Breast Health center is so important.

"I felt a lump under my arm from a self exam. It was scary when I was first diagnosed. But, all of the doctors, nurses and support staff at the Fortunato Breast Health Center are very warm and caring. Now that I am healthy, it's like a school reunion when I go to the center every six months for my check ups."

"I would hope that a person would not be reluctant to go for a check up. A mammography or sonogram may be all it takes to keep a person alive and healthy for so many more years. If more treatment is necessary, the Fortunato Breast Health Center has the technology and the compassion to help a person continue to live life — and with the support of some of the finest people I have ever met."

Team approach to personal care
"It's a team effort through and through," said Eileen Swieczkowski, RN, director of nursing at the center. "Our radiologists are experts in mammography and practice exclusively at the center, a critical distinction that Fortunato Breast Health Center holds. Every aspect of the Fortunato Breast Health Center is designed to ease anxiety as much as possible. It's painstakingly designed to afford patient privacy and ensure dignity every step of the way, helping them to navigate what is sometimes a complex world of health care that can be fraught with fear and anxiety. We treat our patients the way we ourselves want to be treated; the way we'd treat our families."

For more information about the Fortunato Breast Health Center, call 476-2771, ext. 1.

Search The Site