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A Special Advertising Section OCTOBER 20, 2011
Breast cancer warrior Geri Barish leads the fight on Long Island By Karen Bloom
G
eri Barish has been at the forefront in the battle against breast cancer on Long Island since 1988, base to determine whether there is a relationship between pesticide use and breast cancer. Among her accomplishments: in March 1997, she spoke in Albany for the bipartisan “Mastectomy Bill”, which passed in both the Senate and Assembly and signed into law by then Governor George Pataki. Her appointment as Executive Director of Hewlett House fulfills a dream and vision Barish had when she began her own struggle with breast cancer. Barish vowed a long time ago, that given the opportunity, no one would have to go through what she did - to battle this dreadful disease alone. Hewlett House, in Hewlett, is a multi-purpose, professionally staffed facility in a home-like setting, for cancer victims and their family and friends. It is a central place offering information, counseling and meetings; where a pot of coffee is always on the stove and a listening ear available. Barish’s dedication and perseverance has resulted in increased national funding, the
and has earn earned the distinction of being New York State’s Stat pre-eminent breast cancer activist. IIn 1996, Geri was awarded the Annual New Y ork State Innovation First An Breast Cancer Early Detection and in Brea Research Researc Award. Barish Baris is no stranger to the pain and torment tormen of cancer: she is a three-time breast cancer victim and survivor . Her son, Michael, lost his life at a young age M from complications of Hodgkin’ s Lymphoma in 1986. Barish promised Lymp Michael that she would dedicate her Mic life to finding the causes and cures for breast bre cancer, and she has done so to this th day. As President of “1 in 9”, Barish spearheaded negotiations of N ew sp York State’s Pesticide Registry Law, Y which created an accessible data-
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implementation and overseeing of the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project, which is the first scientific symposium held on Long Island to determine whether there was a need for a separate Long Island study of breast cancer; and the establishment of the ongoing Michael Scott Barish Human Cancer Grant at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory for research into genetic mutations that could cause breast cancer , lymphoma and leukemia. “Over the past 20 years we have been able to secure funding both on a national level and in Albany for more research and new technology ,” Barish says. “While we have come very far, we still have along way to go. “ Barish explains that it is essential for everyone to understand breast cancer if we are to reduce the risk of getting this disease. “It is very important for people to understand Continued on page 14
UNDERSTANDING BREAST CANCER
DO MEN GET BREAST CANCER?
SERVICES AND SUPPORT
Knowledge is the first step in overcoming the disease
Be aware of the common symptoms
Assistance during and after treatment is just a phone call away
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