Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

Over the Years – A Brief History of the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition

Founded in 1993, the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition’s first project was a door-to-door demographic survey to ascertain the incidence of breast cancer in the Babylon area. The Coalition, with the help of approximately 150 volunteers, completed the effort obtaining a 55% response from the community. The information was entered into a computer database and Stony Brook Medical Center complied the information and completed the analysis secured through funding from NYS Assemblyman Robert Sweeney.

In 1995, the BBCC developed an information packet filled with BBCC literature as well as brochures from other breast health organizations offering free services. (Please refer to link on education for details and specifics on what information is included in the packet).

Recognizing the need for patient services that were not being offered through other agencies and programs, the BBCC initiated the Lend a Helping Hand Program (LAHH) in February 1996 offering services such as housecleaning, transportation to/from medical appointments, food preparation, financial assistance, just to name a few. (Please refer to link on patient services for details).

The Coalition publishes and distributes a quarterly newsletter to over 2,500, furnishing the latest breast health information as well as upcoming events and other related breast health information. (Please see link).

As an extension of our established Lend a Helping Hand Program, the BBCC developed SOS in 2004 designed to assist those who have lost a loved one to breast cancer with either financial assistance or help with child care, housecleaning or food preparation.

BBCC provides an advocate to accompany a patient to the breast surgeon, oncologist or mammography appointments, providing a second set of ears, support and insightful questions.

On a continuing basis, the BBCC provides funding to research facilities specific to breast cancer. To follow are the projects we’ve supported:

2007 – Dr. Ana Soto – Tufts University School of Medicine

2006 – Julie Brody – Silent Spring Institute - exposure to EDC’s (endocrine disrupting compounds)

2006 – Dr. Susan Teitlebaum – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine – Growing Up Healthy Program

2005 - Dr. Susan Teitlebaum – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine – Growing Up Healthy Program

2004 – Julie Brody – Silent Spring Institute - exposure to EDC’s (endocrine disrupting compounds)

2003 – Julie Brody – Silent Spring Institute - exposure to EDC’s (endocrine disrupting compounds)

2002 – Dr. Michael Wigler - Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories - breast cancer gene study

2001 – Memorial Sloan Kettering

2000 - Dr. Susan Teitlebaum – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine - study of phytoestrogens

1998 – Dr. Mary Wolfe – Mt. Sinai School of Medicine

1997 – Dr. Marilee Gamon - Columbia School of Medicine – Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project – In Situ Study

1996 – Dr. Marilee Gamon – Columbia School of Medicine - Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project – In Situ Study

The BBCC presents scholarships to students who live in the Babylon Township, are high school seniors and who are wishing to further their education.

Our most recent program developed in 2007 is our Be Smart About Your Health program. It is designed as an interactive program for students to recognize the connection between toxins in their everyday environment and the potentially negative impact those toxins may have on their health.

To help fund all these programs the BBCC holds annual fundraisers; Chefs for a Cause held every May, and a Golf Outing held in October. Many merchants in our community host fundraising events such as Il Villaggio Cafés an annual spaghetti dinner. Recently, Arbonne and Glitter Girls held fundraisers for the coalition.

The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition is comprised of dedicated and determined volunteers, each adding something special and always giving unselfishly. We are very proud of the contribution we have made in the fight against breast cancer.