Breast Cancer Help and Wellness Center

 About the Cancer Help and Wellness Center

In a unique partnership between a non-profit organization, municipal government and a major hospital and research center, Breast Cancer Help, Inc. joined with the Village of Lindenhurst and Stony Brook University Hospital to open its Cancer Help and Wellness Center on March 28, 2003. The Center is dedicated in the memory of Maureen McGrory, a life-long resident of Lindenhurst who lost her gallant fight against breast cancer.

The Center is located in the Village of Lindenhurst Rainbow Senior Center and is staffed by volunteers from Breast Cancer Help, Inc. and program coordinator Lynda Distler. The Center sponsors programs in cooperation with Stony Brook University Hospital to promote cancer awareness in the effort to increase early detection of cancer.

The Center also sponsors support programs for cancer patients and survivors with the personal care and understanding they need to overcome the challenges that cancer presents.

Goals/Purpose of The Cancer Help and Wellness Center

Breast Cancer Help created The Cancer Help and Wellness Center with certain goals and purposes in mind. Breast Cancer Help wanted to provide assistance to Long Islanders who were in every stage of involvement with cancer, from prevention of the disease to coping with the disease. They knew that by making their resources available they would be able to meet the following goals:

  • To provide cancer patients and survivors with the personal care and understanding they need to overcome the challenges that cancer presents.

  • To provide cancer awareness education to promote early detection.

  • To provide cancer screenings, outreach, education and programs to provide needed support to Long Islanders suffering from breast cancer and other cancers

 On-going and Up-coming Events at the Cancer Help and Wellness Center

On-going Support Group:

Fourth Wednesday of Each Month
Patient and survivor support group…………………………… 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The facilitator for these sessions is Dana Caruso, MSW.
Refreshments served, no registration fee.

Six Weeks of Yoga

Every Monday 4/5/04 – 5/10/04
Yoga classes specially designed for
cancer patients and survivors………………………………… 2:30 p.m.
The instructor is Lida Olson, RN and breast cancer survivor.
No registration fee.

2004 Lectures:

Tuesday, March 23, 2004
Colon Cancer Awareness Week: Colon Detoxification……… 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Breast Reconstruction…………………………………………. 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 20, 2004
Preparation of Healthy Food………………………………….. 1:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 27, 2004
Skin, Stress and Sun…………………………………………… 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 19, 2004
Social Security Disability and Income………………………… 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 25, 2004
The Need for Organ Donors……………………………………. 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Lymphedema Prevention and Treatment…………………….. 7:30 p.m.

More Information about 2004 Lectures and Speakers:

March 23, 2004 – In recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month, Barbara Chivvis will present a discussion on the benefits of “Colon Detoxification.” Colon hydrotherapy is a nationally and internationally recognized process useful in helping the body to release toxins, empowering the immune system, and in restoring the body’s proper pH balance. Ms. Chivvis is the founder and director of the Long Island School of Colon Hydrotherapy, a national board certified colon hydrotherapist, and an I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapy instructor. Ms. Chivvis is also associated with the ABC Wellness Center in Lindenhurst.

March 31, 2004 – The Center is proud to welcome Dr. Stephan U. Harris. Dr. Harris is a board certified plastic surgeon and will present a discussion on breast reconstruction and general advances in cosmetic surgery. Dr. Harris is renowned for his extensive experience with state-of-the-art surgical techniques including reconstructive breast surgery, facial aesthetic surgery, and body contouring. Dr. Harris is chief of plastic surgery at Southside Hospital and a staff surgeon at Good Samaritan Hospital. He also utilizes his expertise in microsurgical reconstruction for the benefit of cancer and trauma patients. Dr. Harris believes that the goal of medicine is not only to cure disease but also to improve the quality of life by enriching your physical and emotional outlook.

April 20, 2004 – The Center welcomes back Barbara Chivvis for a demonstration of healthy food preparation. Chivvis will hold a discussion focusing on the benefits of a healthy diet including fruits, vegetables and grains. Attendees will have a chance to sample the food. Ms. Chivvis is the founder and director of the Long Island School of Colon Hydrotherapy, a national board certified colon hydrotherapist, and an I-ACT certified colon hydrotherapy instructor. Ms. Chivvis is also associated with the ABC Wellness Center in Lindenhurst.

April 27, 2004 – The Center is pleased to present Jaime Trompeter, licensed medical aesthetician and laser technician. Ms. Trompeter will offer a presentation entitled Skin, Stress and Sun, emphasizing that what goes on outside the body is truly manifested within. Ms. Trompeter performs a wide range of IPL Laser, skin resurfacing, and dermo-corrective facial treatments. She is associated with Harris Plastic Surgery and works under the supervision of board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Stephan Harris. Ms. Trompeter has appeared on several television programs and has received coverage in numerous print media discussing advanced medical skin care treatments, techniques and products.

May 19, 2004 – Breast Cancer Help welcomes Michael Sullivan and Frank Kehoe to the Center. Sullivan and Kehoe have over 25 years of combined experience working in social security disability law. Their lecture will focus on Social Security Disability and Income, federal programs designed to assist people unable to work. Sullivan and Kehoe will provide general information about the programs, who is eligible, and how to apply.

May 25, 2004 – Breast Cancer Help has invited Suffolk Life journalist, Larry Swasey to be a guest speaker at the Cancer Help and Wellness Center. Swasey received a heart transplant at age 25 in 1988. Swasey also works for the New York Organ Donor Network as a requestor. His discussion will focus on why their is such a need for organ donors and the process of donating and receiving a new organ.