Lorraine was concerned that the chemical that had been dumped underground since 1932 was affecting the groundwater. She sought the support and help of Dr. Michael Feinstein, Michael Lo Grande, Reverend Thomas Arnao, Good Samaritan Hospital, Mary Hibbard, Pat Nichols, and Maria Diario to Begin a breast cancer survey on the west Islip neighborhood. Within one and a half years Lorraine and her team had covered more than eight thousand homes in her zip code. Soon after word of her work spread both nationwide and abroad leading to the start of the breast cancer environmental movement.
Members of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition Board of directors include president Margarete Campice, vice president Evelyn Demers, Treasurer Lori Monteith, Cathy Weingarten, Diane Vaughan, Jo-Ann Rivera, Dr. Jonathan Landon MD. P.C., Mary Anne Iannizoto, Mae Blum, and Diane Fontana. Members of the advisory council include Bryan Berson, Angie Carpenter, Dr. Anthony Capizzi, Ilene Gewirtz, Dr. Stephen Harris, Dr. Johnny Kao, and Dr. John J. Loscalzo.
Supporters of the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition include Women of West Islip, West Islip School District, West Islip Wines and Liquors, WBAB, RTM Forklift Brightwaters, The Bella Vie, Loves Bake Shop, People’s United Bank, Sunrise Tools, SweetSpot Marketing, Sal’s Pizza, Sterling National Bank, Plessers, PinkAid, Nicky’s On The Bay, Our Little Italy, Lion’s Den, New 12 Long Island, John’s Crazy Socks, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Elizabeth McNamee Memorial Fund, Island Acoustics, Fox’s Plumbing, Good Samaritan Hospital, Fire Island Ferry, ACF American Family Care Urgent Care, Dignity Memorial, CTE Electric, Clare Rose, The Bohlsen Family, and Atlantic Automall.
LI2DAY Walk
The annual Long Island two-day walk is uplifting as it is inspirational. Participants of the LI2DAY not only get the opportunity to lend a helping hand to breast cancer patients, but they also enjoy exciting walks. One of the most exciting walks by LI2DAY was during the organization’s 16th anniversary. The 16th annual LI2DAY walk was held from Saturday 8th June to Sunday 9th June 2019 at Smith Point Park, Shirley.
Registration for the event was $63 for early birds (1st October to 31st December 2018), $75 for registration between 1st January and 15th May 2019, and $80 for registration between 16th May and 2nd June. To help raise funds for cancer patients in Long Island, participants of the LI2DAY walk were required to make an individual commitment of $500. People participating as a group of five were allowed to pull their fundraising efforts together and raise $2500. Early birds were also provided a t-shirt, and medal or bag.
The uplifting and inspirational Saturday event featured a 5 km walk through local neighborhoods with a scenic and beautiful water view. Walkers signed in and had breakfast at the Dare Area between 6 am and 7 am. The opening ceremony followed shortly after 7 am at the Day Area, and the walk began at 7:30 am. Other highlights of the Saturday event included the flower ceremony held at the Day Area at 1:30 pm where survivors walked across the Smith Point Bridge, concluding the walk. Sunday 9th June featured an equally exciting event with a kids fun run at the Day Area at 8 am, followed by a five-kilometer walk at 8:30 am and an awards ceremony later on.