Dan's Papers - August 7, 2009 - New Breast Center, Thanks in Part to Ellen's Run

The 14th Annual Ellen's Run is set to draw a diverse crowd of runners, walkers and supporters on Sunday, August 16. From its original success in 1995, attracting over 500 participants and raising $62,000, the Run has continued to grow. Over the years it has awarded more than $2 million in grants. This year, the foundation expects a turnout of more than 1,000 participanats.

The Ellen Hermanson Foundation was created in 1997 by Julie Ratner to honor the memory of her sister, Ellen Hermanson, an articulate and tireless advocate for breast cancer awareness and treatment. Hermanson's comprehensive approach to combating breast cancer stressed education and early detection. She helped others find a support system throughout their struggle by becoming a founder of the Jewish Healing Center, and even tackled legislative issues through the Judges and Lawyers Breast Cancer Alert organization. Hermanson's education in journalism helped make her a compelling and successful activist.

Over the years, the Foundation has honored Hermanson's multi-faceted approach by focusing their efforts on different aspects of dealing with breast cancer - from education to establishing psychosocial support systems to research on understanding and managing pain. The Foundation's generosity has affected many programs and projects in the past, but this year's Run has a sole beneficiary: the new Ellen P. Hermanson Breast Center at Southampton Hospital.

Amidst the completion of a few finishing touches, the Center opened its doors on Monday, August 3. The new Center at 3,300 sq. ft. is more than double the size of the previous 1,200 sq. ft. space, but perhaps the biggest improvement is the convenient, centralized location of services for breast cancer patients. In the past, a woman diagnosed with or suspected of having the disease would have found herself dealing with a variety of departments and spending extra time and stress navigating through the hospital trying to arrange screenings, tests and even surgeries, as well as other essential services. Director of Public Affairs and Marketing for the Hospital, Marsha Kenny, said that diagnosed women would sometimes "have to travel to several different places."

The Breast Center brings all the services together in one location. The physical space is simple and inviting with a warmly lit waiting room and private corridor. No detail was overlooked in trying to create a comfortable atmosphere - down to the tasteful tile pattern chosen for the restrooms. During the tour, Dr. Edna Kapenhas-Valdes, the breast surgeon for the center, spoke with a facilities manager about how he might tweak the lighting in the public spaces to make it calmer, warmer.

In addition to state of the art digital mammography, ultrasound, and bone densitometry equipment, the Center offers resources for dealing with the mental and emotional challenge of being diagnosed with Breast Cancer. Breast Cancer survivor, Susan Barry-Rodin, acts as the Center's Patient Navigator, or as Kenny described it, a "smart buddy." Barry-Rodin is there to support diagnosed patients from the beginning, helping and directing the patient throughout the process she knows so well, explaining information from doctors, and offering support in any way she can. Next door to Barry-Rodin's office is the Genetics Counselor who advises patients on what to tell family members and who might be affected. The Center even offers a Boutique for patients, stocked with useful items like scarves and wigs, saving patients the stress of tracking down these necessities.

The architect behind the new space is Victor Famulari, P.C., who also designed the Hospital's maternity ward. The Breast Center, which used to house Human Resources, is actually one of the older parts of the hospital. Kenny said when they took up the floors they found parquet flooring underneath and the remains of a fireplace. Looking around the Center, she said that "to take a space like what this was and turn it into this - is extraordinary."

Because of the Hermanson Foundation's continued generosity, the Ellen P. Hermanson Breast Center was an obvious choice for its new name. Many people will get the opportunity to visit the new Center since Ellen's Run is being held in Southampton, rather than East Hampton, and departs from the Southampton Hospital where the Center will be open for tours.

President of the Foundation, Julie Ratner, said the Run has continued to grow because of its "great spirit," adding, "It has earned the respect of the community. It has been committed to East End projects and makes a significance difference in the lives of those who live here."

Runners and walkers of all ages (from toddlers to seniors), from different cultural and racial backgrounds, and of all different athletic levels come out every year to support the cause. Ratner said, "The star runners, though, are the breast cancer survivors."

Ellen's Run is a 5k race or walk and departs from the Southampton Hospital at 9 a.m. on Sunday, August 16, rain or shine. Pre-registered and unregistered participants check in or register on the day of the race between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. The fee is $35 for all participants. Call 631-907-1952 or 212-840-0916 for information on the Run and volunteering opportunities. Also visit ellensrun.org.

In addition to the Run, the Foundation is hosting Heat, a Celebration of the New Ellen Hermanson Breast Center Southampton Hospital the night before the Run on Saturday, August 15. The event is being held at Steven Klein's home at West Kill Farm in Bridgehampton at 7 p.m. and features drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, and an online auction (charitybuzz.com). Tickets start at $250. Find out more at ellensrun.org.