Dan's Papers - October 6, 2006 - Think Pink: A Month Of Awareness

True awareness overflows a month. Until then, breast cancer gets October. This is not to scoff at Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The designation of a month for awareness is critical; a reminder that help is needed here and now, and that early detection and education are powerful tools in the fight against breast cancer. October is as good a month as any of the other eleven to show your support, and the wealth of awareness events coming up makes it easier than ever.

The month was ushered in with a tree lighting ceremony sponsored by the South Fork Breast Health Coalition, Southampton Hospital's Breast Health Center, the Southampton Chamber of Commerce, and the Town and Village of Southampton. The pink lights will shine on the tree in front of the Chamber of Commerce throughout October as a mini, East End version of this month's lighting of the Empire State Building pink. Congressman Tim Bishop and Mayor Mark Epley were among the 50 people who attended the lighting of what co-founder of the Breast Health Coalition Susie Roden calls "the Tree of Hope, dedicated to the breast cancers survivors and to those who did not survivor the illness." Roden hopes to move from trees to windmills next year with plans to hang pink lights on the mills in Water Mill and Sag Harbor. Maybe the lighthouse keeper in Montauk even has a giant, pink bulb?

The tree lighting was just the beginning of the South Fork Breast Health Coalition's many October events. Their 2nd Annual Birdhouse Auction will take place on Saturday, October 21. Actress Renée Zellweger will spend the night as Honorary Chairperson, surrounded by birdhouses created by other celebrities, cancer survivors, artists, doctors, politicians, etc. The evening, held at Southampton Hospital's Parrish Memorial Hall from 5:30-7 p.m., also includes a cocktail party and raffle. To see the birdhouses before they fly off into the hands of the highest bidders, attend the preview held at the Sara Nightingale Gallery in Water Mill on Saturday, October 14.

If you would rather show your support outdoors than in a cocktail dress, you can put on your sneakers and head to the Shelter Island 5K Walk/Run. Get an early ferry: the event starts at 10 a.m. Register online at www.flrrt.com or call 631-749-0479. If you have purposely misplaced your running shoes, you can still participate by being a volunteer. Call 631-749-3358 to do so.

In addition to events that raise breast cancer awareness, the South Fork Coalition also has planned several workshops to help women undergoing treatment for the disease. Co-sponsored by Southampton Hospital and the American Cancer Society, a "Look Good Feel Better" program will be held on Tuesday, October 10. The program includes a three-hour session with a trained cosmetologist and a make-up kit.

Other workshops include an October 13th Mother/Daughter Breast Health Evening at Saks Fifth Avenue in Southampton with pink lemonade for the daughters, pink cosmos for the mothers, and makeovers for both. On Tuesday, October 17, a Creative Visualization Workshop employs hypnosis to heal, rejuvenate, and relax. For more information about the workshops and events, or about the Coalition's monthly meetings or four different support groups, call 631-726-8606.

The relaxing continues at the Special Effects' 4th Annual Cut-a-Thon, where you can support breast cancer awareness with a manicure. Though usually closed on Sundays, the Special Effects Hair Salon on Osborne Lane in East Hampton will open October 8 for a regular 9 a.m.-5 p.m. business day. All regular services will be available, but the money made from them, including tips, will be donated to Breast Cancer Help Inc. There will also be refreshments, raffles, and other prizes. Call 631-324-5996.

Then take your new do from the salon to the North Fork for Breast Cancer Awareness Day, sponsored by the SASS Foundation and Swim Across America. This free, educational event takes place October 14 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Inn at East Wind in Wading River. The day starts with breakfast, followed by a panel forum. After a lunch honoring Jerry Barish, President of 1 in 9, the Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition, Dr. Mitchell Gaynor will give a talk entitled "Nurture Nature, Nurture Health: Your Health and the Environment." In keeping with this year's theme, "The Tip of Montauk to the Tip of Manhattan," the event repeats on October 21 at the Melville Marriot and on October 29 at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City. Call (516) 365-SASS to register.