Helping Patients Get In The Pink

Cancer is an ugly word yet has the power to bring about a beautiful selflessness in people. On Friday, April 5, from 6 to 10 PM at East Wind in Wading River, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition will welcome guests to a sea of pink for the fifth annual Pink Pearl Gala.

Gala event chair Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski is a breast cancer survivor and former client of the organization, having previously received a grant and partaken in the various services offered. “I created it to promote the organization on a bigger scale across the East End. It’s one of those groups no one really knows about until you’re in a situation where you’re diagnosed,” she explained of her labor of love.

In her day job Zahoski organized fundraising events for various companies and non-profits. She thought, what better way to give back to a place than volunteer her expertise? Thus, she created the event five years ago. “The gala has really increased our profile. We are here to service the community and we want everyone to understand our existence so they know where to turn,” she said.

The not-for-profit works to prevent, find a cure, and help those with breast cancer. Its programs, which are held in Riverhead, include guided mediation, gentle yoga, reflexology, and massage therapy.

In honoring women faced with late-stage cancer, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition will pay a special tribute to Lucia’s Angels, named for the late Lucia Terzi Bagan.

President Stacy Quarty and vice president and co-founder, Susie Barry Roden, will represent the organization that provides support through the tough times of cervical, ovarian, and breast cancers.

“The needs of our stage-four cancer patients are very unique and continually changing. Advances in treatment and treatment options, changing insurance policies and other patient support services determine how we can best help our patients now,” said Quarty. “We continually ask, ‘What would make your life more comfortable today?’ Our goal is to provide the best financial and emotional support we can during a difficult and challenging time.”

Pink Pearl’s cocktail reception will be followed by a seated dinner, and dancing to tunes spun by DJ Phil of Make Some Noise DJs. News 12 Long Island Emmy-Award-winning reporter, Shari Einhorn, will be the evening’s emcee.

Tickets are $125 per person and $95 for breast-cancer survivors.

East Wind is located at 5720 Route 25A in Wading River. For tickets, visit www.northforkbreasthealth.org.

nicole@indyeastend.com