Since 1980, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program has been serving the needs of those coping with breast cancer throughout Long Island and New York state.
Its mission is to educate, support, empower, and advocate for breast cancer patients, professionals and the community. The program was originally established through the School of Social Work, and its connection to the students, faculty and employees at Adelphi remains strong, said Reyna Machado, executive director of the breast cancer program.
For October—Breast Cancer Awareness Month—the program revs into high gear with events and activities.
The signature event, held annually, is the Celebration of Survivorship, at which a diverse panel of speakers share their breast cancer journeys and provide inspiration and empowerment.
Teaming Up With the Adelphi Community
Every October, Adelphi students and community members lend their time and support to the breast cancer program.
- Two years ago, Adelphi joined the national Pink Patch Project campaign, thanks to Sgt. Gerry Lennon of Adelphi’s Department of Public Safety and Transportation. Those who donate to Adelphi’s breast cancer program receive a specially designed pink patch. You can obtain a patch from Sgt. Lennon at the Ruth S. Harley University Center on October 17, 20, 25 and 27, or visit the public safety office in Levermore Hall, Room 113.
- Throughout the week of October 17, Campus Recreation will be celebrating Spirit Week and Breast Cancer Awareness Week at Adelphi. The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is providing educational materials, holding giveaways and showing a video clip about our services. Representatives will also be attending select campus fitness classes, where breast cancer awareness T-shirts will be sold. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the program.
- Last month, the Student Activities Board and the Commuter Student Organization cosponsored the second annual Drive-In Movie Night and helped the program raise much-needed funds. Attendees watched A League of Their Own, and each attendee received a pink baseball hat.
- Staff and volunteers from the program will do on-site tabling to raise breast cancer awareness at various athletic events: women’s soccer on October 7, field hockey on October 22 and volleyball on October 8.
- The breast cancer program continues to partner with Adelphi’s Health Services to promote breast cancer awareness within the campus community. Stay tuned for upcoming programs from health services this fall.
Serving the Community
The program is here for those battling breast cancer and their families. To reach the hotline, which is staffed by trained breast cancer survivors, call 800.877.8077 or visit the website. If you are a breast cancer survivor and are interested in volunteering for the hotline or community outreach, contact Nina Foley, MSW ’18, hotline and volunteer coordinator, at 516.877.4315.