The government building in Nassau was illuminated in pink on Tuesday to mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to commemorate Hewlett House’s 25th anniversary—a nonprofit that has provided vital assistance to numerous breast cancer patients over the years.
County Executive Bruce Blakeman joined survivors, advocates, and community leaders at the Theodore Roosevelt Legislative and Executive Building in Mineola. He commended the nonprofit for being a resourceful haven where individuals undergoing treatment can find peer support, privacy, and guidance.
Operated by the nonprofit 1 in 9, Hewlett House has assisted over 42,000 individuals since its inception in 2000, serving as a crucial support system for Long Island families faced with the challenges of the disease, according to officials.
Blakeman encouraged residents to prioritize screening for early detection and revealed that the dome of the Executive and Legislative Building will continue to shine pink throughout the month of October.
“With the advancements in treatments today, it’s remarkable to see how far we’ve come,” Blakeman remarked outside of Hewlett House on Wednesday.
Executive Director Geri Barish, who launched Hewlett House with Blakeman’s support while he was serving as a county legislator, praised the volunteers and survivors for their invaluable contributions that have sustained the home’s mission for 25 years.
“If it weren’t for Bruce Blakeman, we wouldn’t be here. We wouldn’t have saved so many lives. I will always be grateful to him for his commitment to this cause and for providing ongoing support,” Barish expressed.
Breast cancer occurrence rates in Long Island rank among the highest in the country, with female diagnoses approximately 15% to 20% higher than the national average. Nassau and Suffolk counties are acknowledged as some of the most impacted areas in New York, based on state health statistics.
