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Dr. Lauren Cassell, Chief of Breast Surgery
Lenox Hill Hospital, Dr. Gwen Korovin,
Voice
Doctor, and in center Dr. Constance M. Chen,
Breast Reconstruction |
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The Ellen Hermanson
Foundation was established in 1997 to honor the memory of Ellen
Hermanson and
carry on the important work to which she devoted so much of
her time and energy. An activist and an advocate, Ellen
channeled her journalistic talents to become a forceful
voice for breast cancer patients and their families. She
educated her readers about the importance of early
detection, the challenges of living with breast cancer, the
very real, but little-discussed or understood, issue of pain
management, and the debilitating effects of breast cancer on
the entire family.
MISSION STATEMENT
The Ellen Hermanson
Foundation is continuing Ellen’s work by focusing on three
areas, primarily to serve breast cancer patients on the East
End of Long Island:
-
educational outreach
about the importance of mammography and early detection
to medically under-served communities of women;
-
psychosocial support
services that address the broad range of issues
facing breast cancer patients, survivors, spouses,
families, and friends; and
-
research on improving
understanding of pain management and methods for
treating pain.
The Ellen Hermanson
Foundation is unique in its commitment to helping breast
cancer patients and their families cope with the changing
nature of the physical and emotional aspects of breast
cancer.
ELLEN'S RUN
Ellen’s Run is both the
fundraising vehicle for the Foundation and an annual 5k
(3.1-mile) race. An innovative, grassroots event, the Run
has gone far toward meeting the Foundation’s goals. Held on
the East End of Long Island, where breast cancer diagnosis
and mortality rates are among the highest in the state,
Ellen’s Run draws on the strength of the local community and
gives back to the community, in the form of local projects,
the bulk of the money raised.
Proceeds from Ellen’s Run
support the new Ellen
Hermanson Breast Center at Southampton Hospital.
The Foundation has also funded much state-of-the-art
technology at Southampton Hospital, such as digital
mammography equipment.Ellen’s
Run also supports Ellen’s
Well, a program that since May 2000 has provided
psychosocial support for breast cancer survivors on Long
Island’s East End under the leadership of a specially
trained certified social worker.
The race itself is a family
event, aimed at both serious runners—women and men alike—and
casual runners, as well as walkers and supporters of all
ages. It engenders camaraderie and community as participants
support or memorialize a loved one. Breast cancer survivors
are recognized and applauded for their courage. A special
prize is awarded to the first breast cancer survivor to
finish the race. Those who have been touched by the disease
or the specter of the disease have the chance to take a
positive step.
The First Annual Ellen’s Run
attracted more than 500 participants and raised more than
$62,000—an astonishing success for a first-time event. By
the third year, the amount of money raised had more than
doubled. By its fourth year, Ellen's Run had become the
largest race on the South Fork, with nearly 900 registered
participants. It raised more than $160,000. As we approach
our 16th year, we have grown to over 1,000 participants and
have awarded approximately $2.7 million in grants.
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