The nearly 50 attendees, all young ladies ranging from 10th to 12th grade who have joined the Manhasset Junior Coalition Against Breast Cancer, plan to use the information they gained at these events to act as role models and demonstrate healthy living to other teens. “Originally, I found the group to be a great way to make new friends and get involved,” said Alessandra LaRocca, a student at Manhasset High School. “Then I began to see just how much we each can make a difference in the lives of our peers, community and mentors.”

“Every year we donate fundraising money to education, research and specialized programs. We visit the places and meet with researchers and experts who take time to explain their facility and the current programs they are working on with us,” said Laura Wilsusen, a senior classmate at Manhasset High School.

This latest initiative, held at the Monter Cancer Center in Lake Success, offered members of the Junior Coalition the chance to speak to physicians specializing in breast cancer, as well as representatives from the North Shore-LIJ Health System Foundation, who will provide recognition in the community for the generosity and commitment of these young women to the cause. “It’s really inspiring to speak with people who are so dedicated to and excited about their jobs,” said Ms. Wilsusen.

The young ladies of the Manhasset Junior Coalition Against Breast Cancer attended an educational event, sponsored by the North Shore-LIJ Health System and the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer, that spread awareness of breast cancer and prevention to young women. They will present what they learned to the local community, encouraging other teens to take control of their health by making smart choices and being aware of risks.

Reaching out to teenage girls and encouraging them to be more cognizant of their general health and diets to prevent such debilitating illnesses is an effort shared by parents and communities alike. “Events like these really help the girls to work as a group to accomplish something great,” said Karen Wilsusen, Laura’s mother. “It’s also a dream as a parent to see teens interacting with people who are so passionate about their jobs. You hope that someone in that crowd says ‘Hey, I would like to do that someday,’ and finds the motivation to begin making a big difference from a young age.”

The Women’s Coalition started in 1997; since then, the all-volunteer group has raised upwards of $1.3 million in grants for breast cancer efforts. The North Shore-LIJ Foundation is partnering with the Women’s Coalition to host a number of educational and outreach activities for the young women that cover family history, self-examination, early intervention and the importance of a healthy lifestyle from an early age. Members of the Junior Coalition will then have the chance to present creative projects of their choice to other local schools, and explore other venues to speak to their peers and share what they have learned about healthy living. The program is aimed at reminding young women and teens in general to take control of their health early by making smart choices and being aware of risks, and to continue to make a positive impact on the world through their community.

For more information about the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer, the Manhasset Junior Coalition Against Breast Cancer and how to join, please visit their website at www.manhassetbreastcancer.org.

Contact: Kristen Longo
516-465-2607/2600