Erin Nothel, GC ACS recording secretary, Vice Presidents Beth Mercadante and Patty Scott, and GC ACS President Chris Digan The Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society’s Kickoff Membership Coffee was attended and enjoyed by members long-standing and brand new. The unit wishes to extend their gratitude to Cynthia George and Lori Thomas, the gracious co-hostesses.

After everyone had an opportunity to mingle, grab a cup of coffee and sample from the enormous array of breakfast treats, Chris Digan, Garden City Unit president, began the meeting. She introduced Patty Scott and Beth Mercadante, Garden City unit vice presidents, and Erin Nothel, recording secretary, and then went on to introduce each of the committee chairpeople for all of the exciting events upcoming in the 2004-2005 calendar.

Chris Digan, co-hostess and gracious homeowner Cynthia George, Patty Scott and co-hostess Lori Thomas Dana DeSimpliciis and Jen Gisolfi co-chaired the Christmas card fundraiser this year. This was printed in “The Garden City News” in December. The donations are allocated toward fighting breast cancer. Erin Nothel will chair Daffodil Days in March. This flower symbolizes hope, and many buy bunches for themselves and their friends to share that cherished feeling. The Phantom Ball will be co-chaired by Beth Mercadante and Mary Beth Tully and will not be held next May. Relax at home, save the cost of formal wear and a babysitter, and help benefit cancer research, Johanna Rosato will be chairing the Kitchen Tour, which will take place next June in Garden City. This much-anticipated event showcases some of the most fabulous kitchens in town and provides scores of decorating ideas and a great time. Lastly, the hugely popular “Tastings” will be held next September, and planning for this special evening begins in May. The outdoor gala brings together local restaurants with wine tasting, specialty cocktails, and 300 to 400 friends and neighbors.

Linda Selden and Alexis Stegemann, both of Nassau County ACS Jaimie Byers of the American Cancer Society then detailed the charity’s goals: to reduce cancer fatalities by 50% and reduce the incidence of cancer by 25%, and to increase the quality of life for people afflicted with the disease by 2015. To accomplish these goals, the ACS works to legislate smoking bans, holds school programs on cancer prevention through nutrition and sun safety, and funds research. In early October, an ACS-funded researcher won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing a drug that aids in the treatment of certain blood cancers. Outstandingly, this last prize brings us to a total of 35 Nobel prize winners funded by the American Cancer Society.

Tara Segarra and Anne Poole Lastly, Alexis Stegemann spoke about some of the patient and family services the ACS provides. One is the “Road to Recovery” program, which matches volunteers with patients who need help getting to or from cancer treatments. For people too sick to drive or unable to because of the nature of their treatments, this service is unimaginably helpful. Another is the ACS’ “Look Good, Feel Better” program. This is a two-hour class in hair and makeup, designed to overcome the side effects of cancer. People are given a gift of cosmetics at the end and leave with a huge self-esteem boost.

Dana DeSimpliciis and Jen Gisolfi This is just some of the help and hope the Garden City Unit of the American Cancer Society strives to provide. Please contact Jaimie Byers at 921-6082 x3014 if you’d like to join the team, have some fun and fight cancer.

Julie Germano and Christine Diller

Marie Gillespie, Richard and Patty Nessler and Charna Caddy DiSanto Kate Digan, Joan Krawiec and Mary Trapani Barbara Seale with Virginia Peters Lorriane Hart with Jaimie Byers Liz McQuaid and Robin Coyle