Elizabeth Tanzola Cavaluzzo As a cantor, Garden City resident Elizabeth Tanzola Cavaluzzo lifts the spirits of those attending religious services in various parishes throughout both the Diocese of Rockville Centre and Brooklyn by sharing her voice.

As a volunteer for the Lean on Me Breast Cancer Network Inc., she performs the same spirit-lifting function by sharing her personal experience with those going through a similar ordeal.

Cavaluzzo was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1997. Three years later, one of the doctors who had treated her, Dr. Dwight DeRisi, asked her to volunteer for Lean on Me. He and several colleagues had recently formed the non-profit organization to offer support to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients by pairing them with a survivor. Today, the peer support program boasts more than 80 volunteers, who have helped thousands of patients.

“Being diagnosed with breast cancer is a chilling experience,” Cavaluzzo said. “As a resident of Garden City for 17 years, I know how many in our village alone who have been touched by this disease.”

The Great Neck-based network has expanded considerably since it began nine years ago and now provides patients and their families with access to resources, free of charge, so they can more easily manage their diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Services include a weekly patient support group, breast cancer education updates, an annual wellness retreat, patient information kits, and free wigs and post-surgical bras.

Cavaluzzo calls newly diagnosed patients who have expressed interest in talking with a survivor. The organization tries to pair patients with survivors who have experienced similar treatments; Cavaluzzo had a lumpectomy followed by radiation and chemotherapy. She provides emotional support, and will also direct the person to available resources when appropriate.

Most importantly, she provides hope. “It’s not a death sentence,” she said. “It’s such a lonely, scary time for women. You do get through it.”

The organization will be sponsoring its Third Annual 5K Walk & Talk Community Event on Saturday, September 26th at Bethpage State Park. The event will be held rain or shine. For more information, call (516) 829-6609 or visit www.leanonmebcn.com.

Cavaluzzo also works part-time for Brighton Collectibles, which has a location at the Roosevelt Field Mall. From September 25th through October 31st, the 142 company-owned stores across the country will offer a special bracelet and identification holder and donate a portion of the proceeds to various charities. At Cavaluzzo’s request, Jerry Kohl, Brighton’s owner and founder, has decided to donate $10 to Lean on Me for each piece sold at the Roosevelt Field location.

The promotion will begin with a special celebration at the store on Saturday, Sept. 26th. Besides free refreshments, coupons and raffles, a volunteer from Lean on Me will be on hand to provide more information on the organization.

The company has raised more than $3 million for breast cancer charities since 2003. Kohl explained his dedication to making a difference: “For each woman who suffers, it is also tragic for everyone who cares about her. Watching someone go through successful treatment can be brutal and, if treatments do not work, it’s heartbreaking. I know this because I lost my own brother to cancer, liver cancer. The dollars going to research through promotions like ours will affect breast cancer survival and fund the cure that we hope will come soon and will also spill over into helping people to survive other forms of cancer. To succeed in this cause which profoundly impacts us all, it will take each one of us doing our part and giving generously to the charities.”