Women's Health Initiative to Host Tea Fundraiser in Derby

DERBY, CT - The Women's Health Initiative will hold its annual Tea Fundraiser on Sunday, April 24, featuring a buffet meal, raffles and door prizes, organizers announced.

Hosted by members of the Women's Health Initiative, the event will take place from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Dining Room at Griffin Hospital, 130 Division St. in Derby.

The fundraiser will benefit the Valley Breast Health Care Fund, and attendees are reminded to be sure to wear a “favorite” hat!

Dr. Mark Melendez of Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surgery Associates, with offices in Shelton, Fairfield and Greenwich, is special guest speaker. Elizabeth Johnson, representing Bigelow Tea in Fairfield, also will be on hand to describe the various teas and associated health benefits.

Co-chairs for the event are Patricia Tarasovic and Kate Cosgrove.

Cost is $30 per person, and seats can be reserved by contacting Nancy Valentine at 203-734-6945 or nvbv@hotmail.com, or send a check made payable to the Valley Breast Health Care Fund c/o Nancy Valentine, 18 Farrell Drive, Ansonia, CT 06401. Donations are also welcome.

The Valley Women's Health Initiative is comprised of members of the community "working toward a common goal of addressing and improving women's health issues including breast cancer awareness and heart disease."

It was established in 2001 to ensure that no person, regardless of age or socio-economic condition, is denied screening mammograms or diagnostic testing for breast cancer.

Committee members include co-chairs Kate Cosgrove and Dr. Stephanie Wain; Daun Barrett, Carey Carpino, Christine Cooper, Dolores Chew, Karen Cusick, Dorothy Gandy, Antoinetta Hallett, Elizabeth Johnson, Lisa Kechijian, Peggy Marlowe, Frank Michaud, Mia Talamelli, Pat Tarasovic, and Nancy Valentine.

The group also sponsors an Annual Women Making A Difference Tribute and Fundraiser each October in conjunction with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Membership is open to all persons interested in promoting and supporting breast cancer awareness and wellness.