Breast Cancer Survivors Ring 'Victory Bell' At New Commack Park

COMMACK, NY — A new park honoring breast cancer survivors and their families officially opened in Commack on Oct. 7, bringing together survivors, healthcare professionals, community members and local officials during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The Town of Smithtown held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Survivors Park, located within Valmont Village Park at 44 Marie Crescent, marking the completion of the project's first phase nearly one year after plans were announced.

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The park features a pink-ribbon-shaped walkway, commemorative bricks, landscaped gathering areas and a Victory Bell where cancer survivors can celebrate the completion of treatment and other milestones.

"Last year, we stood here with a vision. Today, we get to see that vision become something real," Town Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said. "Survivors Park will be a living advocate for early detection, but more importantly, it will be a reminder to every mother, daughter, sister, aunt and niece who faces this disease that you will never fight alone."

The ceremony featured personal accounts from women whose experiences with breast cancer helped shape the park's mission.

Doreen Perrino, director of the Town of Smithtown Senior Citizens Department and a breast cancer survivor, spoke about the fear and uncertainty that accompany a diagnosis and the importance of having a support system.

"As a breast cancer survivor, this is deeply personal to me," Perrino said. "A diagnosis can change your life in an instant, and in those moments, it matters so much to have people beside you reminding you that you do not have to face it alone."

Perrino said she hopes the park provides comfort to people facing a diagnosis, undergoing treatment or remembering loved ones.

"My hope is that someone who has just received a diagnosis will come here and feel a little less alone, that someone going through treatment will find a moment of peace, and that survivors and families will have a place to reflect, remember and find comfort," she said.

Gina Morrissey, whose experience helped inspire Survivors Park, also shared her story of being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant with her son.

Nearly three decades later, Morrissey stood before attendees as a survivor, mother and grandmother, reflecting on the opportunity to watch her family grow.

Healthcare professionals from St. Catherine of Siena Hospital also addressed the importance of early detection, breast health screenings and comprehensive cancer care.

Speakers included hospital President Christopher Nelson, Chief Nursing Officer Elizabeth McNulty and Dr. Jana Deitch, chief of breast surgery for Catholic Health.

Following the ceremony, several survivors rang the park's Victory Bell, marking one of the day's emotional moments.

The park also features a Christmas tree near the entrance to its ribbon-shaped walkway, intended to serve as a gathering place for the community during the holiday season to celebrate and remember loved ones.

The Town of Smithtown Parks Department oversaw much of the construction and landscaping, with Parks Director Joe Arico and project manager Matt Gorecki helping coordinate the work.

ARS Landscaping contributed to the landscape design, while Laser Industries created the pink awareness-ribbon pavers and customized tribute bricks. Signarama produced bronze plaques installed on large boulders throughout the park.

The project was funded primarily through private donations, with the town providing initial matching support.

Major early supporters included St. Catherine of Siena Hospital, SUSA Soccer and Morgan Stanley. Additional contributions came from local businesses, residents and civic organizations, including the Commack Community Alliance, Greater Commack Chamber of Commerce and Commack Rotary Club.

Plans for future improvements include decorative lighting along the walkway and cancer awareness banners highlighting different forms of the disease.

Town officials are also discussing a potential playground enhancement or other addition dedicated to children affected by cancer, including conversations with the Daniela Conte Foundation.

The long-term goal is to expand the park's mission beyond breast cancer, providing a place of reflection, remembrance and support for anyone whose life has been affected by cancer.