The Island Gift of Life Foundation Supports Patients in Need on East End

Cheryl Hannabury was a vibrant young woman and Shelter Island resident who battled Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma for several years. While she struggled with this debilitating disease, she saw first-hand the toll it would take on her family – the stress not only of the illness, but the added burden of major expenses that were not covered by insurance. Hoping to help others facing similar challenges, Cheryl wanted to create a resource so that their energy and focus could remain on their treatments, while creating as much comfort for the patients and their families as possible.

In 2001, Cheryl and a group of friends founded The Island Gift of Life Foundation, a non-profit, 501c (3) organization offering financial assistance and other related support to patients dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Sadly, Cheryl succumbed to the disease despite all efforts to save her, but her dream lives on, touching many lives through the Foundation she founded and inspired. Thanks to the generosity of donors, the mission of the Foundation has grown over the years to now include support for people with many other serious medical problems living in the Towns of East Hampton, Southampton, Southold and Shelter Island.

Today, the Foundation continues to make a difference in the lives of dozens of patients each year. When Peconic resident Robert Phillips found himself struggling to pay medical bills after being diagnosed with H.S. (Hidradenitis Suppurativa, also known as Acne Inversa), a debilitating chronic inflammatory skin disease, making it impossible to continue his job as an independent contractor, a friend pointed him in the direction of the Island Gift of Life.

“What they did for me was just amazing. While trying to manage this painful skin disease, I found myself battling with insurance companies to get coverage of my medication approved. Because there is no cure for H.S., most of the medications my specialist has put me on are deemed ‘experimental’ and therefore, the insurance company tries to fight back on approving them to be covered. The Gift of Life stepped right in and paid these bills for me. I was then able to focus on the treatment, without being tangled up in the logistics of the insurance system, and the stress of trying to manage these bills. I don’t know what I would have done without the Gift of Life; I probably would have lost my house. It has been just incredible to hand that stress off, and know that these bills have been paid.”

Mr. Phillips also noted the impact the Island Gift of Life directly has on the residents of Long Island’s East End.

“If you are going to donate, this is the charity that keeps your money in our community, and supports local people, which is so important. You hear about small town camaraderie, and then you see it actually happening where you live. It has been such a gift to my wife and me.”

In addition to work they do to provide financial assistance and other related support to patients, The Island Gift of Life Foundation also coordinates and supports blood/bone marrow drives throughout Suffolk County. The Island Gift of Life will continue to fund more drives in the future and would be happy to assist someone in need of bone marrow by helping to fund/organize a drive.

On Saturday, March 5th, the Foundation will host its 16th annual “Cheryl Hannabury Memorial Celebration of Life” at the Ram’s Head Inn on Shelter Island at 6pm. Tickets are $35 and will be sold at the door.

For more information on the Island Gift of Life and how to donate, or if you know someone in need of assistance, please visit www.islandgiftoflife.org

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