LI Lights Up In Honor Of Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day

NORTH FORK, NY — Spots across the North Fork, Riverhead and beyond are lighting up Tuesday to mark Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day.

For the first time, the North Fork Breast Health Coalition is participating in #LightUpMBC, a global movement to raise awareness and support funding for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer research through METAvivor.

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To mark the event on Tuesday night, participants will meet at at 6 p.m. the NFBHC office, located at 185 Old Country Road in Riverhead, and join a tour to see locations illuminated in support, in Riverhead and beyond. Those locations include the Big Duck, the planes at Grumman, the Jamesport Meeting House, the All Star Bowling Alley, Apple Honda, the Sea Star Ballroom and the Montauk Lighthouse.

A watch party follows at 7:30 p.m. at the Village Idiot on Riverside Drive in Riverhead; a livestream begins at 8 p.m.

"Join us and help shine a light on the need for more metastatic breast cancer research," the NFBHC said.

And that's not all, the NFBHC said.

"Big things are happening in Stage IV breast cancer research, and we're proud to be part of it!" the group announced. "We are thrilled to share that the North Fork Breast Health Coalition recently donated $25,000 to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center to support much-needed Stage IV (metastatic) breast cancer research. And the wonderful news doesn't stop there."

Memorial Sloan Kettering matched that donation, bringing the total to $50,000 "dedicated to this important research!" NFBHC said. "Coalition board members Susan Ruffini and Rob Stromski had the honor of presenting the check in support of the incredible work being done by Dr. Phaedon Zavras, breast medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center."

For those living with Stage IV breast cancer, research means so much more than scientific discoveries, NFBHC said. "It means the possibility of better treatments, more options, improved quality of life, and more precious time with family and friends."

Stromski's wife Keri Lynn Stromski, 48, was a beloved kindergarten teacher who lived in Jamesport; she was a tireless and heroic advocate for research who died in 2021 after a fierce battle with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. Her mantra "Stage IV needs more" was the rallying cry behind her efforts to raise awareness and create forever change.

NFBHC added: "We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Zavras and his research team for their dedication to advancing metastatic breast cancer research. Their work is making a difference, and we are honored to support it."

And, the organization said: "To our amazing North Fork community, this is your generosity at work! Every fundraiser you attend, every donation you make, every business that sponsors us, and every volunteer who gives their time helps make moments like this possible. While our mission is rooted in supporting the men and women in our community affected by breast cancer, we also believe in supporting research that has the potential to change lives far beyond the North Fork."

NFBHC expressed deep gratitude. "We're a small community with a big heart, and together, we're making a difference far beyond our own backyard. Thank you for helping us support the research, the hope, and the possibilities ahead for those living with Stage IV breast cancer. We couldn't do it without you!"