Now in its 10th year, the Manhasset Women's Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC) has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars towards breast cancer research and in 2004, launched its Outreach Program, which helps members of the Manhasset community who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer and those who are undergoing treatment for the disease.

In recognition of its important role on Long Island, MWCABC this year has been designated as a beneficiary organization in the Long Island 2 Day Walk to Fight Breast Cancer. Organized to raise awareness and funding for the fight against breast cancer on Long Island, all proceeds of the walk are distributed to participating grassroots service organizations on Long Island. Last year, more than $330,000 was raised during the two-day event directly benefiting a dozen Long Island communities.

"To be named a beneficiary organization recognizes the good work the coalition has done and the confidence placed in it," said MWCABC Board Member Kathy Gray, who together with Outreach volunteer Arda Haratunian, is co-chairing the local effort. "What we need now are volunteers, walkers and sponsors, and to let our residents know how easy it's going to be to do something fun that also directly benefits our community."

An orientation has been scheduled for Thursday, March 2 at 7 p.m. at Cold Spring Harbor Labs where those interested can learn more about the walk, the weekend and opportunities for volunteering or sponsoring walkers. In the meantime, those interested are encouraged to visit www.LI2day.org or call Kathy Gray at 627-8770 or Arda Haratunian at 457-5187.

The Long Island 2 Day Walk is a 2 day, 35-mile journey through picturesque Suffolk County. The walk begins Saturday morning June 3, at Smith Point County Park, and ends Sunday midday in the same park. Walkers travel 20 miles the first day but are provided rest stops every two miles with ample food, drinks and in some cases, entertainment. At night, walkers arrive at Victory Village at Cathedral Pines where they are greeted with a hot meal, a massage, hot showers and new tents. Of course, vans and medical care will be available throughout the walk. Also walkers can choose to not stay overnight.

Funds received by the MWCABC from the 2006 Long Island 2 Day Walk will support the Outreach Program. Developed by breast cancer survivors, the goal of Outreach is to provide each woman with information and emotional support, as well as relief from some of the day-to-day stresses and pressures of taking care of herself and her family, while undergoing treatment for breast cancer. When a newly-diagnosed resident of Manhasset is referred to the MWCABC, the Outreach Program provides a resource information package and a Gift of Hope and Healing basket. In addition, those undergoing treatment for breast cancer are offered support services, which can include transportation to and from medical appointments, meals for the family, housecleaning, errand runs and babysitting.

In encouraging involvement in the event, coordinator Arda Haratunian said, "Our community has already shown its kindness and generosity to helping those affected by breast cancer and this is just another way to channel our energies. The best part is that everyone can participate either by walking, volunteering or sponsoring our walkers, all of which would benefit our efforts here in Manhasset."