We must win the battle against breast cancer.

Hewlett House in Hewlett is being restored to serve as a vital resource and support center for victims of breast cancer and their loved ones. This well-intentioned initiative of our county Legislature was assigned to the Friends for Long Island's Heritage, a not-for-profit organization, to oversee the restoration. Tragically, this needed project has encountered numerous delays including a shortage of funds. It is essential that One In Nine, an outstanding breast cancer advocacy organization, assume the operation of Hewlett House as quickly as possible.

In order to achieve that objective, I have met with Geri Barish, president of One In Nine and Jerry Kessler, president of Friends for Long Island's Heritage. The Friends for Long Island's Heritage have agreed to continue the restoration with existing funds and to complete the restoration with the $150,000 in state funding secured by local New York State Senator Kemp Hannon. Accordingly, with this cooperative effort, the restoration of Hewlett House can be completed without the appropriation of additional local taxpayer funds. It is anticipated that the restoration will be completed and the Hewlett House will be operational this fall.

Breast cancer knows no political, geographic or economic boundaries. The resources of the Hewlett House must be available to those in need. We will not rest until a cure for breast cancer is found. Until that time, our most valuable tools are the tools of knowledge and education. The survival rate for breast cancer is over 90 percent if detected early. Through the proper operation of Hewlett House, many stricken by breast cancer and their loved ones will have access to these valuable tools.