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Retiree forms coalition looking for answers Francine Kritchek co-founded breast cancer advocacy group September 9, 2004 Francine Kritchek thought she had done everything right in protecting herself against breast cancer. She exercised, ate right and breast-fed her children - activities health officials said would reduce her risk. Still, in 1987, at the age of 63, she developed breast cancer. "I was awestruck, in denial and angry," said Kritchek, a member of the Wantagh Schools United Retirees. "I had none of the supposed risk factors. "Nassau County at that time was number one statewide in terms of people who get breast cancer," she said. "Yet they had determined that it (breast cancer) was the victims' fault. I felt there was something in the environment exacerbating the issue." In 1990, Kritchek and fellow survivor Marie Quinn called a meeting of other survivors and founded the 1 in 9 Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition to explore the causes and cures of the disease. "Our motto was: 'We are dying for funding for research,'" said Kritchek of the grass-roots advocacy organization. The group's first rally in 1991 on the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court made the front page of Newsday. The following year, an article about 1 in 9 ran in the New York Times Magazine. In 1993, Kritchek joined a 1 in 9 contingent that presented signatures to President Bill Clinton in a National Breast Cancer Coalition petition drive. The efforts, in part, resulted in a $250 million increase in federal funding and creation of a National Action Plan for Breast Cancer. 15,000 strong Today the coalition boasts a mailing list of 15,000. The group has lobbied Washington, Albany and Nassau County lawmakers. Key issues include publicizing disease links to pesticide use and environmental pollution, the need for laws to protect the hospitalized, ending "drive-by" mastectomies, and teaching sufferers the importance of being their own medical advocates. So far, 1 in 9 has raised and contributed more than $1 million to the Cold Spring Harbor Lab for breast cancer research. "Our future plans include expanding the group's focus," said Kritchek. In 1998 the organization established Hewlett House as a resource center for those hurt by cancer. "It's basically an information center. We have a library, computer center, lawyers and doctors," she said. Kritchek earned the accolades of her teaching peers when Retiree Council 17 nominated her for the New York State United Teachers Community Service Award, which she received last spring. "The quality and duration of her work over the years truly represents the ideals this award was meant to encourage," said John Cooney, co-president of RC 17. "I have two daughters - this group is an investment in their future," said Kritchek. - Kara E. Smith MORE GOOD CAUSES Leukemia, lymphoma conference An Albany-area conference for teachers and school staff will focus on strategies for dealing with cancer. The program, titled "Cancer in the Classroom: Promoting a Positive School Experience," is scheduled for Oct. 20 at the Century House in Latham. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Children's Hospital at Albany Medical Center are sponsoring the conference. Other chapters of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society are planning similar programs. For information, call the National Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572 and select "0" for an information specialist who will refer you to the nearest chapter. For details about the Albany conference, visit www.lls.org/unyclassroom; to register call Susan Kobrel or Raechel Hunt at (518) 438-3583 by Oct. 1. Heart walk scheduled Members of New York State United Teachers are among the 750,000 walkers nationwide who will take part in the American Heart Walk. The signature fund-raising effort of the American Heart Association, the heart walk is actually 600 separate events held in various locations throughout the year to promote physical activity and heart-healthy living. In New York state, heart walks will take place Sept. 18 in Buffalo, and Oct. 2 in Albany, Plattsburgh and Valhalla, Westchester County. NYSUT is a heart walk sponsor. For details, or to join a heart walk in these and other locations across the state, log on to www.heartwalk.kintera.org. |
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