News from the New York Breast Cancer Network
The New York State Breast Cancer Network proudly
announces that Governor Elliott Spitzer has signed into
law two bills that the Network and its member groups have
worked tirelessly to bring to fruition for the past 9 years.
The Network is the only statewide network of community-based,
survivor-driven breast cancer organizations in the
United States. Its 23 member organizations collectively
reach 100,000 people affected by breast cancer each year.
Adding Breast Cancer Survivors to the Health
Research Science Board (Chapter 621 of 2007) adds six
new breast cancer survivors to the Health Research Science
Board. The Board allocates NYS funds for breast cancer
research and Board tracks pesticide use in New York.
For the first time, breast cancer survivors, representing
diverse communities across the entire state, will join the
two existing statewide cancer survivors (one breast cancer
and one prostate or testicular cancer survivor). Five of the
eight survivors on the Board will be voting members.
New York State now joins other states, the Department
of Defense, and private foundations in recognizing the
value of including breast cancer survivors as voting members
of breast cancer research funding programs.
“This law will significantly enhance the effectiveness of
the Health Research Science Board and advance New York
State’s breast cancer research efforts. We are extremely
pleased that it has become State law,” said Andi Gladstone,
Executive Director of the NYS Breast Cancer Network.
The Breast Cancer Survivors’ Support Initiative
(Chapter 623 of 2007) provides state funding opportunities
to community-based, survivor-driven breast cancer
organizations that provide essential post-diagnosis support
and education services to people with breast cancer.
“We are thrilled that New York State has finally recognized
the necessity for a dedicated funding stream for
community-based, survivor-driven, breast cancer organizations
that provide essential services to those affected by
breast cancer in their own communities. Those who have
gone through the breast cancer experience are in the best
position to address the myriad concerns and needs of people
who are just beginning this journey, as well as their
families and friends,” said Susan M. Cohen, NYS Breast
Cancer Network Chair.
HBCAC is a founding member of the New York State
Breast Cancer Network (NYSBCN). For more information
on NYSBCN, visit our website: www.nysbcsen.org.
|
