The Beth C. Tortolani Foundation is proud to have awarded grants to the following programs in 2016
Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center - “The Nancy Marx Strength To Strength Cancer Wellness Program” is a customized fitness program geared to the special needs of women recovering from breast cancer treatment as well as their caregivers. The program targets women who are in breast cancer treatment, near completion of treatment or have completed treatment and are looking to reduce fatigue and restore strength, flexibility and positive body image. Conducted by a certified fitness instructor and a licensed clinical social worker, it is offered free of charge at the Sid Jacobson Jewish Community Center. The program has expanded to include zumba, yoga, knitting and crocheting for cancer survivors, lymphedema management class, and a day-long retreat for living well with cancer and beyond.
Program Director: Randy Hight
Necessities, Inc. - The “Necessities Bag” is a reusable tote bag designed for the mastectomy patient providing information and supplies to prepare for surgery and aid in recovery. Bags are provided free of charge through physicians’ offices and include a folder to organize surgeon and hospital information, memo pad and pen, water bottle, lip balm, emery board, pocket pack of tissues, roll of Life Savers for dry mouth, 10 large cushioned bandages, 10 all-purpose bandages, gentle paper tape, Bacitracin antibiotic ointment, ribbon to secure surgical drains when showering, “Woman To Woman Guide To Prepare For Mastectomy”, hand- made cushioning pillows to place under arm and chest, and a package of sleeveless cotton undershirts.
Program Directors: Maureen Lutz, Fran Mendelowitz
SHARE – The “Young Women And Breast Cancer” program offers support services, educational programming and networking opportunities to young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Key services include a teleconference support group aimed at women under 50 years of age, webinars on topics such as intimacy and sexuality, and networking events that allow women to connect in a lighthearted, festive way.
Program Director: Christine Benjamin
St. Barnabas Hospital - The “Mobile Mammography Program” provides breast health education, screening, treatment and following services to women in the Bronx regardless of their ability to pay or qualify for insurance. All services, including printed materials, are delivered in English and Spanish. The program also provides patient navigation, helping to make diagnosis and treatment services available to women who are confused, intimated or frightened by heath care providers.
Program Director: Patricia Belair
Lean On Me - One-to-one emotional support is offered to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients from diagnosis through treatment and recovery in the privacy of their physician’s office. The program provides educational lectures, panel presentations, wellness seminars, group support sessions, a resource library and a website. Volunteers, who are breast cancer survivors, are trained for this program to offer a shoulder to lean on and a hand to hold during this difficult time. Each patient in this program will receive a “Necessities Bag” and is informed about the availability of receiving free wigs and post mastectomy bras.
Program Director: Donna DeRisi