The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Westchester

Burke Medical Receives $475,000 Grant

by

Investment will support patients with traumatic brain injuries
lowey
From the office of Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nita M. Lowey (Westchester/Rockland), the Ranking Member on the House Appropriations Committee, announced a $475,000 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) grant for the Burke Medical Research Institute in White Plains to help improve sight in people with trauma-induced neurological injuries.

“Every day, some of our nation’s most cutting-edge medical research is being performed right here in the Lower Hudson Valley,” said Congresswoman Nita Lowey. “I am proud to fight for federal resources for the Burke Medical Research Institute and other outstanding local facilities whose important work keeps New Yorkers healthy while dramatically improving health outcomes across the country. Funding for NIH has nearly tripled since I joined the House Appropriations subcommittee that funds medical research, and I will continue working to increase the $2 billion the NIH pumps into New York’s economy each year.”

The $475,000 grant will be used as seed money for a device that improves sight in people with neurological injuries. This specialized equipment was developed from studies of children who have sustained traumatic brain damage as a result of car accidents or falls from a bike. Patients are shown pictures or other stimulants and asked to visually track them across a screen. Music plays when the images are tracked properly but stops if they are followed incorrectly. Because these patients’ extensive brain damage has left them unable to communicate what they see, the device helps doctors understand what is being perceived visually while also stimulating and improving the patient’s visual system.

“We are thrilled,” said Dr. Rajiv R. Ratan, Executive Director of the Burke Medical Research Institute. “While much of what we are doing here promises improvements in clinical care in five or ten years, this new piece of equipment can improve care almost immediately.”

NINDS is a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) whose mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the brain and nervous system and to use that knowledge to reduce the burden of neurological disease. It supports and conducts research on the normal and diseased nervous system; fosters the training of investigators in neurosciences; and seeks better understanding, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurological disorders. NINDS serves as a prime source of neurological information for scientists, clinicians, and the public.

Lowey fought to include a $2 billion increase in NIH funding in the December 2015 year-end omnibus government spending bill.

.

Interfaith Visitors Join UWMS in Breaking Ramadan Fast

by

ramadan.everyone

Thornwood, June 21–Members of the Upper Westchester Muslim Society warmly embraced a group of visitors from area houses of worship who joined UWMS members to honor their prayers and traditions revolving around the breaking of the near 18-hour, dawn-to-dusk fast of Ramadan.

Joining dozens of UWMS members were clergy and congregants from Temple Beth El of Northern Westchester, the First Congregational Church of Chappaqua, Briarcliff Church, among others. They participated in or observed the UWMS service and later together with UWMS members enjoyed a buffet including traditional fare such as pasta bechemel and fereek with chicken, followed by mouthwatering cheese and raisin baklavahs, and trays of dried and fresh fruit.

“Ramadan Mubarak means ‘to have a blessed Ramadan'” explained Samsiah Abdul-Majid, a member of the all volunteer-run society; Abdul-Majid also serves as a Chaplain at Westchester Medical Center. “It’s how we express our best wishes for people observing Ramadan and share with others around us. It is also a month to enhance our closeness to God, increase the relationship in good neighborliness. We are honored that kind of relationship has been built through the years with the community of Westchester.” — Grace Bennett
ramadan.ladiesramadan.desserts

Supporting “My Sister’s Place” at ICD

by

May 5, Chappaqua: For a special pre-Mother’s Day event, ICD Contemporary Jewelry hosted and showcased the jewelry of two fine designers, Tovi Farber & Kokku, and also earmarked a portion of the evening’s sales for a generous donation to My Sister’s Place.

Visitors stopping in could catch up with Chappaqua’s very own Helen Williams. Helen, along with Denise Williams, are both active members of the Hudson Valley Chapter of Links, an international women’s community service organization that supports My Sister’s Place, a confidential domestic violence shelter.

My Sister’s Place Director of Development Karly Savino added that she is always looking for ways to spread awareness about why the organization, which is over 40 years old, is so important.

“We support them for helping women who are vulnerable,” added Denise. “We are very interested in their Healthy Relationships program which is focused on young people dating; sometimes domestic violence starts with a young girl’s boyfriend. They go into schools and educate.”
— Grace Bennett

(L-r) Carly Levine, director of development of My Sister's Place in White Plains, Denise Williams of White Plains, Helen WIlliams of Chappaqua, and ICD manager Virginia Shasha Photo by Grace Bennett
(L-r) Carly Levine, director of development of My Sister’s Place in White Plains, Denise Williams of White Plains, Helen WIlliams of Chappaqua, and ICD manager Virginia Shasha Photo by Grace Bennett

May 22: Annual Colon Cancer Challenge in Purchase, NY

by

By Jennifer Butler

If you had the ability to prevent more than 50,000 deaths a year, would you do it? If so, join us on May 22nd at Manhattanville College in Purchase, NY for the 13th Annual Colon Cancer Challenge.

The Colon Cancer Challenge is a unique opportunity for survivors, caregivers and loved ones to honor and celebrate the individuals in their lives who have fought bravely against the this devastating cancer killer. By coming together to walk, run, and cheer we are able to raise awareness of this deadly but largely preventable disease and expand the network of support and dedication for our those affected by the disease.
WestchesterCCChallenge1
This family-oriented event consists of a Remembrance and Prevention Walk, a 4-mile Mixed Terrain Fun Run, a Kids Fun Run for children under 12, entertainment and a wellness festival. The top male and female finishers will receive trophies while each Kids Fun Run finisher will receive a medal. All participants will receive a commemorative t-shirts and refreshments.

Survivors are invited to participate in a special Survivor Ceremony and our annual photo prior to the start of the walk, and will also have access to a V.I.P. tent.
The Challenge was New York’s first public colorectal cancer awareness event, founded in 2004 by world-renowned colorectal cancer surgeon and researcher – and longtime Chappaqua resident – Dr. Thomas Weber. “When I started the Colon Cancer Challenge 13 years ago, I could only hope that it would grow as large as it is now. It’s amazing how many people join us every year to raise awareness of New York State’s second leading cancer killer,” he says.

“We are so excited to be back at Manhattanville College this year,” says Cindy Borassi, CCCF Executive Director. “No matter what distance they walk or run, every step our community members take reminds us that this disease is largely preventable with early detection and by incorporating a healthy diet and exercise into your lifestyle.”

Challenge participant Beth Beckmann lost her husband John to colon cancer in 2004, just a few months after the first Colon Cancer Challenge. “Seeing the support pour in for John through donations to our daughter’s Challenge team brought great joy to us all in the final months of John’s life,” Beth says. “I continue to participate in Challenge events and support CCCF in memory of John and also in the hope that fewer and fewer families will have a story like ours.”

Despite the progress we have made over the last decade in reducing the incidence of colorectal cancer in those over 50, early age onset cases of colorectal cancer have been dramatically increasing every year, even affecting those in their early twenties. By funding research into this terrifying trend and offering support to survivors and their families, CCCF is at the forefront of the fight against early age onset colorectal cancer.

Challenge participant Samantha Frazier was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer at age 24. Now 27 and cancer-free, Samantha, along with her team of family and friends, believes the Challenge is a way to spread the critical message of awareness and prevention while celebrating survivorship. She says, “I want others to know that they can live too and celebrate their glory as a warrior forever!”

WestchesterCCChallenge2When Samantha took to the stage for the Survivor Ceremony at last year’s Westchester Colon Cancer Challenge, a hush fell over the crowd. Her youthful presence was a reminder that this disease does not discriminate. And her sweet smile and courageous spirit were a reminder that this disease can – and will – be defeated.
Last year more than 3,500 people participated in Colon Cancer Challenge events, raising nearly $750,000. This year CCCF hopes to reach its goal of $1 million to continue its lifesaving public awareness, screening and prevention programs for the underserved and uninsured, as well as research focused on early age onset of colorectal cancer.

To get involved, call 914.305.6674 or visit events.coloncacnerchallenge.org.

Are You A Solar Superstar?

by

Sunrise Earth Day Contest picture Make a Difference One Ray at a Time
Earth Day Contest — Deadline April 20!

Aspiring middle school student photographers and artists from Westchester and Rockland Counties can demonstrate their talent and knowledge about how the power of the sun can help our planet.

Middle school students are invited to enter to win an IPad mini 2 in the Are You a Solar Superstar? Make a Difference One Ray at a Time contest. Sponsored by Sunrise Solar Solutions LLC, the largest locally owned and operated solar company in Westchester County and the Hudson Valley, the contest calls for entries that show how solar power makes the Earth a better place.

The contest is open to all students in grades 5-8 attending schools in Westchester and Rockland counties. Students should create an original piece of artwork or photograph that demonstrates how solar power makes our Earth a better place and how it can help us save energy and reduce our carbon footprint. The Grand Prize winner will receive an iPad mini 2. The winner may also have their contest submission featured in Sunrise Solar Solutions marketing materials and/or advertisements.

Entries should be sent as a jpeg file via email to earthday@sunrisesolarllc.com and should be submitted by April 20, 2016.