[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1691]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE HUNTINGTON BREAST CANCER ACTION COALITION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
work of the Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. This coalition 
has been instrumental in escalating our awareness about the high rate 
of breast cancer throughout the Huntington community.
  The Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition conducts town meetings, 
provides breast exam workshops and distributes educational literature. 
Moreover, this important organization works with the Suffolk County 
Department of Health Services to provide yearly mammograms at St. 
Hughes of Lincoln Church in Huntington Station. The success of this 
independent, grassroots organization has been studied around the world. 
In fact, the Huntington organization has inspired the creation of the 
Tokyo Breast Cancer Action Coalition.
  The coalition was created on October 12, 1992, by a group of women 
led by Karen Miller, who cared deeply about the high rate of breast 
cancer in their community and had been affected personally by this most 
serious condition. These women educated their families, friends, and 
neighbors about various prevention and early detection measures. By 
1993, the organization had opened administrative offices. Today, the 
Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition has 1,500 active volunteers, 
each of whom is committed to putting an end to this serious condition. 
The organization has sent a woman's breast health survey to 68,000 
households throughout Huntington. So far, they have compiled 26,000 
responses in their computer data base. The coalition eventually wants 
to use these findings to help determine the cause of the high rate of 
breast cancer in Huntington. At a dinner on October 1, the coalition 
will honor the following members who truly demonstrate the selflessness 
and compassion of an entire organization.
  Michael Miller, who is the husband of the founder of the coalition, 
has been an outstanding leader in our fight against breast cancer. His 
wife's struggle with breast cancer has led him to nearly a decade of 
outspoken advocacy. Mr. Miller has owned and operated the A-OK 
Appliance Co. for 33 years. He is also an active trustee of his 
synagogue. Michael Miller has lived happily on Long Island with his 
wife and three children since the 1960's.
  Denise Kleinman, another Coalition activist, has been working toward 
the creation of a Breast Cancer Awareness Clinic. Her lifetime of work 
truly represents how one individual can make such an extraordinary 
difference. This former New York City teacher has been involved in both 
her local PTA and in her synagogue. She is also a volunteer for Island 
Harvest which collects excess food and distributes it to the needy on 
Long Island. Denise Kleinman currently resides in Dix Hills with her 
husband and three children.
  Carol Caruso has been one of the most active members of the 
Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. Both she and her husband 
have donated substantial resources from their family business in order 
to support this worthwhile cause. Her actions demonstrate how a local 
business can work alongside a volunteer organization in order to 
further the common interest of an entire community. Carol Caruso has 
also been an active volunteer in the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation. She 
currently lives in Oyster Bay where she enjoys the company of her six 
grandchildren.
  The Huntington Breast Cancer Coalition truly represents the ideas of 
compassion, community and determination. Their selfless actions will 
help others overcome their struggles with breast cancer. Mr. Speaker, I 
ask my colleagues to join me in honoring these extraordinary 
individuals and the outstanding work they have done for their 
community. The organization's dynamic leaders and dedicated volunteers 
should serve as a model for us all.

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