DeGrace, cancer center earn Chamber’s top honors

More than 130 people turned out for the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce’s awards gala last week to honor the South Nassau Communities Hospital Cancer Center and chamber board member Barbara DeGrace.

The gala, held Sept. 30 at the Pompei Restaurant in West Hempstead, is an annual event to recognize people and businesses that have made major contributions to the Valley Stream community.

DeGrace received the Chamber’s Special Recognition Award. A Valley Stream resident for more than 25 years, she works as the chief of staff for Assemblyman Bob Barra, serves on the village’s Business Improvement Committee and is on the board of directors for Friends of Bridge, a non-profit substance abuse treatment facility in Valley Stream. DeGrace is the immediate past president of the organization.

“She also manages to run a household,” noted Dominick Minerva Jr., who presented the award. DeGrace has two children, Jenna and Thomas, with her husband John.

DeGrace said she was accepting the award on behalf of Friends of Bridge, the organization she has served for 18 years. With a volunteer board of directors and a shoestring budget, DeGrace described Friends of Bridge as “the little engine that could.” She also represents the organization on the Chamber of Commerce.

Trustee Ed Fare presented DeGrace with a citation on behalf of the village. He explained how she always puts the needs of Friends of Bridge clients first, and ensures that all programs meet state mandates.

County Legislator John Ciotti cited a little known fact about DeGrace — she teaches religious education to special needs children at Holy Name of Mary School. “No one deserves this award more than Barbara for all she does,” he said. “You don’t know half of what she does because she doesn’t publicize it.”

DeGrace thanked Chamber of Commerce President Debbi Gyulay, and all the Chamber’s leaders, for the work they do for Valley Stream. “Being recognized by the Chamber was a real thrill for me,” she said. “I am very thankful to all the friends and dignitaries who took the time to be with us at the gala. It meant so much to me.”

The South Nassau Cancer Center, located at Merrick Road and Central Avenue, received the Business Achievement Award. The center opened in 2002 and uses state-of-the-art technology for cancer treatment. It also offers numerous support services including family counseling and a patient library.

Accepting the award for the cancer center were Cat Taylor, assistant vice president of oncology services, Dr. Rajiv Datta, medical director of the cancer center, and Gail Carlin, director of community relations for South Nassau.

“We are very honored and pleased to accept this,” Carlin said. “We value our membership in the chamber and we look forward to many future partnerships.”

The cancer center has provided guest speakers for several Chamber meetings and the facility has hosted a networking event. It has also been a sponsor of the Fourth of July fireworks show.

Valley Stream Acting Mayor Joanne Antun said that as a cancer survivor, she appreciates all that South Nassau does for the community. She applauded the hospital for having the vision and the wisdom to put an “army” of doctors, nurses, technicians, radiologists and other support staff under one roof to help those who have been diagnosed with cancer. “We are really grateful to have you in our backyard,” Antun said.

Gyulay said the gala dinner was a huge success. “I thank everyone who attended,” she said, “and congratulations to Barbara and to South Nassau’s cancer center.”