The Lakeview NAACP Youth Council welcomed representatives from Hewlett House at its Aug. 16 meeting, giving young members an opportunity to learn about cancer advocacy, health education and ways to support families in their communities.
Geri Barish, a six-time cancer survivor and longtime cancer advocate, founded Hewlett House as a free resource center for cancer patients and their families. The organization originally focused on breast cancer before expanding to serve people affected by all types of cancer.
Barish’s advocacy grew from personal loss. She lost her mother to breast cancer in 1974 and her son, Michael, to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1986. Those experiences led her to become an advocate for patients’ rights, cancer education, prevention and access to health care.
During the Youth Council meeting, Barish discussed the importance of young people learning about their family medical histories, understanding cancer risks and becoming advocates for themselves and others. She also highlighted the role students can play through volunteer work and community service.
“I’m the person that fights for people’s rights,” Barish said. “It doesn’t matter who you are, what your faith is, what your color is or where you come from.”
Hewlett House, on East Rockaway Road in Hewlett, operates from a historic property that Barish describes as 387 years old. The center has become a community resource where patients can find support, information and practical assistance at no cost.
One of the center’s notable resources is its collection of wigs for cancer patients experiencing hair loss during treatment. Hewlett House has thousands of wigs organized by color and length, allowing patients to select one that works for them. The organization provides other resources and works with hospitals and local professionals to connect patients with assistance.
Youth Council President Parker Leary interviewed Barish, asking about what inspired her to turn her personal experience with cancer into a lifelong career in advocacy and about her work supporting cancer patients and families.
Community involvement is central to Hewlett House’s operations. Students from local schools and Key Clubs regularly volunteer, helping with projects and organizing supplies. The center also gives young people opportunities to complete community-service projects while learning about cancer, health and advocacy.
Barish has also worked beyond Hewlett House, advocating for legislation and environmental protections related to cancer. Her work has included efforts to raise awareness of potentially harmful chemicals and pesticides and reduce financial and other barriers facing cancer patients.
The presentation gave members a broader look at health advocacy while emphasizing the importance of community involvement. For the Youth Council, the meeting offered practical examples of how young people can contribute through volunteering, education and advocacy.
Amanda Bailey of Healy also spoke to the Youth Council about the organization’s work helping New York Medicaid members access health-related social services.
“Sometimes in school they don’t really talk about nutrition or things that affect our health, and maybe having mold in the house, proper ventilation,” Bailey said. “We’re working with community-based organizations, doctors’ offices, insurances to really encompass what it means to have great overall health.”
The visit also reinforced Hewlett House’s longstanding mission of ensuring cancer patients and their families have a place to turn for support, information and resources without worrying about cost.
