The Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition has a new home, and its leaders say the space marks an important step forward in supporting those facing breast cancer in the community.
The coalition recently opened its office on North Park Avenue with a grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials, members of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, and supporters of the organization.
For coalition leaders, the event represented years of growth and a new opportunity to expand the group’s reach.
Presidents Peg McDonald and Erin O’Sullivan said the office will allow the organization to better serve women and families affected by breast cancer while strengthening connections among survivors in Rockville Centre and surrounding communities.
“For us, it’s like a dream come true,” McDonald said. “We have a lot of big plans for what’s going to happen here. We’re happy to have the town greet us with the ribbon cutting.”
The new location comes as the coalition continues to grow and expand its services. Leaders said the additional space will allow them to hold monthly meetings, support programs, and other gatherings designed to bring members of the breast cancer community together.
O’Sullivan said the office will also provide those seeking help with a private and comfortable place to meet with care counselors.
“We also want a safe space for our recipients and care counselors to meet privately, so they can have a conversation with each other,” O’Sullivan said. “Just like a little community meeting space.”
Dozens of supporters filled the office on March 4 to mark the occasion. After the ribbon cutting, attendees celebrated with a toast and refreshments while exploring the space and connecting with coalition members.
Among those present was Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce President Ed Asip, who welcomed the coalition as one of the chamber’s newest members.
“We love to come out and support new businesses coming into town,” Asip said. “We welcome them to the neighborhood, we welcome them to the Chamber of Commerce, and we’re very excited to have them as part of our network.”
Several local officials also attended, including Legislator Scott Davis, Mayor Francis X. Murray, Trustee Gregory P. Shaughnessy, and Deputy Mayor Kathleen Baxley.
Baxley, a two-time breast cancer survivor and former coalition board member, said the organization plays a crucial role in helping women navigate a difficult diagnosis.
“I think the best part of the coalition is that women who have been through breast cancer can guide and support newly diagnosed women,” Baxley said. “I fully support it, and I love that there’s a new space for people to meet.”
Before moving to the new office, the coalition held meetings at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, after initially meeting in members’ homes. McDonald said the organization eventually outgrew the church space as participation increased.
“We grew so rapidly, we outgrew the space,” McDonald said. “It was time to make a change.”
Now, coalition leaders say the North Park Avenue office will serve as a welcoming hub where survivors, patients, and families can gather, share their experiences, and support one another.
With the new space, the organization hopes to continue expanding its programs and creating a stronger network of support within the Rockville Centre community.
