MARCH 2019 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 39
HOSTS WELLNESS FAIR
On Saturday, February 23rd, New York Cancer & Blood Specialists hosted its first Wellness Fair at the Port
Jefferson Village Center, which scenically overlooks the Long Island Sound. Approximately, 300 fellow Long
Islanders came together to promote health and wellness. People of all ages participated in the event hoping
to learn new ways to improve their lives through better eating habits, education and exercise.
“Community” has always been the focus of New York Cancer and Blood Specialists. Ensuring the overall
health and well-being of patients is their first priority. The idea to reach out beyond the practice’s patients
came from Maryann Fragola, DNP at NYCBS, who believes that good health is a result of caring for both mind
and body. “Our commitment to patients extends beyond only treating their disease,” said Fragola. “There is
so much to offer them to enhance the care we provide and having these wonderful services available to both
the patients and the community fosters complete comprehensive care.”
NYCBS showcased its various wellness departments including social work, psychology, physical therapy,
nutrition, chronic care management, nursing education, research, lab and human resources.
To further benefit the community, all proceeds from the event were donated to the New York Cancer Foundation,
which provides financial assistance to those dealing with cancer. The Foundation was formed by NYCBS
CEO and Oncologist, Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca. “Today we raised close to $10,000 for people in our community who
are dealing with the stress of having cancer, including the financial hardships it causes” explains Nancy
Viteritti, Executive Director of the New York Cancer Foundation.
The event was also sponsored by Mather Hospital, Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, Pfizer, and ENT and Allergy
Associates. Several local vendors sampled their products including Phountain of Port Jefferson and healthy
menu selections from Slurp Ramen and Toast Coffeehouse which were all a huge hit! Non-profits including
Strength for Life and Mondays at Racine’s provided information and demonstrations for event participants
as well.
A great addition to the festivities was WALK FM’s “Big Mike” Segiamo, who engaged the crowd and ended the
celebration with prizes and giveaways including Broadway tickets to Disney’s Frozen!
To contact New York Cancer & Blood Specialists please go to the website NYcancer.com or call
The Patient Hotline at 1-833-cancer9
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