North Fork Breast Health Coalition Expands Board of Directors

Riverhead – The North Fork Breast Health Coalition welcomes Colleen Pennica, LPN, of Manorville to the board of the non-profit, all-volunteer organization. With the addition of Pennica, the number of directors now totals 10 dedicated individuals, who all happen to be women.

Colleen Pennica has been married for 36 years and is the proud mother of three accomplished adult children. She is also a Licensed Practical Nurse who is affiliated with Kindred at Home, which is based in Riverhead. As a home-care nurse, she works making house calls all over Eastern Long Island from Mount Sinai to Orient on the North Fork and Bellport to Montauk on the South Fork. This also includes caring for COVID patients.

“Colleen believes in our mission. She was a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer at our annual Pink Pearl Galas. In addition to that, her medical background will surely be an asset to the board,” says President Susan Ruffini.

In addition to Ruffini, the NFBHC board also includes Vice President Melanie McEvoy Zuhoski, Secretary Annie Baulch, Treasurer Denise Vasilakos and At Large Directors Luisa Gatz, Lori McBride, Shannon Reitz, Bernadette Tuthill and Janice Jay Young.

NFBHC supports local breast-cancer patients with programs such as the Helping Hand grants. Funds raised also allow the group to continue to provide free services such as gentle yoga to breast-cancer patients and survivors. The organization has recently partnered with the Peconic Bay Medical Center to offer support groups.

Last month, NFBHC expanded the organization’s mission by raising funds for the newly created Stage IV Research and Grant Fund. For more information about NFBHC or the services that the organization provides to breast-cancer patients and survivors who reside in the North Fork and Riverhead areas, please visit www.northforkbreasthealth.org.