This week, Nassau County Legislator Judy Jacobs (D-Woodbury) joined with Colette Coyne and the Colette Coyne Melanoma Campaign to increase awareness of the dangers of sun to the skin. Colette Coyne’s daughter died of Melanoma at 30 years old.
On Monday, May 4th, on the steps of the Nassau County Legislature, Democrats and Republicans joined with Mrs. Coyne, Health Commissioner Eisenstein, a Melanoma Survivor, and North Shore/LIJ to increase awareness regarding the dangers and causes of skin cancer. The goal is to increase funding for research and to change the attitudes and behaviors toward tanning from the Sun’s UV Rays and Tanning beds. Melanoma Monday is the first Monday in May.
On Tuesday, May 5th, the campaign went to the Vernon School in East Norwich to speak to 5th graders about the dangers of sun and skin related diseases. An inspirational speech came from Caleigh O’Toole, a young lady in the 6th grade who lost her Aunt to skin cancer. The children were shown a video and then participated in a question and answer session with Mrs. Coyne, Legislator Jacobs and the young and dedicated 6th grader.
Jacobs said, “I have been devoted to this effort. When we were growing up everyone thought that being tan was a sign of good health. Now, we know for certain, it can easily be a ticket to bad health with deadly impact. Wearing hats, sun glasses, sun screen and just being careful with our children and their habits can make such a big difference.” For more information please visit the web site www.ccmac.org.
Colette Coyne with Nassau County Legislators Jacobs, Walker, Gonsalves, and Kopel, along with Melanoma survivors and leaders from North Shore/LIJ
Colette Coyne speaking at the Vernon School
Legislator Jacobs speaking at Monday’s press conference
Legislator Jacobs speaking to 5th Graders at the Vernon School
Justin Kiamos, Frank Sonmo, Suzanne Gentile, Diana Hauser, Jami Hauser, Jami Pugh, Diana Boucher, Nancy Goiman (Principal), Christine Hauron, Legislator Judy Jacobs, Colette Coyne, Caleigh O’Toole