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Article posted on Novartis Oncology
website
For Novartis Pharmaceutical employees in the U.S. Karen Rosenzweig and
Lesley Hynes, breast cancer is personal. Each lost a dear friend to the
disease. In memory of their pals, both have signed on to trek 39 miles
in the New York Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.
On October 7 – 8, a team nicknamed “Earthbound Angels” will take to the
streets of New York City and the surrounding boroughs, walking to raise
funds for breast cancer research and education. Karen is Global Head of
Portal Management for NPC in the U.S. and Lesley is Associate Director,
Operations for Global Medical Affairs, NPC, U.S. This duo is hoping
others will soon join them, support or cheer them on during the two-day
event.
Karen is walking in honor of her friend who passed away at age 35, just
one year after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Frustrated by the
lack of social services or information about treatment options she
encountered when trying to help, Karen took matters into her own hands.
As head of Portal Management, Karen has been instrumental in developing
and sustaining www.novartisclinicaltrials.com, a site to educate
patients and caregivers about trials for various diseases.
“It’s become sort of my crusade within the company to really push this,”
Karen says. “I feel that there are people out there who don’t know where
to turn.”
“I want to see breast cancer eliminated in my lifetime because I don’t
want anyone to go through what my friend went through,” Karen adds.
For Lesley, the loss of her friend, Deborah, was particularly
devastating. With daughters the same age and similar life experiences,
Lesley and Deborah shared a great deal. But Deborah succumbed to breast
cancer, just as her mother had. Lesley fears for Deborah’s daughter, now
14. She believes, by taking part in the Avon Walk, she can make a
difference.
“I’m hoping that something will happen so she doesn’t have to go through
what her mother went through,” Lesley comments. “Wherever the money
goes, I’m walking to support research.”
Karen and Lesley are confident they can raise funds and awareness,
especially at Novartis. “I’m proud to say that I work for a company that
does so much good for the community and for patients,” says Lesley. In
fact, Novartis Oncology’s Ribbon of Pink is an official sponsor of the
Avon Walk for the third year.
For now, with just two months to go until the New York Walk, Karen and
Lesley know they need to focus on training. It’s now about breaking in
new sneakers, trying different socks, and making practice walks.
In October, when the two hit the New York pavement, they’ll be honoring
the memories of their dear friends.
If you would like more information about how YOU can get involved in the
Avon Walk for Breast Cancer NY event, visit one of the Avon Walk
information tables on Wednesday, August 2 during lunchtime outside the
following cafeterias: East Hanover: Bldgs. 700, 438, 419 and in Florham
Park: Bldgs. 105 and 104. |