.:: New York Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc.::.

On the 24th of March, the Health Committee, chaired by Hayley Thompson, PhD, hosted a forum titled: Can Alternative Medicine Prevent and Treat Cancer?, which was held at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine. The Forum was co-sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Harlem Branch (represented by Lernard Freeman) and the Ralph Lauren Cancer Center of North General Hospital (represented by Carmen Navarro).

The panel included Coalition member/breast cancer survivor, Elizabeth Sanders; Al Ashford, MD of Harlem Hospital Center; Gary Deng, MD, PhD, an expert on Alternative Treatments; and Ms. Nyrvah Richard, a bladder cancer survivor, and renowned Harlem physician and long-time Coalition member, Muriel Petioni, MD moderated.

Statistics, the personal stories of the cancer survivors, and information on current and emerging cancer treatments and alternative therapies were thoroughly discussed.

Also in attendance was the distinguished Gerald Deas, MD who alerted audience members to the toxic lead content of many lipsticks and the need for women to ensure that they were not exposing themselves to this potentially disabling toxin.

After the panel discussion, guests had the option to participate in a Tai Chi Workshop facilitated by Sheila Mason-Gonzales, or a Meditation Workshop facilitated by Sakinah Beth Kinley.

The Amsterdam News featured an article on the wonderful work of our Health Committee and praised the information provided by our distinguished panel.