In this exclusive audio interview Emmy Winner Charlotte Robinson host of OUTTAKE VOICES™ talks with Cheryl Osimo, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Breast Cancer Coalition about the 23rd anniversary of their premier fundraising event the Lesbians and Friends LGBTQ Dance Party For Prevention that takes place virtually on October 24th from 7P to 9P via Zoom. This year MBCC will feature a special guest appearance and award presentation to long-time environmental activist, comedian and actress Lily Tomlin. The MBCC Environmental Activist Award will be presented to Ms. Tomlin in acknowledgment of her passion and work on many environmental issues. Osimo stated, “We are constantly inspired by trailblazers like Ms. Tomlin who have fearlessly and relentlessly paved the way of putting the greater good of our planet and families first. Including her in MBCC’s history of individuals dedicated to making a positive impact in the world is thrilling news.” The online event will also include laughs with guest comedian Karen Williams and dance lessons with OUT to Dance's Liz Nania where you can learn to dance the cha-cha, rhumba, salsa or merengue with no partner needed. DJ Shelly Cullen will be spinning the tunes throughout the virtual event with a Silent Auction that will run from October 17th through October 24th. MBCC is the only breast cancer non-profit working closely with a research and sister organization Silent Spring Institute to investigate preventable environmental causes of the disease. This work is funded through annual fundraising events like the upcoming virtual Lesbians and Friends LGBTQ Dance Party For Prevention. We talked to Cheryl about what she hopes to accomplish with her work at MBCC and her spin on our LGBTQ issues.
Cheryl Osimo is a fierce LGBTQ ally and devoted breast cancer activist and advocate since 1991 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 41. She has been a catalyst in raising public awareness of the possible environmental links to breast cancer. Her commitment to breast cancer prevention and awareness benefits women worldwide. MBCC is currently working on crucial national health projects to address environmental causes of breast cancer including water testing and how PFAS enters groundwater from firefighting foams, wastewater and other pollution sources as well as their impacts on children’s health. The studies will also assess PFAS exposure on a range of health effects including immune response, kidney function, thyroid disease, liver disease, glycemic parameters, diabetes and neurobehavioral outcomes. Funds raised from the Lesbians and Friends LGBTQ Dance Party For Prevention will help support MBCC's community education programs and their local and national work toward breast cancer prevention. Tickets to attend the virtual event for adults are on a sliding scale of $15, $30, or $45 with tickets for students $10. For More Info & Tix: mbcc.org
I love this interview with Cheryl Osimo whom I admire so much for her generosity of spirit and her unending dedication to the work of breast cancer prevention. Grateful and happy to support their work.
ReplyDelete