The Pink by the Bay celebration in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month was held at the Bay Shore bandshell on Oct. 5.

The event was a collaboration between Northwell South Shore University Hospital, the Bay Shore Chamber of Commerce, as well as various local businesses and artists. Bay Shore students were then given certificates for their artwork displayed at the event.

Walking around the event, attendees could find crucial information about not only breast cancer, but also ovarian cancer. This information was provided by none other than the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and the Northwell Peconic Bay Medical Center. Having such crucial organizations enrich our community with knowledge will help Bay Shore women feel less overwhelmed with cancer and mammograms.

Eddie Fraser, president of the Chamber of Commerce for the Bay Shore Village, opened up the ceremony with a few poignant words.

“Take every day as a beautiful day when you wake up in the morning,” he said, addressing the crowd.

Fraser’s encouragement of the simple idea to take life slowly and to appreciate it truly did help, as the fear of cancer can challenge that perspective.

SVP and president of South Shore University Hospital Irene Macyk then came to speak, and corroborated this message, and who else to speak on this matter other than the president of a major Long Island hospital?

Attending physician at Northwell Health, Faisal Siddiqui, then supported this message through his own experience working with patients. This variety of perspectives in the field gave such an insight into how many individuals are dedicated to the fight against cancer.

Islip Town supervisor Angie Carpenter then came to the stage. Even local Bay Shore students helped this fight through their artwork. Presenting tough struggles through the artistic lens of a child is a beautiful thing.

Also, a pass of the torch was then carried out by Stephanie Taylor, PR at the Islip Arts Council. Taylor passed the torch to mayor Mary Adams in honor of ovarian cancer survivor Tina Lievow Metnik, highlighting how overcoming such hardship takes strength and should be celebrated.

Northwell South Shore Hospital executive team member Jason Vello then announced all the Bay Shore students who contributed artwork for the event, showcasing their hard work with certificate awards.