Debbie Basile Like many new retirees, Debbie Basile hopes to do some traveling, hit the gym, and set aside a little more time for herself. But Basile did not just leave behind a job when she officially left her post at the Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) last month, but the organization that formed under her guidance— one that will continue to bear her trademark even in the days following her retirement.

“The Babylon Breast Cancer Coalition (BBCC) has been invaluable,” said Donna Jurasits, Executive Director of the BBCC. “It’s amazing the commitment Debbie had for it over the past 16 years.”

Basile, along with two other women, founded the BBCC in 1993 when, inspired by the work being done by the West Islip Breast Cancer Coalition, they decided to do a map of their area to determine just how many women had been diagnosed with breast cancer.

“We did mailings and doorto door campaigns to distribute surveys, which were then sent back to a local hospital and counted by myself and other volunteers,” said Basile.

The survey appeared to be a success, with “a response from 55-60 percent of the households in the 11702 zip code,” Basile said.

Since then, the BBCC has sent out quarterly newsletters and has established a variety of programs to help those with - or affected by breast cancer and, as of five years ago, reached out to gynecological cancers as well.

“After creating the newsletter in 1994,” explained Basile, “we started the Lend A Helping Hand program, which came about because we felt as though some of those diagnosed with breast cancer were falling through the cracks, so we created this to make their lives at least a little bit easier.”

Through this program, which is designed to assist those diagnosed with breast cancer through the first four-to-six months of therapy, the BBCC provides services such as house cleaning, transportation, childcare, massage therapy, and financial assistance to those coping with the disease.

In addition, the BBCC has also created the Gift of Health and Inspiration, a gift bag that the coalition distributes to a those diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer. “There are about fifteen items in the bag,” said Basile, “ranging from journals to movie tickets to seatbelt softeners, which are used to help the patient after surgery.”

“Over the years, we have increased the programs we provide,” Basile said, “and we pride ourselves for having a variety of well-rounded programs.”

In addition to Lend A Helping Hand and the Gift of Health and Inspiration, the BBCC offers SOS, a program to provide assistance to family members who have lost a loved one in the battle against breast or gynecological cancer, and it has put into place a scholarship program. Volunteers are also on call to go with patients to their doctors’ appointments, “to be a second set of ears,” said Basile. “Sometimes the patient hears what the doctor is saying, but there’s just so much going through their head that they are unable to interpret it.”

“I applaud her for the amount of time and effort she put into this organization,” said Jurasits. “Her dedication was amazing, especially given the fact that she never had a personal battle with breast cancer.”

Not only did Basile never battle breast cancer, but she also had no experience in the health field.

“It was a new experience,” she said. “I had absolutely no prior experience or interest in health, but I really love doing the job. It was a calling for me; it was something that I really wanted to do.”

Before she founded the BBCC, Basile had her own business, designing wreaths and floral arrangements. She was also very involved in her daughter’s school district and a member of the PTA.

“I always ran the book fairs and cultural arts events, and I used to love doing that,” she said.

Basile has not completely left the health scene just yet. Right now, she is temporarily helping New York State’s Cancer Services Program, which provides free mammograms and screenings to the uninsured.

She also sits on the Babylon Village Board of Trustees and is the board’s liaison for the Conklin House.

The BBCC is hosting a retirement party in Basile's honor Sun., April 11 at Lily Flanagan's Pub. The cost is $35. For information call 631-893-4110.