EAST MEADOW, NY (September 25 2014) – Guest speaker Matthew Zachary, the founder of Stupid Cancer, addresses the crowd at Eisenhower Park earlier this week during the third annual Les Nelkin Pediatric Cancer Survivors’ Day, presented by the Survivors Facing Forward Program at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park. Matthew was a 21-year-old college senior and concert pianist when he lost use of his left hand. Tests were performed and he received a diagnosis of medulloblastoma. Eighteen years later, Matt continues to be a passionate advocate for young adults affected by cancer.
More than 400 survivors of pediatric cancer were joined by their families and the staff of Cohen‘s to celebrate their triumph. The day is made possible through the generosity of Ruth and Harold Nelkin who have been great friends and supporters of the Division of Hematology/Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant. They honor the memory of their son, Les, through their support of this emotional event.