Going Pink: Adelphi Public Safety Joins Pink Patch Effort for Breast Cancer Hotline

Garden City, NY (10/05/2020) — When Sgt. Gerry Lennon of the Adelphi University Department of Public Safety and Transportation in Garden City heard about the national Pink Patch breast cancer effort, he knew that was something he could do right on campus -- to help women suffering with breast cancer by raising money and awareness about the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program.

Pink Patch originated in 2013 with the Seal Beach Police Department in Southern California who wore pink patches on their uniforms during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the years it expanded and today includes several hundred partner agencies throughout the world, from police, sheriff, fire, EMS and federal departments.

With the total support of his department, Lennon initiated the Pink Patch at Adelphi. Breast cancer has hit his family hard. His mother is a breast cancer survivor of 18 years and his sister Kathy Fallon succumbed to the disease in 2015 at age 56. Lennon says that after his sister was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, he went to the hotline and chatted with one of the social workers there, Erin Nau. She helped him cope with his fears and concerns. "I've seen what they do there," he says, "and it's amazing."

Says Michael McGuinness, director of administration and investigations, "Adelphi's Department of Public Safety is honored to be sponsoring this campaign and we stand in solidarity with the families of those affected by this terrible disease. Sergeant Lennon's efforts demonstrates a sense of compassion and empathy shared by all of our Public Safety professionals toward those who have been affected and their families."

The patches will be shared with the University community for any donation and all funds will be donated to the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. To make a donation, visit Public Safety in Levermore 118 or see bit.ly/30gK1Un.

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. To reach the hotline, call 800-877-8077.

Photo Caption 1: Sgt. Gerry Lennon, Adelphi University Department of Public Safety and Transportation in Garden City

Photo Caption 2: Adelphi University Pink Patch

Photo Credit: Adelphi University

About Adelphi: A modern metropolitan university with a personalized approach to higher learning.

Adelphi University is a highly awarded, nationally ranked, powerfully connected doctoral research university offering exceptional liberal arts and sciences programs and professional training with particular strength in its Core Four-Arts and Humanities, STEM and Social Sciences, the Business and Education Professions, and Health and Wellness. Adelphi is dedicated to transforming students' lives through small classes, hands-on learning and innovative ways to support student success.

Founded in Brooklyn in 1896, Adelphi is Long Island's oldest private coeducational university. Today Adelphi serves nearly 8,000 students at its beautiful main campus in Garden City, New York-just 23 miles from New York City's cultural and internship opportunities-and at dynamic learning hubs in Manhattan, the Hudson Valley and Suffolk County, and online.

More than 116,000 Adelphi graduates have gained the skills to thrive professionally as active, caring citizens, making their mark on the University, their communities and the world.

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Media Attachments

Sgt. Gerry Lennon, Adelphi University Department of Public Safety and Transportation in Garden City.

Adelphi University Pink Patch