Recognizing the high incidence of women’s cancers on Eastern Long Island and having family members both lose life to and survive cancer, Joe Gaviola, keeper of the Montauk Lighthouse, was inspired to help create an event to give back to the community. He, along with a group of volunteers at the Montauk Historical Society have agreed to help hold the first-ever “Beacon of Hope 5K” to benefit our local women’s cancers charities: Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition for Women’s Cancers. The event, sponsored by those nonprofits, will take place at the Montauk Point Lighthouse on Saturday, June 18, and will honor longtime supporter of Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition, Dr. James Brady.
Brady has been a continuous sponsor of Gurney’s Montauk Girls Night Out and team Heaven Can Wait at the LI2Day Walk; has hosted guest bartending events and most-notably participates in the Reconstructed Bra Auction while donning the most wildly outrageous outfits, drawing big bids. Brady has said, “I don’t mind making a fool of myself, as long as it makes money to help others in their time of need.”
As a reconstructive breast surgeon, “his talent, kindness and availability are unparalleled,” said Melissa Mahoney, a breast cancer survivor. Brady opened his office during a snowstorm to see Mahoney, who was in pain from a reconstruction surgery. Brady was not her doctor but took the time to help her when she needed it most.
“That’s just the kind of guy he is, always doing for others,” said Stacy Quarty of Lucia’s Angels and the Coalition, “What better person to honor at this inaugural event!”
The course will traverse the historic Camp Hero State Park and finish right alongside the Montauk Lighthouse. To sign up, visit BeaconOfHope5k.org.
Staff Writer on Jun 2, 2022