A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Staten Island University Hospital officially unveiled the ‘Florina Rusi Markee Comprehensive Breast Center.’ It was a big moment for health officials, those battling breast cancer, and their loved ones
"We will never forget you,” said Elli Rusi, Florina Markee's niece.
The mulit-million dollar center, has been in the works since 2009. It's named after Florina Rusi Markee, who was 35-years-old when she died. Since then, her family started a foundation in her name and became major donors helping to get the facility built.
"When you suffer such a loss like that, you put the energy into something equally as great as that loss," Rusi says.
Health officials say Staten Island has highest rate of mortality of breast cancer in the city and that a center like this was greatly needed.
"We can take care of all women breast diseases both cancer and non-cancer, from beginning to end. They can come here and don't have to drive around to multiple different doctors," said Dr. Cynara Coomer, Chief of Breast Surgery.
The Center also offers a special new “Wellness Boutique,” that health officials hope will provide a comfortable environment for women undergoing treatment, to get their pre and post, breast cancer supplies.
"We have beautiful bras…post-operative care like camisoles that could hold patients drains, things that are really important that you need after surgery," says April Cinardi an administrator with the Comprehensive Breast Center.
The boutique also offers wigs, so patients, can get fitted, without having to leave the hospital. They can also take part in massage, yoga and meditation.
"We didn't want patients to feel like they were in another doctor’s office. We wanted them to come here and feel supported," Coomer added.
Health officials say their vision is to continue to grow and add more services, thanks in part to community support and fundraising who made the Center possible.