“Walk from Obesity”
Providing Awareness & Hope
 
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center and Dr. Collin Brathwaite,
Director of the Bariatric Program at St. Catherine joined
forces with the American Society for Bariatric Surgery, Saturday,
October 1st in its’ nationwide “Walk from Obesity”,
a fundraising event, to raise awareness and funds for research,
education, prevention and treatment for the life threatening
disease of obesity. Fifty plus walkers, including a highly
energetic PAL Hockey Team, St. Catherine’s Bariatric
Program’s patients, employees and friends gave a strong
show of support for Smithtown’s first “Walk from
Obesity”. The Smithtown walk was one of 64 nationally
organized events. Senator John Flanagan was present to open
the walk and encouraged the participants to continue to raise
awareness that there is help for those who are confronted
with obesity.
The one-mile walk began at 9:30am at Town Hall on West Main
Street and Redwood Lane, Smithtown, and ended at Stop &
Shop, Smithtown. Stop & Shop supported this important
community event by providing fresh fruit and water for the
participants and volunteers after the walk.
 
Walker Denise LoGuidice, RN, who wore a sign in memory of
her Mom who recently past away from complications of obesity,
provided a moving testimony of the importance of awareness
and the effects that obesity has on those who suffer from
the disease and their families. “This event is long
overdue. We need to reduce discrimination and stereotypes
associated with obesity. It’s not as simple as a lack
of will power or overeating. Obesity is a serious, complex
illness, and people who suffer from it also suffer from diabetes,
heart disease, cancer and other critical health conditions.
Since it has touched my life in such a personal way, I believe
it is important for us to be out here to raise awareness and
educate the public,” said Ms. LoGuidice.
Dr. Collin Brathwaite, Director of the Bariatric Program
was present to provide an overview of how Bariatric Surgery
can help individuals confronting obesity lead a more healthy
life. Morbid obesity (more than 100 pounds overweight) continues
to be a problem in the United States, affecting between 8
and 12 million people. St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center
offers a comprehensive Bariatric Program to the community.
Dr. Brathwaite has extensive expertise in minimally invasive
surgery and performs laparoscopic Roux on Y Gastric Bypass
in addition to other weight loss surgical procedures as part
of the comprehensive surgical weight loss program at St. Catherine’s.
The program, offers a 3-hour initial visit with a one-on-one
evaluation, educational seminar and video presentation, support
groups and close personal follow-up.
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center is a member of Catholic
Health Services of Long Island and is devoted to providing
advanced healthcare, in an environment of compassion, to its
patients and their families. The Medical Center sits on a
110-acre campus and includes a 318 acute care hospital, a
240-bed nursing home, a 298 unit senior housing facility,
and a medical office building. For additional information
please contact the Community Relations Department at (631)
862-3523.
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