Roundup: Breast Cancer Aid, Uganda TV, Sleep & Teens …

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month draws to a close, “06880” shines a light on one of our lesser known — but crucially important — local organizations.

The Breast Cancer Emergency Aid Foundation is a grassroots, volunteer-driven non profit. It was founded in 2006 by 2 breast cancer patients, one of whom lost her battle.

They wanted to make a difference for other people undergoing treatment — especially those less fortunate — by focusing on patients.

While they were glad that much funding goes to research, education and finding a cure, too little money is available for the day-to-day, non-medical, financial issues breast cancer patients experience as they go through treatment.

BCEAF provides grants of up to $500 a year for non-medical expenses, like rent, utilities, transportation, prostheses, specialty bras and babysitting.

Insurmountable bills pile up — in addition to the sickness, anxiety, depression and pain associated with treatment and surgery.

Some patients are unable to work during treatment. Others lack medical insurance. Unmanageable finances can be a barrier to beginning or continuing treatment.

Financial support for non-medical needs alleviates some of the crippling financial burden, and enables patients to continue with treatment.

Since 2007, BCEAF has provided over $950,000 in aid to 2,184 patients — thank in part to the generous support of Pink Aid, over the past 10 years.

BCEAF raises funds without a big fundraiser. For more information and to help, click here.

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The other day, “06880” highlighted Staples High School graduate/former teacher/current resident Amanda Parrish Morgan’s new book. “Stroller” is — as its title suggests — a cultural, historical and memoir-infused look at an everyday object that has become suffused with symbolic importance, on way too many levels.

Great minds think alike.

The New Yorker magazine’s Peter Baker has just weighed in on “Stroller.” He likes it — and he adds his own thoughts on the subject.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Wynne Bohonnon)

Amanda Parrish Morgan, her kids and a stroller in Grand Central Terminal.

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Vanish Media Systems — Mark Motyl’s Westport company that designs and builds large-screen TVs that disappear when not in use — hosts viewing parties for movies, and big events like Julia Marino’s Olympic snowboard competition.

This past Sunday morning, it hosted a live event from Africa.

The live celebration of Ugandan culture — dance, music, conversation, food, humor, you name it — was done via a video link with the Tender Talents Magnet School there. Every moment — and all its colors, energy, joy and sound — was broadcast on Vanish Media’s impressively clear 10-foot, 4k-quality screen.

The Uganda event, on Vanish Media System’s 110-inch TV..

Attendees also had a chance to speak with students, and the founder of Tender Talents. Speaking in their second or third language, they took part in a moving Q-and-A session that touched on issues of race, culture, and the divisions and commonalities between people.

The event was organized by Creative Connections, a Norwalk cultural education organization celebrating its 30th year fostering communication between students around the world.

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You won’t yawn through this one: On Friday (October 28, noon to 1 p.m.), Positive Directions offers a free webinar on “Sleep Routines and the Impact of Technology.”

Representatives from the Yale University Mood Disorder Research Program discuss the pros and cons of technology, and offer advice on how to help youngsters streamline their routines.

Click here for more information, and to register.

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Nancy Vener calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo “Brunch on Burritts Landing.”

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … Today in 1825 the Erie Canal opened. There was now direct passage from the Hudson River to Lake Erie.

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