Scarsdale doctor builds a bridge to GYN cancer awareness
Personally impacted by gynecological cancer, a local physician aims to put this health issue in the spotlight—a purple one.
BY DEBORAH SKOLNIK
Dr. Michelle Castiello is a podiatrist—perhaps that’s why she thinks on her feet when it comes to calling attention to gynecological cancers. “There is so little known about them, and unfortunately, a lot of the symptoms just get overlooked, or just even physicians say, ‘Oh, it’s nothing to worry about. It’s just part of being a woman,’” she said. “I want to raise as much awareness as possible so people know what the symptoms are and know how to advocate for themselves and get diagnosed as early as possible,” she shared.
With that goal in mind, Dr. Castiello, who works at Scarsdale Medical Group-White Plains Hospital Physician Associates, decided to think big. “September is GYN Cancer Awareness Month, and the color for GYN cancer awareness is purple. Last year I was driving over the Governor Mario Cuomo Bridge, and it was lit up in a color other than white. And I thought, ‘Well, my goodness, why can't we light it up in purple and bring more awareness [about GYN cancers ] to Westchester and Rockland County?’” She promptly submitted a request form. “I had forgotten completely about it, and then maybe two or three weeks ago, I got an email that my request was approved. On September 20th, the bridge is going to be lit in purple lights for GYN Cancer Awareness month. “
Taking a stand against GYN cancer Dr. Castiello has planned a special evening this month to raise funds for a women's program at White Plains Hospital.
Partying to help a cancer program
Dr. Castiello’s next challenge was to make sure people know the significance behind the color and encourage them to donate to GYN cancer initiatives. White Plains Hospital’s Young Women’s Program for Cancer Care seemed an ideal cause to support. Recently founded, it not only provides top-quality cancer treatment but also help patients maintain their quality of life through resources such as makeup lessons and free wigs when available. Seeking to organize a fundraising event, Dr. Castiello reached out to the manager of The Sailhouse, a dining spot in Tarrytown with spectacular views of the bridge.
At 6:00 p.m. on the same night as the bridge lighting, the restaurant will host “Paint the Town Purple: A Night for Gynecologic Cancer Awareness,” with live music and an a la carte menu. Attendees are encourage to dress in purple, take selfies with the bridge in the background, and share the snaps on social media to spread the word. “Every five minutes, someone is diagnosed with a GYN cancer,” Dr. Castiello says. “That’s about 115,000 people every year. It’s important for everyone to the symptoms of GYN cancer, know their risks, and to get routine checkups,” she shares. “I want people to be an advocate for themselves.”