By Caitlin Coyle
Twenty years ago, Suzi Skolnick’s life changed forever when a car accident left her unable to use her legs. As a result of her accident, Suzi is a paraplegic and has been using a wheelchair ever since. The challenges she’s had to face don’t keep her down. Instead, she’s become a champion of good health.
“I have always been athletic. I like to compete and have finished 30 full marathons,” Skolnick says. “I am a mom first, but I also know how to take care of myself. I know they cannot be without their mom, so I keep myself healthy for them.”
Part of her healthy lifestyle includes annual mammography.
“When I was 18, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Skolnick says. “Thanks to early detection, she is still here today. It is only worth 15 minutes of your time to get a mammogram to ensure you are in good health.”
Skolnick goes to the Women’s Center at Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel where a new model of care was adopted in May 2013. The model includes a new team of fellowship-trained breast radiologists, the latest state-of-the-art technology and high-quality comprehensive breast care that women have accessed for years at sister hospital Riverview Medical Center.
“Since May, we have made a number of enhancements in the women’s center, including ease of access, evening and weekend hours, same-day appointments for screening mammograms and tomosynthesis, or 3D mammography,” says Bokran Won, M.D., medical director of the women’s center who is fellowship-trained in breast imaging. “We understand that getting a mammogram can be an anxious time for patients, which is why the entire team works to allay the patient’s stress by providing a comfortable and empathetic environment, while maintaining the highest level of professionalism.”
Skolnick’s dedication to her health and her annual mammogram benefits her and her family in many ways. Her children are inspired by their mother to keep themselves healthy through sports, going to the gym and eating healthier.
“I can’t stress it to women enough to get their mammogram,” Skolnick says. “It’s simple. You make time to get your hair done, your nails done, make time for this because your family and your kids want you around. If I can make it happen, so can you.”
Caitlin Coyle is a marketing specialist for Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank and Bayshore Community Hospital in Holmdel.
Meridian Health System is the sponsor of the Paint the Town Pink initiative.
The Two River Times is once again a sponsor of Paint the Town Pink, a breast cancer awareness initiative sponsored by Meridian Health System. Additional information about Paint the Town Pink is available at www.PainttheTownPink.org.
