Commack Resident Named ‘Woman of Distinction’

Commack resident Maria Teresa Romero has been named Suffolk County’s 2022 “Woman of Distinction” for her work in founding Latina Sisters Support, Inc., which provides outreach, education and support about breast cancer to non-English speaking women.

She was nominated by Suffolk County Legislator Manuel Esteban, R-Commack, who said she was the first Hispanic woman to achieve the honor.

“Today we are making history,” said Esteban. “As Suffolk County’s first Hispanic Republican legislator, having the honor of naming the very first Hispanic Woman of Distinction will forever be a highlight of my brand-new career in government.”

The award has been given out since 2003.

Romero is a breast cancer survivor of 11 years. She founded Latina Sisters Support, Inc. to address and resolve the disparities in access to quality healthcare and breast cancer awareness in the Latino community.

Romero has personally funded this the organization with both personal funds and private donations.

“Ms. Romero saw a true need and continues to work day and night to provide services to Hispanic women who are fighting breast cancer,” Esteban said. “Her dedication is boundless, and she has helped hundreds of women and their families facing the sometimes-deadly diseases.

Romero said, “I am most proud and excited to be the recipient of the Woman of Distinction of Suffolk County, I assure you that this award will serve as a motivator for all my future endeavors. I will continue to strive on bringing kindness and awareness to the world and spread a message of love and unity allowing my moral compass to lead the way. My life changed drastically by being diagnosed with cancer and within seconds my purpose on earth also changed. I want to establish resources and services for women that are going through cancer. The Women are indeed the drivers of my motivation.”

Esteban, along with his colleagues, will honor and present. Romero with a proclamation before the full Legislature on March 29.

 

 

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