New York State Assembly Member Kimberly Jean-Pierre (D-Babylon) and Laura Perloff, Senior Director of Advocacy and Strategic Alliances of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), presented Wyandanch resident Alexis Portwine with the Patient Courage Award.

The Patient Courage Award is given to patient advocates who exhibit strength in the face of adversity and commitment to helping others.

Nominated by Assembly Member Jean-Pierre, Alexis Portwine is an 11-year old who has been diagnosed with sickle cell disease, an inherited blood disorder. Alexis has displayed strength and courage throughout her life as she has faced this disease, while also serving as a patient advocate in the sickle cell community. She walks annually with the Queens Sickle Cell Advocacy Network (Q-SCAN) to help raise awareness and funds for outreach and education, raising over $1,000 each year.

“I am so pleased to have been given the opportunity to nominate Alexis Portwine for the Patient Courage Award,” said Assembly Member Jean-Pierre. “Alexis has exhibited strength and determination in the face of Sickle Cell Anemia. She is a passionate advocate who has worked tirelessly to raise awareness and educate the general public about this disease.”

“Thank you to Assembly Member Jean-Pierre for recommending Alexis for this recognition,” said Alicia Portwine, Alexis’s mother. “I hope we can continue to raise awareness in our area about sickle cell disease and sickle cell trait. To other sickle cell warriors, you do not have to suffer alone.”

Alexis’s fierce determination to not only battle this disease, but to raise awareness and help others in the process is a true inspiration to other patients and members of the community,” said Laura Perloff.

PhRMA is awarding a grant to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center to provide valuable community outreach and patient support programs in the community.

Good Samaritan is located in West Islip, NY. The mission of the Medical Center is “We, at Catholic Health Services, humbly join together to bring Christ’s healing mission and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church expressed in Catholic health care to our communities.”

“Good Samaritan is appreciative to PhRMA for allowing us to continue to provide and advocate for underserved communities on Long Island,” said Thomas Ockers, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer. “We conduct our health care practices, business, education and innovation with justice, integrity and respect for the dignity of each person.”