The session began with a presentation by Michelle Collins from the “Turn the Town Teal” initiative to recognize September as ovarian cancer awareness month. Collins, a nearly ten-year survivor of high-grade ovarian cancer, shared her personal journey of being diagnosed at age 39 with no risk factors. She emphasized the disease’s rarity, the absence of early screening tests, and the grim statistic that approximately 13,000 women die from ovarian cancer annually in the United States.

Collins detailed the typical origins of ovarian cancer in the Fallopian tubes, complicating early detection. Despite minimal advancements in treatment over the past 25 years, she highlighted a new recommendation for an opportunistic salpingectomy, which involves removing the Fallopian tubes during other surgeries to reduce ovarian cancer risk. Collins also discussed the link between ovarian and breast cancers, urging those with family histories to consider genetic testing. She stressed the importance of women advocating for their health, particularly when experiencing unusual symptoms, and honored her cousin Christine, who passed away from ovarian cancer at a young age.

Mayor Perry acknowledged the emotional weight of the discussion, specifically mentioning Vinnie Moran, who had recently lost his wife Jackie to ovarian cancer. Moran joined Collins at the front, receiving recognition for his strength and the mayor’s condolences. Perry officially proclaimed September as ovarian cancer awareness month in Middletown, praising Collins for her advocacy and expressing hope for advancements in early detection.

Following the ovarian cancer awareness presentation, Mayor Perry introduced Andrea Bone Gorer and Natalie Gorner from “Infinite Love for Kids Fighting Cancer” to recognize September as pediatric cancer awareness month. He noted the impressive turnout for the organization’s recent 5K event, which saw nearly a thousand participants.

During the discussion, a representative from Infinite Love shared personal experiences, including a story about a child named Luca Aono, who had passed away from cancer. The speaker highlighted the grassroots nature of the organization and the deep personal connections formed with affected families. Infinite Love’s mission includes raising funds for pediatric cancer research, providing immediate support to families, and fulfilling wishes for children with cancer.

The representative emphasized the statistic that only about 4% of the National Cancer Institute’s research funding goes to pediatric cancers, stressing the importance of community involvement and donations. They recounted their own family’s struggles when their daughter Natalie battled leukemia from a young age, including financial hardships that forced them to sell their home. The organization assists families with grants for essential needs and organizes events like the “Love for Luca 5K” to raise funds and awareness.

Mayor Perry formally proclaimed September 2024 as pediatric cancer awareness month in Middletown, encouraging the community to participate in upcoming events and support the cause. The proclamation aimed to honor Luca Aono’s memory and highlight the need for research funding.

The meeting also covered several ordinances and public hearings. Public Ordinance Number 224-3201, concerning properties on Nutswamp Road and Dwight Road, passed unanimously on its second and final reading. Another ordinance, Public Ordinance Number 2024-3424, which adopts the Highway 36 Redevelopment Plan, was introduced and approved without public response.

Ordinance 2024-3426, authorizing a lease agreement with the Middletown Township Historical Society for the historic Railroad Station, passed its first reading, with a public hearing scheduled for September 23, 2024. Additional proposed ordinances included amendments to Chapter 84-101 and a new salary ordinance, both of which passed their first readings unanimously.

Ordinance 2024-3429, allocating $2,200,000 for various capital purposes, and Ordinance 2024-3430, a bond ordinance for capital improvements amounting to $1,930,000, were introduced and approved on their first readings, with public hearings set for September 23, 2024.

The council adopted a consent agenda including resolutions numbered 24-231 through 24-242. During committee comments, a member expressed support for Infinite Love and congratulated students starting school, particularly noting his daughter’s transition to high school.

The Deputy Mayor highlighted the upcoming commissioning of the USS New Jersey on September 14th, a historic event for Middletown with over 5,000 expected attendees. He also acknowledged the significance of the September 11th anniversary, with several sailors attending the silent ceremony at the Memorial Garden.