• Ellen Hermanson Foundation

    Saving lives through education, early detection, and treatment of breast cancer

    Over the past 30 years, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation has granted over $6 million to fund life-saving and life-affirming initiatives.

  • Ellen Hermanson Foundation Community Partner Program

    Supporting the medically underserved through The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnership Program

    Each member—Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, Organizacion Latino Americana (OLA), The Retreat, and Shinnecock Indian Health Center—receives grants to provide education about early detection and access to free mammography and treatment for their constituents.

  • Providing access to state-of-the-art breast care begins with your support

    1-8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Your support funds education, access to mammography, life-saving treatment, and pschosocial support services.

Celebrating 30 Years
Building a Legacy in Women’s Health

Providing grants to support unparalleled medical services and programs to the most vulnerable populations on The East End

Every dollar raised from our fundraising initiatives, including our signature events–Ellen’s Run and The Summer Gala–stays local, supporting grants to The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, Ellen’s Well, and our Community Partnership Program. No one is turned away from The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center for lack of insurance or inability to pay.

News & Upcoming Events

  • Hampton Jitney & Ellen Hermanson Foundation Team Up for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

    This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a pink-wrapped Hampton Jitney coach bus can be seen traveling along the Long Island Expressway, up Third Avenue and down Lexington Avenue, and throughout the Hamptons.

  • The 30th Anniversary Gala

    Please Save The Date

    The 30th Anniversary Gala
    Saturday, July 26, 2025
    Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf Club

    Check back early in 2025 for more information.

  • Ellen's Run

    The 30th Annual Ellen's Run

    Please Save The Date

    The 30th Annual Ellen's Run
    Sunday, August 17, 2025
    Southampton Middle School

    Check back early in 2025 for more information.

The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center

Center of Excellence Year-after-Year

The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center is honored to be recognized as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by the American College of Radiology (ACR). Providing services in Southampton and East Hampton, The Center is equipped with cutting-edge diagnostic technologies, including computer-assisted mammography, ultrasound, and a breast biopsy system for locating abnormalities and obtaining tissue samples.

Dr. Edna Kapenhas, MD
The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital

“Under the leadership of Medical Director Dr. Edna Kapenhas, The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center is committed to provide the most advanced technology available in a community hospital setting,” said Julie Ratner, Ed.D., Co-founder and Board Chair of The Ellen Hermanson Foundation. “My sister Ellen would be proud that The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center has earned the ranking of Breast Imaging Center of Excellence by The American College of Radiology. Our sister Emily Levin, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation co-founder who recently passed away, would be pleased to see that we are still funding top-notch technology that benefits everyone, especially by expanding our reach into the community to ensure that no one falls through the cracks.” (2022)

Empowering Patients Through Comprehensive Psycho-Social Support

Ellen's Well is dedicated to delivering exceptional psycho-social support to its clients through crisis intervention counseling, group support, and long-term referral services for those whose needs exceed group counseling. The organization also offers specially designed programs that promote and enhance overall wellness.

Edyle O’Brien, LCSW
Oncological Social Worker, Ellen’s Well
Administered by Stony Brook
Southhampton Hospital

"I joined Edyle's group and met with other women who had struggled with or were currently struggling with cancer...once you have cancer it is like you are always struggling with it because every time you see your gynecologist or go for a mammogram, you know there is the possibility of another cancer. It helped me a great deal to speak with other women with similar experiences and I found Edyle's leadership to be an inspiration. She carefully guided me towards a more positive outlook. "

The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnership Program

Commitment to Advanced Care and Outreach

The Ellen Hermanson Community Partnerships represent medically underserved populations. Member organizations–Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center, OLA (Organizacion Latino Americana), The Retreat, and the Shinnecock Indian Health Clinic–receive grants from the Foundation to provide educational outreach about the importance of early detection, and access to free mammography and treatment for their constituents. 

Transforming Lives

  • "I'm not sure there are sufficient words in my vocabulary to express my appreciation. I was embraced by wonderful staff at the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, which was so important during an extremely stressful time. I will never forget them, and there is no way I can adequately thank them."

    KM

  • "Dear Dr. Kapenhas and all of you at the Ellen Hermanson Breast Center, Thank you each and all for your care, compassion and gentle kindness. You are indeed a blessing."

    N.W.

  • "Thank you for your guidance and support throughout my cancer journey. I appreciate so much that your organization exists. Thank you , especially, for reaching out to me by phone when you knew I was unable to attend a meeting. Thank you and bless you for the wonderful things that you do."

    KG

  • "From the moment I entered your facility, I was being cared for by the most competent and professional people in every area. I cannot help but think that my swift recovery is due in part to the good care, and I am forever in your debt."

    SJ

Every Donation Counts in the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Over 10,000 life-saving screenings and procedures have been performed in 2024. Your support provides the state-of-the-art technology for early detection and treatment of breast cancer.