Community Corner

Cuneo-Seaquist is 'Person of The Year'

The Port Washington resident is recognized by Long Island Crisis Center for her work in helping to prevent suicide.

Port Washington native Cathleen Cuneo-Seaquist is the Long Island Crisis Center’s “Person of the Year.”

Recognized for her support of the Bellmore-based 24-7 24/7 suicide prevention and crisis intervention hotline, Cuneo-Seaquist will be presented with her award at Long Island Crisis Center’s “5th Annual Let’s Walk, Let’s Talk…Stepping Together to Prevent Suicide” event on Sunday, Sept. 29 on the newly-opened Long Beach boardwalk. She will be featured in the organization’s 2013 annual journal.

Cuneo-Seaquist is being recognized for her “boundless energy, natural optimism and empathy for others in need,” according to the organization. When the center lost government funding in 2012, she organized the Long Island Crisis Center’s 1st Annual Fishing Tournament in Port Washington, raised nearly $10,000.

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Cuneo-Seaquist first discovered the center at a “Fortune 52” networking event, sponsored by the Long Island Press. Once she discovered that the center’s volunteers field more than 10,000 calls a year, and addressing such issues as suicide, homelessness, bullying, soldiers with Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, she was hooked.   

“I couldn't not help,” Cuneo-Sequist said. “As a life-long Long Islander, I felt the need to spread the word about them, help them raise funds and keep them thriving as they are so vitally important.”  

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“I sadly have lost to suicide,” she added. “I have many friends and loved ones that are soldiers, I have known my share of people without a home to go to...there are kids being bullied, Long Islanders without food, people without a hope in the world, hard life- troubles all helped at the other end of the line by the Long Island Crisis Center.”

A co-founder and co-owner of NicA Aromatherapy Essentials, Home of Healing Hunny, a Port Washington-based provider of natural products, Cuneo-Seaquist uses her business to give back to the community. After Hurricane Sandy, Cuneo-Seaquist created single-use body wash and shampoos and delivered the products to the Red Cross shelter in Manhasset, where people from Long Beach temporarily resided.  Now, she works with other small businesses to encourage them to give back.

Long Island Crisis Center journal ads in tribute to Cuneo-Sequist can still be purchased by contacting Fran Karliner at 516-826-0244 or fkarliner@longislandcrisiscenter.org. Online registration for the September 29th Suicide Awareness Walk can be accessed through www.longislandcrisiscenter.org.

Services are available at its hotlines (516-679-1111); online (www.licconline.org); texting LICC to 839863; or walk-in counseling at its offices at 2740 Martin Ave. in Bellmore.


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