COLLEEN ZENK PINTER HONORED

For her work promoting oral cancer awareness, Colleen Zenk Pinter (Barbara; ATWT) was awarded the prestigious Strusser Memorial Award for Public Service at the New York University School of Dentistry’s graduation on May 26.

Zenk Pinter is a national spokesperson and a longtime public health activist on behalf of a wide range of health issues. Zenk Pinter was diagnosed with oral cancer in 2007, and went public with her private battle by partnering with the Oral Cancer Foundation. She convinced As The World Turns to write her cancer into her character’s storyline. Hollywood, Health and Society honored her story in 2008. Since her recovery she has lectured on behalf of Yale New Haven Hospital and the Smilow Cancer Hospital. Her cancer returned in the fall of ‘08. She is now cancer-free.

“Zenk Pinter’s willingness to share the story of her personal struggle with the disease and her determination to have oral cancer incorporated into the “As The World Turns” storyline, gives her acceptance of the Strusser Memorial Award special resonance,” says NYUCD’s Dean Charles N. Bertolami.