JWOWW at LI breast cancer appearance raises controversy

A Huntington appearance by "Jersey Shore" reality star Jenni "JWOWW" Farley - speaking at a kickoff for Breast Cancer Awareness Month - turned into something of a public relations misfire Monday.

A news release announced that Farley, who lives in Franklin Square, would be taking on a new role as "ambassador" for 1 in 9: The Long Island Breast Cancer Action Coalition. "She will speak across the United States at schools and colleges about early detection," the statement said.

That seemed to be a surprise to Farley. She said plans for her to speak across the country were "not true," and that she showed up to help public relations executive Todd Shapiro, who represents Gold Coast Bank, where the event was held.

Geri Barish, president of 1 in 9, initially said she was also surprised by the ambassador role. Responding to questions about the TV star's drinking and smoking (both known risk factors for breast cancer), she said Farley "has to practice what she's going to preach, if she's going to preach. If she's not, she shouldn't be a spokesperson for this disease or any other disease."

Questions about her personal habits put Farley on the defensive. "I find it very offensive," she said. "It's kind of insulting to me to have to hear that because I had a breast augmentation or because I smoke or because I drink, I shouldn't be here. Everybody should be here."

As she stood in the rain during the ceremony, Farley said, "As someone who is in the public eye, I know that I have an outstanding opportunity to bring awareness to the disease."Later, Barish said she had changed her mind about the appropriateness of Farley as a spokeswoman.

"I really want to believe that this is in her heart and this is what she's going to do," Barish said in a telephone interview. She said she hopes Farley will visit breast cancer survivors and be affected enough to change her own habits.

"Reality," said Barish, "is going into a hospital and seeing how they suffer."