Our hotline is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors themselves. They offer not only resources by a listening ear. “We are proud of the services we provide and want to remind the breast cancer community that we are here for support. No one should go through this journey alone, says program director Reyna Machado.

Since 1980, the program, a project of the �鶹��ýӳ�� School of Social Work, has become a lifeline for New Yorkers, offering vital information and emotional support to those affected by breast cancer. Operating 365 days a year, the hotline (800-877-8077), connects callers with survivors who understand their journey firsthand. “Don’t hesitate to reach out. Our licensed social workers and volunteers are ready and willing to help,” says Machado.

The post Take The First Step. You’re Not Alone. appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

The 2026 program will feature three women who will share their personal breast cancer journeys, offering stories of courage, resilience and hope to inspire others navigating their own diagnosis. This year’s honorees include Pam Shapiro, Donna T. Bacon and Jeannie Rettura.

“Every breast cancer experience is different, but no one should have to navigate it alone,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, executive cirector of the �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “The Celebration of Survivorship allows us to honor those who have faced breast cancer, celebrate the strength of our community and remind patients and families that support and hope are always within reach.”

Meet the 2026 Speakers

Pam Shapiro was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, just days before her 36th birthday, then faced lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS) in 2010 and ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in 2019. After turning to the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program for support , Pam now gives back as a member of the program’s Advisory Board. Pam encourages anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis to find moments of joy each day, even during the most difficult times.

Donna T. Bacon, PhD, EdD, LCSW was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in 2026 at age 33. A former staff member of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program’s Sisters United in Health initiative, she credits her family, friends, medical team and the support of the �鶹��ýӳ�� community with helping her navigate treatment. Donna’s advice for anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis is to allow yourself to feel everything: the fear, anger and sadness, but not lose sight of who you are.

Jeannie Rettura was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 1986 at age 31 and later learned she carried a BRCA2 gene mutation. Six years after her diagnosis, she became an �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program volunteer and has spent more than three decades supporting others through hotline calls, outreach and education. Jeannie encourages anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis to surround themselves with a trusted medical team, supportive family and friends, and organizations like the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program.

The �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program gratefully acknowledges the generous support of the Hendler Family Fund, Digital Graphic Imagery, Kathi and Jeff Glass, New York Plastic Surgical Group and the DeMatteis Family, whose sponsorship helps advance the program’s mission of providing critical services to those affected by breast cancer.

The evening will celebrate these courageous voices while also honoring the broader breast cancer community—patients, survivors, caregivers, families and advocates—whose journeys continue to inspire hope, resilience and connection.

For more information about the Celebration of Survivorship Gala, visit our website, and to learn more about the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program, please contact breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu. Media can contact: Vanessa Steil, 631-334-4587; vanessa@insteilcreative.com

�鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The �鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800-877-8077 or . You are not alone.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program to Celebrate Survivorship and Honor Three Long Island Women at Annual Gala appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

Attendees will join Jodi Ekberg, dog trainer and administrator for The Empire State Snow Dog Club, along with her certified therapy dogs, for an engaging program focused on the unique comfort and support that canine companions can provide. Angela Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, will join Jodi in discussing how therapy and social workers can assist people who are navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

“A breast cancer diagnosis can bring uncertainty, stress, and a wide range of emotions, and sometimes comfort can come from the most unexpected places,” said Angela M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program. “This special program provides participants an opportunity to interact with two certified therapy dogs, while learning more about supportive services available from the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program.”

“Comfort and Connection with Canines” will offer participants an opportunity to interact one-on-one with the onsite therapy dogs while learning how they can reduce stress and provide comfort throughout the breast cancer experience.

For any questions, please contact the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program at breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu or Angela Papalia at 516.877.4329.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program to Host “Comfort and Connection with Canines” Session Exploring the Healing Power of Canine Companionship appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

More than just an art class, this interactive event creates space for participants to slow down, share their experiences, and connect with others who understand their journey. Open to individuals of all artistic abilities, “Sunshine Within” encourages attendees to explore color, texture, and storytelling through hands-on creative exercises, resulting in a personal piece of art that reflects their unique perspective.

“Art has a way of bringing people together, even when words are hard to find,” said Angela M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program. “Especially during Social Wellness Month, this program is about fostering connection and reminding participants that they are not alone in their experiences.”

“‘Sunshine Within’ is an opportunity to pause and create something meaningful in a supportive, judgment-free space,” added Kimberly Newman, BFA, Marketing and Communications Specialist. “Whether someone is picking up a paintbrush for the first time or returning to a creative practice, this workshop is about expression, not perfection.”

This free event is open to breast cancer patients, survivors and caregivers; however advance registration is required. Space is limited to 50 participants. Register online . Once registered you will receive a confirmation email with event details.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program Hosts “Sunshine Within” Guided Art Workshop for Community Healing appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

Brooke Lea Foster

The �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program invites breast cancer survivors and caregivers to a special in-person gathering of its on Monday, June 1, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., featuring a discussion of the novel Our Last Vineyard Summer with author Brooke Lea Foster joining the conversation.

Held at the Alumni House on �鶹��ýӳ��’s Garden City campus, the event offers a unique opportunity for participants to connect face-to-face, engage with program staff, and enjoy an intimate discussion with the author herself.

“Our book club typically meets virtually, so with the arrival of warmer weather, we saw this as a wonderful opportunity to bring our community together in person and experience the beauty of �鶹��ýӳ��’s campus in the spring,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, Executive Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program.

Organizers note that the Warriors Book Club has become a meaningful source of connection and support for survivors and caregivers alike, fostering conversation, reflection, and community.

Set across 1965 and 1978, Our Last Vineyard Summer follows a graduate student who returns to her family’s summer home on Martha’s Vineyard with her sisters, only to uncover long-buried secrets that reshape their understanding of the past.

The Warriors Book Club is a welcoming and supportive reading community open to all breast cancer survivors and caregivers. Participants are encouraged to read the book in advance to fully engage in what promises to be a thoughtful and inspiring discussion.

For more information and to register for our Warriors Book Club, please visit .

�鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The �鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800-877-8077 or online at . You are not alone.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program Hosts In-Person Warriors Book Club Featuring Author Brooke Lea Foster appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

This free, one-hour Zoom gathering brings breast cancer community members together for conversation and connection with avid readers from Long Island and across New York State.

“Reading a book can be healing, restorative, and a window into diverse perspectives,” said book club participant Kathleen Glass. “To read alongside a community of fellow Warriors is a gift you can give yourself—an opportunity to connect, reflect, and share. The Warriors Book Club nurtures both the mind and the soul.”

Organizers say the program has become a meaningful source of connection for survivors.

“We’ve heard from many members of our community about how impactful the Warriors Book Club has been in their lives,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, executive director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “Because of that response, we’ve continued to grow and expand the book club over the years.”

This month’s selection, Daughters of Shandong, is a hopeful and powerful novel about the resilience of women, the enduring bonds between mothers, daughters, and sisters, and the sacrifices made to uplift future generations.

The Warriors Book Club is a welcoming reading community, open to all breast cancer survivors and caregivers. Participants are encouraged to read the book in advance in order to share in a meaningful conversation about the book and connect with a supportive community.

For more information and to register for the Warriors Book Club, please contact breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu.

�鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The �鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800.877.8077 or online at . You are not alone.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program Hosts Virtual Warriors Book Club for Breast Cancer Survivors Across New York State appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

During the ninety-minute Zoom session, Dr. Stearns will address key topics related to metastatic breast cancer care, including emerging treatments, quality-of-life considerations, and how patients can best partner with their care teams. Dr. Stearns will be joined by Ms. Christine Hodgdon, Patient Advocate, who will explore the role of patients as research advocates and collaborators, and how patient perspectives can shape research, clinical practice, and healthcare systems.

“Dr. Stearns’ long-term goal is to improve individualized approaches to breast cancer treatment and prevention, and to enhance the wellness of those living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis,” said Angela Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program, who will moderate the discussion. “This forum offers an invaluable opportunity for patients, caregivers, and community members to learn directly from a leading expert about the latest advances in metastatic breast cancer care.”

Dr. Stearns has received numerous grants and awards supporting her innovative research, and her work has been widely published and presented, contributing meaningfully to advancements in breast cancer treatment and patient outcomes.

The webinar is free and open to all, but registration is required. For more information or to register, contact the �鶹��ýӳ�� NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program at
800-877-8077 or visit .

�鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The �鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800-877-8077 or online at . You are not alone.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� to Host Free Virtual Forum on Metastatic Breast Cancer Care appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.

The workshop will be delivered entirely via Zoom and will meet weekly on Thursdays from 10–11:30 a.m. on March 5, March 12, March 19 and March 26.

Resilience Through Art: The Healing Journey will be facilitated by Angela M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program, alongside Kimberly Newman, BFA, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program. The workshop is open to individuals coping with a breast cancer diagnosis, survivors, and caregivers, and is free to attend.

“This workshop has become one of our most requested programs,” said Kimberly Newman, Marketing and Communications Specialist for the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program. “Participants value the opportunity to come together, explore their creativity, and receive meaningful support from others within the breast cancer community.”

Whether participants are new to creative arts or have previous experience, the workshop encourages exploration of new perspectives, strengthens personal resilience, and builds community. Guided by experienced staff, participants will engage in relaxation and breathing exercises, learn creative techniques for stress relief, and develop problem-solving and coping skills.

“We know that art can be deeply therapeutic, but accessing those benefits isn’t always easy,” said Angela M. Papalia, LMSW, Assistant Director of the �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program. “Through this workshop, our goal is to help participants reconnect with themselves while fostering authentic connections with others.”

For more information, please call 516.877.4329 or email apapalia@adelphi.edu. Space is limited to 20 participants, and registration is required. Participants must commit to attending all four sessions. Once registered, workshop materials will be provided free of charge.

�鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The �鶹��ýӳ�� New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical support and resources to people with and/or concerned about breast cancer. To reach the Hotline, which is staffed by volunteers who are breast cancer survivors, call 800.877.8077 or go to adelphi.edu/breast-cancer. You are not alone.

The post �鶹��ýӳ�� Breast Cancer Program Creative Arts Workshop Returns in March appeared first on �鶹��ýӳ��.