ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ

Date & Time: October 22 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Location: Ruth S. Harley University Center, Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom

ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program’s annual gala will feature a diverse panel of speakers sharing their breast cancer journey for inspiration and empowerment.

Breast Cancer Program Logo

Join us for an inspiring evening on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at the Ruth S. Harley University Center Ballroom at ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ in Garden City, NY, featuring the and breast cancer survivors as they share stories and experiences.

  • Doors open at 4:00pm
  • Program begins at 4:30pm
  • Light supper served

Hear from our incredible speakers and . If you have any questions, please email breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu or call 800.877.8077.

Thank you to our 2026 event sponsors!

Celebration of Survivorship 2025 at ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ.

Speakers for the Evening

Pam Shapiro

Pam Shapiro

Breast Cancer Survivor and Member of the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Breast Cancer Program’s Advisory Board
Diagnosed 2000, 2010, 2019

Pam Shapiro’s breast cancer journey began in 2000, just 10 days before her 36th birthday, when she was diagnosed with adenocarcinoma. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, four rounds of chemotherapy, and four weeks of radiation therapy. A decade later, in 2010, Pam was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS), a non-invasive lesion and marker of increased breast cancer risk. In 2019, she received a diagnosis of ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), a non-invasive Stage 0 breast cancer, and chose to undergo a double mastectomy.

Throughout her experiences, Pam received exceptional care from her breast surgeon and oncologist. Equally important was the unwavering support of her husband, extended family, and close friends, who supported her daily.

Following her initial diagnosis, Pam turned to the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program for information and support, including utilizing the program’s hotline services. Today, she proudly 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

Donna T. Bacon, PhD, EdD, LCSW

Breast Cancer Survivor and Advocate
Diagnosed 2006

Donna Bacon was diagnosed with Stage 3 invasive ductal carcinoma in 2026 at age 33. Following surgery and chemotherapy, it was the support of her twin sister, family, and close friends that got her through her treatment. At the time of her diagnosis, Donna was working part-time for the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Breast Cancer Program through the Sisters United in Health initiative. The program provided support, understanding, and a strong sense of community during her journey.

Donna credits her positive outlook, strong medical team, and support system with helping her through her breast cancer journey. She believes that finding purpose in the experience and refusing to let cancer define her gave her the strength to move forward. Drawing on the resilience she had built through life’s earlier challenges also helped her along the way.

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. Lean on the people who care about you, ask questions, and advocate for yourself. Remember that being strong doesn’t mean being fearless. Most importantly, hold on to hope. There can be life, joy, purpose, and even laughter throughout your journey and beyond.

Jeannie Rettura

Jeannie Rettura

Breast Cancer Survivor and Volunteer with the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Breast Cancer Program
Diagnosed 1986

Jeannie Rettura was diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 1986 at age 31. After consulting with her breast surgeon, she chose to undergo a right modified radical mastectomy. In 2000, genetic testing revealed that she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation. Throughout her journey, Jeannie was supported by compassionate breast cancer specialists, as well as her family and friends. Her father was a constant source of comfort, accompanying her to appointments and offering encouragement every step of the way.

When Jeannie was diagnosed, she was unaware of the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Breast Cancer Program. Six years later, after discovering the program, she became a volunteer to support others facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Over the past 34 years, she has answered hotline calls, participated in community outreach, and attended educational forums and workshops. Through her volunteer work, she found renewed confidence and hope, inspired by the program’s staff, fellow volunteers, and the individuals she connected with through the hotline. Volunteering has been a deeply rewarding experience, allowing her to be part of a dedicated team committed to supporting those affected by breast cancer. One of the most important lessons she has learned is that no one has to face a diagnosis alone.

Jeannie encourages anyone facing a breast cancer diagnosis to surround themselves with a trusted medical team, supportive family and friends, and organizations like the ÌÇÐÄÆÆ½â°æ Breast Cancer Program. She recommends asking questions, seeking second opinions, and accepting help when needed. Above all, she believes in taking one day at a time and finding joy in life’s everyday moments.

Become a Sponsor

While this event is free, your support means everything! .

A special thank you to our 2026 event sponsors!

Visionary $5,000

  • Prime placement of company name and logo in our digital journal
  • Full-page advertisement (5.5″ W x 8.5″ H); inside cover and back cover positions currently available
  • Full-color logo featured on the webpage with a link to your company website
  • Social media promotion, including tags, posts, and mentions (four posts between September and October; begins after sponsorship payment is received)
  • Inclusion in the event press release (payment must be received by September 18, 2026)
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails (appears after sponsorship payment is received)
  • Reserved seating for four guests
  • Recognition from the podium during the event

Ambassador $2,500

  • Company name and logo listed as an official event sponsor in our digital journal
  • Full-page advertisement (5.5″ W x 8.5″ H)
  • Full-color logo featured on the webpage with a link to your company website
  • Social media promotion, including tags, posts, and mentions (two posts in October; begins after sponsorship payment is received)
  • Inclusion in the event press release (payment must be received by September 18, 2026)
  • Company logo featured in promotional emails (appears after sponsorship payment is received)

Ally $1,000

  • Company name and logo will be listed as an official event sponsor in our digital journal
  • Half-page advertisement (5.5″ W x 4.25″ H)
  • Full-color logo featured on the webpage with a link to your company website
  • Social media promotion, including tags, posts, and mentions (one post in October; begins after sponsorship payment is received)
  • Inclusion in the event press release (payment must be received by September 18, 2026)
  • Company name featured in promotional emails (appears after sponsorship payment is received)

Supporter $500

  • Company name and logo will be listed as an official event sponsor in our digital journal
  • Quarter-page advertisement (2.75″ W x 4.25″ H)
  • Company name included in promotional emails (appears after sponsorship payment is received)

Ads in Our Digital Journal

Reserve ad space in our digital journal. .

  • Full Page (5.5″w x 8.5″h): $250
    (Educational Forums)
  • Half Page (5.5″w x 4.25″h): $125
    (One-hour session with a social worker in English or Spanish)
  • Quarter Page (2.75″w x 4.25″h) $75
    (Emergency transportation for a breast cancer patient)
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