Held during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the celebration at the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom in Adelphi University’s Ruth S. Harley University Center in Garden City celebrated life, recovery and the strength of the human spirit while recognizing the importance of continued support for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

The event also recognized the many people who stand beside individuals throughout their breast cancer journeys. During the most difficult days, the hotline’s dedicated volunteers and licensed social workers, along with family members and health care providers, offer encouragement, guidance and support. Together, these connections help people navigate uncertainty, find strength, and embrace life beyond a diagnosis. The celebration brought that spirit of compassion and community to the forefront, honoring not only the survivors themselves but also the support systems that help them thrive.

“Every woman needs easy access to the information, resources and guidance that will keep her informed, connected and supported throughout her breast cancer journey,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, executive director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “Calling our hotline is a powerful first step. Members of our team are always available to listen, answer questions and walk with each individual toward the resources she needs. Every survivor’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of encouragement and support for those facing breast cancer.”

For nearly 50 years, the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program has provided free support to people affected by breast cancer throughout New York State. Services include bilingual professional counseling, educational resources, and referrals. The breast cancer hotline is answered by breast cancer survivors; the toll-free hotline is available from 9 am – 9 all year round, offering a welcoming place for individuals to ask questions, share their experiences, and connect with caring volunteers.

Anyone in New York State affected by breast cancer can call 800-877-8077 or text 516-262-3263 for support. For more information, visit adelphi.edu/breast-cancer.

Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program offers clinical social work services, peer support, education, 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 visit adelphi.edu/breast-cancer. You are not alone.

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The forum will feature Karla Giboyeaux, MA, RDN, CDN, Clinical Dietitian Nutritionist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, who will discuss strategies to manage side effects that affect eating, along with practical recommendations to support well-being throughout treatment.

“Nutrition is an important part of caring for the body during breast cancer treatment,” said Giboyeaux. “Understanding nutritional needs and making informed choices about what and how to eat supports strength and overall well-being throughout treatment. Practical nutrition information gives women and their families guidance they can use every day as they navigate treatment and recovery.”

The online forum will also provide valuable information for spouses, family members and caregivers who want to better understand the nutritional needs of a loved one during treatment. Participants will learn about approaches to eating when treatment affects appetite and practical ways to maintain a balanced diet throughout the treatment and recovery process.

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month brings tremendous attention to screening, education and breast health, and that support needs to continue throughout the year,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, Executive Director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “For more than four decades, our program has been here for breast cancer patients and their families. Programs like this provide practical information, education and support that contribute to physical and emotional well-being.”

The forum will be moderated by Marjorie Coello, LMSW, Bilingual Social Worker with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.

The forum is free, and is required. Once registered, participants will receive a confirmation email with event details and a Zoom link.

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The message “Take the First Step. You’re Not Alone” is the theme of the program’s Fall 2026 breast cancer awareness campaign. It encourages women to prioritize their health by scheduling mammograms, learning about available breast cancer programs and reaching out for information and support.

That message will come to life on Thursday, October 22, when the program presents its annual Celebration of Survivorship at Adelphi University in Garden City. Breast cancer survivors Pam Shapiro, Donna T. Bacon ’94, MSW ’99, PhD, and Jeannie Rettura will share their experiences with diagnosis, treatment, survivorship and the support they received along the way.

“For many women, the most difficult part is taking that first step and reaching out,” said Reyna Machado, executive director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “Once they do, there are people here who understand what they are experiencing. Our volunteers, most of whom are breast cancer survivors themselves, and our professional staff provide information, support and connections to local resources. We want women across New York to know that support is available throughout their breast cancer journey.”

Since 1980, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, a project of the Adelphi University School of Social Work, has provided information and emotional support to people affected by breast cancer. Its toll-free hotline operates 365 days a year and connects callers with volunteers who are breast cancer survivors and understand firsthand many of the concerns surrounding a diagnosis.

The program also provides professional counseling in English and Spanish, support groups, educational forums and events, community outreach, survivorship programming and referrals for free or low-cost mammograms.

The women speaking at this year’s Celebration of Survivorship have various experiences with breast cancer and have been connected with our program supporting other women for decades.

Shapiro has faced breast cancer diagnoses in 2000, 2010 and 2019 and serves as a member of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program Advisory Board. Dr. Bacon is a breast cancer survivor and advocate who was diagnosed in 2006. Rettura, diagnosed in 1986, is a breast cancer survivor and volunteer with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program.

The Celebration of Survivorship will be held Thursday, October 22, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom at Adelphi University’s Ruth S. Harley University Center in Garden City. Doors open at 4:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 4:30 p.m. A light supper will be served. The event is free.

����ֱ�� the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program

The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program provides free support and resources for people with or concerned about breast cancer. Services include a toll-free hotline staffed by breast cancer survivors, professional counseling in English and Spanish, support groups, educational programs, community outreach, survivorship programming and referrals for free or low-cost mammograms. The program is available 365 days a year.

For information and support, call 800.877.8077, text 516.262.3263 or visit: adelphi.edu/breast-cancer.

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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 Adelphi University 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.

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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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi Breast Cancer Program’s Sisters United in Health initiative, she credits her family, friends, medical team and the support of the Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.

The Adelphi 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 Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, please contact breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu. Media can contact: Vanessa Steil, 631-334-4587; vanessa@insteilcreative.com

Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The Adelphi 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.

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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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi 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 Adelphi Breast Cancer Program at breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu or Angela Papalia at 516.877.4329.

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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 Adelphi 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.

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Brooke Lea Foster

The Adelphi 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 Adelphi University’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 Adelphi’s campus in the spring,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, Executive Director of the Adelphi 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 .

Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The Adelphi 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.

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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 Adelphi 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.

Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program

The Adelphi 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.

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