Frances M. Visco, JD, a founder and the president of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, is the keynote speaker at the annual Celebration of Survivorship on Tuesday, October 13th at the Ruth S. Harley University Center Ballroom at Adelphi University in Garden City. Doors open at 6 pm and speakers begin at 7 pm. The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program, which marks its 35th anniversary this year, sponsors the eventScience magazine described Fran Visco as “the most influential non scientist ever in the field of breast cancer research.” Appointed by President Clinton, Ms. Visco served three terms as one of three members of the President’s Cancer Panel. She appears frequently on national television and in the press discussing women’s health issues, most recently in the Ken Burn’s Documentary “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies” on PBS.
She is a 26-year breast cancer survivor.
Ms. Visco’s talk will be followed by a panel of breast cancer survivors: community volunteer Gwendolyn Harris; activist Karen Joy Miller and mother/daughter Myra Taylor and Eric Desrosiers.
Additionally, State Senator Kemp Hannon and public relations consultant Lyn Dobrin will be honored, Sen. Hannon for his advocacy for the program in Albany and Ms. Dobrin for her work with the Adelphi program in bringing awareness to breast cancer concerns on Long Island and the help that is available through the hotline.
Gwendolyn Harrison, a retired elementary school teacher, is a breast cancer community volunteer. Under the auspices of the American Cancer Society she volunteers at Queens County Hospital Center in Jamaica, talking to patients while they get chemo and radiation, helping them to problem solve. As a SHARE Ambassador she educates women in underserved communities. She has received advocacy training through Project LEAD and attended the Breast Cancer Symposium in San Antonio. She is a 14-year breast cancer survivor.
Karen Miller is the founder and president, Huntington Breast Cancer Action Coalition. She was one of the first women to publicly talk about her breast cancer, raising awareness about a disease largely experienced in secret and isolation. Her primary focus is environmental triggers that contribute to the onset of disease. She provided testimony before Congress to secure the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project. In 2000, she initiated the Prevention is the Cure campaign to increase awareness about environment links to the disease. Ms. Miller is a 28-year breast cancer survivor.
Myra Taylor is a volunteer with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Hotline. When she was first diagnosed in May of 2005, Ms. Taylor, a computer specialist whose motto is “get as much information as you can,” researched programs that could help her through her treatment and beyond. Her research brought her to Adelphi, She, and her husband, turned to the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program for counseling and support.
Ms. Taylor’s daughter, Erica Desrosliers, was diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer last year. She underwent a bilateral modified radical mastectomy, followed by chemotherapy, reconstruction, radiation, and an oophorectomy, completing treatment in August. Dr. Desrosliers is married with three children, ages 12, 9 and 4. She has a Ph.D. in Industrial Organizational Psychology and works in Global Talent Management at Walmart.
There is no charge for this event and light supper is provided. Reservations are required; call 516-877-4325.
Anyone who is worried about breast cancer should call the hotline for help at 800-877-8077. You are not alone.
