On Thursday, October 22, 2026, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program will host its annual Celebration of Survivorship Gala, an inspiring evening honoring breast cancer survivors, patients, caregivers and their families. The event will take place from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the Ruth S. Harley University Center, Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom, on Adelphi University's Garden City, NY campus.
For more than three decades, the Celebration of Survivorship has become a signature event for the Long Island community, bringing together more than 200 attendees each year. The gala highlights personal stories, celebrates survivorship at every stage, and recognizes the continued advances in breast cancer treatment, research and support.
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.
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 visit us online. You are not alone.