On Thursday, October 16, 2025, the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program will host its annual Celebration of Survivorship Gala, an evening dedicated to honoring the strength of breast cancer survivors, patients, caregivers, and their families.
The event will take place from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Ruth S. Harley University Center’s Thomas Dixon Lovely Ballroom, on the Adelphi University campus.
Now in its 30th year, the Celebration of Survivorship has become a signature gathering for the Long Island community, drawing more than 200 attendees each year. The gala highlights inspiring personal stories, celebrates survivorship at every stage, and recognizes the continued advancements made in breast cancer treatment and support.
“Over the years, our gala has grown in ways that reflect the incredible strength of our community and the progress made possible through new treatment opportunities, research, and support,” said Reyna Machado, MA, MBA, Executive Director of the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program. “It is an honor to listen to these stories of perseverance, to witness how survivors and their families lift each other up, and to see the ripple effect of support that extends far beyond this room.”
The 2025 program will feature a dynamic panel of speakers who will share their personal breast cancer journeys—stories of courage, resilience, and hope meant to empower others who may be navigating their own diagnosis.
Meet the 2025 Honorees
- Debra Williams was diagnosed in 2024 with Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Guided by the unwavering care of her medical team and the support of her family, friends, and Adelphi social worker Angela Papalia, Debra embraced her identity as a breast cancer warrior. Today, she shares her story to inspire and uplift others.
- Katerina Dinas-Raptis was first diagnosed at just 32 years old in 2012. After a second diagnosis in 2021, she leaned into advocacy through her nonprofit, Kat’s Ribbon of Hope, which partners with Adelphi’s program to fund patient navigators. Her message to others: “Even in the darkest moments, there is light at the end of the tunnel…You will spread your wings once again and fly like a butterfly.”
- Lori Fagan was diagnosed in 2012 and initially felt isolated in her journey. Years later, she became a volunteer with Adelphi’s Breast Cancer Program, offering compassion and guidance to others through hotline calls. Her advice: “Look for angels everywhere—they are there for you.”
The Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support Program gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsorship of Adee & Don Hendler, the Leviton Foundation, Kat’s Ribbon of Hope, Dr. Neil Tanna, Hicks Nurseries, Jeff & Kathi Glass, and Digital Graphic Imagery Corp., whose support 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, and advocates—whose journeys continue to inspire hope and resilience.
For more information about the Celebration of Survivorship Gala or to learn more about the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, 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 adelphi.edu/breast-cancer. You are not alone.
