BCA_Spring_2024_SpringOutlook

outlook

One Woman’s Story: Lauryn Werner

PLUS:

• Thank You from Courtney Olsen, Outgoing BCA President

• Thoughts from Karen Colella, Incoming BCA President

• Breast Cancer Statistics

• 2024 Grants

• Breast Cancer Prevention

• Breast Cancer Alliance Leadership

• Save These Dates

Innovative research • Surgical fellowships • Community outreach

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Karen Colella, President

Alexis Abernethy

Rachel Baritz

Erica Blob

Sandra Caruso

Meagan Davis

Rebecca Davis

Amy Dates Fletcher

Jennifer Dreilinger

Donna Hagberg, MD

Erica Juneja

Lois Kelly

Lori Kron

Stephanie Latham

Nina Lindia

Evan Margolin

Dee Mayberry

Justin Nelson

Betsy Donovan Nolan

Monique Olivier

Courtney Olsen

Barbara Rodkin

Julie Stein

Magali Swanson

Desiree Thayer

Claire Weil

Susan Weis

Jane Gershon Weitzman

Diane Zarrilli

Molly Zola

Mary K. Jeffery, Trustee Emeritus

Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, Trustee Emeritus

MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARD

K.M. Steve Lo, MD, Chair

Susan K. Boolbol, MD

Patrick I. Borgen, MD

Rachel Brem, MD

Lucy De La Cruz, MD

Leif Ellisen, MD, PhD

Alison Estabrook, MD

Alexandra Heerdt, MD

Brigid Killelea, MD

Gregory S. LaTrenta, MD

Linda LaTrenta, MD

Donna-Marie Manasseh, MD

Starr Mautner, MD

Monica Morrow, MD

Elisa Port, MD

David L. Rimm, MD, PhD

Barbara A. Ward, MD

Richard Zelkowitz, MD

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Allison Aston

Kim Augustine

Jane Batkin

Susan Bevan

Frannie Burns

Kathy Clark

Jill Coyle

Carol Crapple

Nat Day

Patti Fast

Lisa Fischer

Lile Gibbons

Brett Holey

Karen Lowney

James McArdle

Catherine McCool

Kenneth E. Mifflin

Scott Mitchell

Donna Moffly

Berk Nowak

Sharon Phillips

Grace Pittner

Jordan Rhodes

Ellen Schapps Richman

Nancy Rosen

Meg Russell

Carol Santora

Trish Shannon

William C. Sinclair

Nancy and Turner Smith

Elisa Wilson

Ramze Zakka

Thank You from Courtney Olsen, Outgoing BCA President

As I reflect upon my two years as President of Breast Cancer Alliance, to say that my tenure was extraordinary would be an understatement. Being a breast cancer survivor, I am obviously vested in this organization, yet I continue to marvel at all BCA has accomplished that has inevitably made an impact on the fight against breast cancer. Because of research BCA has funded, a breast cancer vaccine is in active trials at the Cancer Vaccine Institute. Because of BCA’s free mammogram program at local hospitals, lives are saved daily. Because of BCA’s ongoing investments in breast surgical fellows, more patients have access to specially-trained breast surgeons who can perform a broad range of skilled procedures.

Everyone in attendance was transfixed by the survival story of our keynote speaker, Good Morning America Executive Producer, Simone Swink, and the heartfelt welcome by her colleague, Lara Spencer. Richards produced a stunning fashion show with Kiton, and BCA’s gorgeous Models of Inspiration graced the runway and exuded joy, hope and strength all while reminding everyone to seize the day! Our luncheon raised an astounding $1.2 million and as a result, I’m thrilled to share BCA will grant $1.5 million in 2024!

“ Because of research BCA has funded, a breast cancer vaccine is in active trials at the Cancer Vaccine Institute.”

This past year, BCA ventured to New York City, Palm Beach, Miami, and Boston to share our mission and raise awareness. Not surprisingly, BCA’s work was met with great admiration. We continued to expand our Go For Pink collaborations on both a national and local level during the month of October. Our annual 5K for Hope, Golf Outing and Poker Night were each a huge success. BCA’s luncheon and fashion show, held at Westchester Country Club in October, was another incredible afternoon.

I have great respect and admiration for the entire team at BCA. Yonni Wattenmaker, BCA’s Executive Director, is a force to be reckoned with, and her dedication to our organization is unrivaled. I’m exceedingly grateful to BCA’s staff, Board of Directors, Medical Advisory Board, Advisory Council and Sterling Club Members, as they are the heart and soul of this organization. Karen Colella, BCA’s incoming President, will continue to bring her expertise, passion, and thoughtfulness as she leads BCA into the next chapter.

It has been a gift for me to partake in the incredible work we fund and witness firsthand how life altering changes are made, none of which can happen without all of you who so generously support our mission. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing BCA to make a difference in the lives of anyone affected by breast cancer.

Sincerely,

www.breastcanceralliance.org

Thoughts from Karen Colella, Incoming BCA President

For me, 2023 unfolded as a year highlighted by significant milestones. It marked a decade since I faced my own breast cancer diagnosis, and the simultaneous arrival of a milestone birthday—celebrating five decades on this earth, embracing life experiences, celebrating accomplishments, and creating magical memories with loved ones. These two momentous occasions not only gifted me with a profound celebration of life, resilience, and the unwavering spirit to defy adversity but also fostered an even deeper appreciation for BCA’s tireless commitment to the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer. Thanks to BCA, women and men facing breast cancer can celebrate many more milestones with their families. As we begin our 28th year, I cannot be any more proud, honored, and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary organization toward continued success.

My involvement with BCA began in 2014 with my personal breast cancer journey as the impetus. Throughout the years, my commitment has been further fueled by the tremendous loss of cherished loved ones to this devastating disease. As a mother, I am committed to shaping a world where our children and future generations thrive outside the shadows of breast cancer. I’ve been privileged to witness BCA’s growth and tremendous impact both locally and nationally. From facilitating access to breast health screening and diagnostic procedures for underserved patients, to awarding grants for the training of breast surgical fellows, or to providing scientists with funding for innovative research that explores revolutionary approaches to the treatment and cures for breast cancer, BCA continues to be at the forefront of driving progress in the fight against this disease. Our BCA family,

“As we begin our 28th year, I cannot be any more proud, honored, and grateful to be given the opportunity to lead such an extraordinary organization toward continued success.”

composed of generous and steadfast supporters and volunteers, including YOU, has been the pillar upholding its mission of improving survival rates and the quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer.

Our hallmark events continue to generate crucial funding for life-saving grants annually. This year also saw the launch of inaugural events like Project Pink, a town-wide breast cancer awareness initiative in collaboration with New Canaan’s Chamber of Commerce, championed by one of our dedicated board members. Project Pink’s triumph has led to plans for replication in neighborhoods around the US. Additionally, BCA expanded its presence with successful events like the NYC Wellness Luncheon, Boston Wine Tasting, and Miami Women’s Wellness Day, which featured an informative panel addressing crucial, often overlooked facts for Hispanic women. And for the first time in many years, our flag raising at Greenwich Town Hall included a breast cancer presentation and discussion, in both English and Spanish. Finally, Yonni Wattenmaker and Courtney Olsen had the opportunity to appear on BRAVO TV, broadcasting our mission to a huge national audience.

BCA has consistently evolved year after year, guided by some of the most impressive leaders I have the privilege to call mentors and friends. The incredible honor to work alongside Courtney Olsen, from whom I am humbled to take the reins, fills me with deep gratitude. Her endless passion,

tireless efforts, and impressive dedication to the initiatives of BCA have not only shaped our past successes but continue to propel us forward. Being recognized among this highly revered group of leaders is incredibly inspiring, and I look forward to continuing their impactful legacy. A heartfelt acknowledgment goes to BCA’s Executive Director, Yonni Wattenmaker, whose heart and soul embody BCA’s mission daily, setting the stage for yet another successful year. Her thirteen years of unwavering and selfless commitment compounded by her bold and creative vision have been instrumental in our collective achievements. We are truly fortunate to be supported by an outstanding Board of Directors, Advisory Council, and Medical Advisory Board, whose genuine devotion is the driving force behind accomplishing our mission. The collaborative spirit within BCA, under the leadership of these remarkable individuals, inspires gratitude and confidence as we look ahead to the future.

I look forward to this next chapter and to sharing my next milestone with you. I am grateful to each one of you for your invaluable contributions and commitment. It is an immense honor to work alongside you, continuing to illuminate a path with hope, determination, and shared vision towards one day celebrating a magnificent milestone together—a world free from the impact of breast cancer.

With gratitude,

Breast Cancer Statistics and Tips for Being Proactive

1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.

On average, every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US. A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is 1 in 883.

The most significant risk factors for breast cancer are being a woman and getting older. The median age of diagnosis in the United States is 63.

There have been decreases in death rates since 1989,

widely thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection, and increased awareness.

In 2023, an estimated 297,790 women were diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. An estimated 2,800 of those diagnosed were men.

45

In women under 45, breast cancer is more common in Black women than white women. For Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women, the risk of developing and dying from breast cancer is lower.

As of January 2023, there were approximately 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American

While less than 15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a history of breast cancer in their family, a woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she first-degree relative who has been diagnosed If an immediate family member had breast cancer, you should begin screening at an age 10 years younger than they were at diagnosis, or at 40, whichever is younger.

women.

Approximately 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have no family history of breast cancer.

85%

ASK YOUR DOCTOR when to begin screening and with what frequency.

5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. BRCA1/2 mutations are the most common. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, and a 69% lifetime risk for women with a BRCA2 mutation. Breast cancer that is positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tends to develop more often in younger women.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE!

Perform regular breast self-exams

An increased ovarian cancer and prostate cancer risk are also associated with BRCA1/2 mutations.

• Learn about your breast density

Begin annual breast imaging at forty, adding ultrasound or MRI if breasts are dense. Speak to your Genetic testing and counseling are widely available, and some experts advocate testing for all • Eat sensibly and exercise regularly • A healthy BMI is very important, particularly post menopause, as is limiting alcohol consumption.

www.breastcanceralliance.org

Breast Cancer Alliance Awards $1.6 million in Grants for 2024

Breast Surgery Fellowships:

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Solange Bayard, MD, MS, Gabelli Family Foundation Grant

Mount Sinai, Erika King, MD, supported by Kubtec Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Larissa N. Pamen, MD, Rodkin Family Fellow

Yale University, Sarah K. Merkel, MD, Gary and Stacia Smith grant

Exceptional Project Research:

Harvard University, Andrew Elia, PhD, Targeting DNA Replication Defects in Homologous Recombination-Deficient Breast Cancer.

Mayo Clinic Florida, Pooja Advani, PhD, Targeting de novo lipogenesis to enhance immunotherapy in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Moffitt Cancer Center, Thordur Oskarsson, PhD, Targeting novel mediators of chemotherapy resistance in dormant breast cancer.

Screening and Support Services: (formerly known as Education and Outreach)

Cancer Support Community of NY and CT at Gilda’s Club, White Plains, NY

Cancer Support Team, Purchase, NY

Danbury & New Milford Hospitals, Danbury, CT, Paula L. Banwell Memorial Grant

Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, CT

Young Investigator Research:

Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Middletown, CT

Norma F. Pfriem Breast Cancer at Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, Mitchell Family grant

Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT

Open Door Family Medical Center, Port Chester, NY

St. Vincent’s Hospital, Bridgeport, CT

Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT

White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY

Harvard University, Sarah Olsen, PhD, Mechanistic and functional characterization of DOT1L and Menin-ML chromatin complexes in estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer.

Mount Sinai, Igor Bado, PhD, Deciphering mechanisms and impact of miRNAome alterations in bone metastasis.

Rockefeller University, Polina Vaitsenfeld, PhD, Immune modulation of tumor microenvironment in breast cancer by targeting CD40 with immune checkpoints/tumor antigens.

Stanford University, Steven Corsello, MD, Exploiting FOXA1 synthesis lethality to treat breast cancer.

University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine, Emma Watson, PhD, Aneuploidy associated metabolic vulnerabilities in breast cancer, Deborah G. Black Memorial grant.

Washington University, Andrew Davis, MD, Improving outcomes with Trastuzumab Deruxtecan through innovative phase 1 trial with neratinib/biomarker analysis, supported by Jane and Stuart Weitzman in memory of Irma Wallin.

Breast Cancer Prevention

There is a lot of conflicting information about breast cancer prevention, so Yonni Wattenmaker, BCA Executive Director, sat down with Dr. Carol Fabian and Dr. Roy A. Jensen, two leaders in this field, at University of Kansas Medical Center to gain some important insight.

Dr. Fabian, a breast medical oncologist, became interested in breast cancer prevention decades ago before the availability of genetic testing. “I was tired of seeing very young women with small children who had developed breast cancer do everything they could, and yet too many still died of breast cancer. It was just heartbreaking. Could we determine who was at highest short-term risk and develop preventive interventions for them.”

Dr. Jensen is an anatomic pathologist whose focus has been on breast pathology. He was a fellow for David Page, the Director of Anatomical Pathology at Vanderbilt, who published a landmark study in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1985, In it they identified specific histologic abnormalities in breast biopsies performed because of a lump or abnormal mammogram that carry increased risk for breast cancer, distinguishing them from others that don’t. They discovered that substantial increases in risk (at least 4-5 x the average) over the next 10-20 years was based on very specific lesions in the biopsies called atypical hyperplasia and lobular carcinoma in situ. These women today are considered good candidates for supplemental screening and drugs which can lower the risk of developing breast cancer.

Most women have not had a diagnostic breast biopsy and thus could harbor these precancerous lesions and not know it. Dr. Fabian developed a technique called random fine needle aspiration (RPFNA) which could comfortably sample breast tissue for women with a family history of breast cancer who did not have a clinical indication for a biopsy. Her initial study performed prior to availability of genetic testing, showed that women with atypical changes in RPFNA had five year risks for breast cancer similar to women having atypical hyperplasia after a diagnostic biopsy.

Women with a positive family history and atypia on RPFNA would also be good candidates for supplemental screening or prevention medications.

In addition to atypical changes in the breast tissue, women at increased risk for breast cancer because of affected close relatives diagnosed before 50, certain genetic changes, or persistent high breast density after age 40, are good candidates for breast MRI in addition to the yearly mammogram. Women with an estimated 10- year risk of 5% or higher are also good candidates for prevention medications such as the anti-estrogen tamoxifen. While tamoxifen taken for 5 years can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 50% most women without breast cancer will not take it because of side effects, most commonly hot-flashes and night sweats. A group of Italian investigators recently finished testing a reduced tamoxifen dose which was 1/4 of the full dose and given only for 3 years. This reduced dose termed “baby tam,” reduced risk in post-menopausal women with fewer side effects but it can still increase hot flashes and the benefit in premenopausal women is at this time uncertain.

Dr. Fabian has been looking for therapies which will reduce risk of cancer but not initiate or worsen hot flashes for the last 20-30 years. Hot flashes, night sweats, inability to sleep, vaginal dryness plague up to 70% of women at some time between age 45-60. This is also the age range in which many women are thinking about breast cancer prevention. If you can reduce a symptom with a medicine, women will take it. If it has an additional benefit of reducing breast cancer, that is the frosting on the cake. Estrogen is the most effective way to reduce menopausal symptoms. Based on results from the Women’s Health Initiative, estrogen alone does not increase the risk for breast cancer. In fact, the conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) used in the Women’s Health Initiative was associated with a small reduction in risk compared to placebo. Women with a uterus must take progesterone or a progestin to protect the uterine lining from the effects of estrogen and the combination increases risk for breast cancer. If you take a progestin with estrogen for 5 years, your risk could be increased by a relative factor of 30%. For someone low risk, that might be ok. For someone at higher risk, it is more of an issue. Dr. Fabian and her team are testing the combination of conjugated estrogen with the antiestrogen bazedoxifene which, while relieving hot flashes, is protective of the uterus, and based on preliminary studies, may have a role in breast cancer prevention.

What are some strategies that all women should adopt to reduce the risk for breast cancer?

1. Be aware of your risk as this may affect the age at which you start screening for breast cancer, type of screening, as well as prevention strategies. Risk can be estimated via several on-line models or via risk counseling. Women with a family history of breast or breast and ovarian cancer should encourage affected relatives to undergo genetic testing. A small portion of these affected individuals may have a change in their genes predisposing to breast cancer that can be passed on to their children. Genetic testing can now be performed on saliva as well as blood at a very reasonable cost.

2. Start breast cancer screening with mammography by age 40. Women with affected close relatives diagnosed before age 50 may need to start screening even earlier, about 10 years earlier than the age their relative was diagnosed. Mammography should not start prior to age 30. Women who need screening between age 25 and 30 because of very young affected close relatives or those with a BRCA1/2 mutation should have a breast MRI instead of a mammogram and then a yearly mammogram and a yearly MRI after age 30. Women at increased risk but who do not have a BRCA1/2 mutation can have a yearly MRI in addition to yearly mammography when they start screening. The increasing availability of abbreviated MRI is making yearly surveillance MRI much more affordable.

3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle from a young age. This includes a diet with five servings of fruits and vegetables/day, at least three hours of moderate intensity aerobic exercise/week (optimally five hours), maintaining normal weight, and restricting alcohol to less than seven drinks/week. The most important type of exercise is the type that raises your heart rate. You need not live in the gym. Walking at a speed of three MPH for 30-45 minutes at a time counts as moderate intensity exercise. Maintaining a normal level of vitamin D has multiple health benefits and may improve risk for breast cancer. If you are not outside in the fall, winter, and early spring you may want to consider a 2000-3000 IU/day supplement. Most of us do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids. The best source is cold water fish which can reduce inflammation often prevalent in obesity. Certain ingredients in flaxseed called lignans may also be beneficial particularly in premenopausal women.

4. Avoid postmenopausal hormone replacement with estrogen + progesterone or a progestin, although estrogen alone for five to seven years for women without a uterus will not increase risk.

5. Hormones taken in the premenopausal years are usually safe. For most women the estrogen and progestin in birth control pills will not increase risk for breast cancer. However, taking contraceptives for more than 15 years may be associated with increased risk especially for women who begin contraceptives before age 20 and continue past the age of 45. The same is likely to be true for women using the levonorgestrel IUD. Women with a BRCA1/2 mutation may have a slight increase in risk of breast cancer with use of oral contraceptives, but this is offset by the decreased risk for ovarian cancer.

Clinical Trial Opportunity

A pilot study conducted by Dr. Fabian’s team, exploring the use of Duavee® for treatment of hot flashes and prevention of osteoporosis was performed in 28 high-risk women. After two weeks, hot flashes had subsided, and after about six months, Duavee had significantly reduced the rate of breast cell growth, and estrogen responsive gene expression in breast tissue sampled by RPFNA. Duavee® also had a favorable effect on mammographic breast density.

Based on that information, Dr. Fabian and her team applied to the National Cancer Institute for a grant to test this in cancer centers across the country. Today The University of Kansas Cancer Center is collaborating with Dana Farber, UCSF, City of Hope, and Northwestern with the hope it will provide conclusive evidence that this not only eliminates hot flashes but has favorable effects on breast tissue.

If you are between the ages of 45 and 64, have hot flashes or night sweats and are at elevated risk for breast cancer, you can go to: clinicaltrials.gov NCT04821141

For information on trial conduct and eligibility contact:

Senior Coordinator Amy Kreutzjans akreutjzans@kumc.edu or Multisite Coordinator Christy Altman caltman2@kumc.edu.edu for the trial location closest to you.

Welcoming New Leadership to BCA:

Board of Directors

Alexis Abernethy was educated at University of Georgia and University of South Florida with a bachelor’s degree in art history and earned a master’s degree from New York University. Her career in contemporary art galleries in New York City evolved into her current role as an art advisor. Beyond the art world, Alexis is a certified chef from The Natural Gourmet Center in Manhattan.

In 2021, Alexis faced a challenging diagnosis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer. She received her treatment from Memorial Sloan Kettering and is happily surviving and thriving since! Alexis is a committed supporter of Breast Cancer Alliance and was honored to serve as co-chair for the 2023 luncheon. In addition to her involvement with BCA, Alexis is a former member of the Greenwich Junior League and has also volunteered on various committees for the American Red Cross. Alexis and her family are members at Innis Arden in Old Greenwich, where she serves on the House committee.

Rachel Baritz has built a successful career in the jewelry industry over the last 25 years, culminating in her current role as a consultant. At Fragments Showroom, where she spent the first half of her career, Rachel played a pivotal role in leading the design and construction of a customized e-commerce and B2B website. She excels at fostering strong relationships with global designers and clients.

In 2022, Rachel faced and conquered breast cancer. The outpouring of love she experienced ignited a passion within her - to “pay it forward” and help others navigate the same path. It also fueled a desire to dedicate her talents to organizations whose missions resonate with her own values. In the fall of 2023, Rachel co-chaired the first Breast Cancer Alliance event in NYC, hosted a shopping event at Veronica Beard’s Madison Avenue store, and is on the NYC planning committee for 2024.

Jennifer Dreilinger is the owner of a creative services company called JDK Design, Inc. She works on milestone celebrations as an event planner and creative consultant. She enjoys creating personal and carefully curated experiences, arranging all the details, so that the hosts can enjoy their events.

In 2019 Jen was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is approaching her fifth year as a breast cancer survivor, so this is an exciting year to raise the bar and facilitate even more change. Jen was a model of

inspiration at BCA’s 2020 virtual luncheon, and in 2021, a co-chair for the luncheon. She also designed its rebranded logo as BCA marked its 25th year. She has attended and supported many events beyond the luncheon, including hosting the BCA shopping day at Veronica Beard in Bal Harbour.

Desiree Thayer attended the Fashion Institute of Technology where she earned a degree in Marketing Communications. Desiree joined the Estée Lauder Companies after graduating and has worked for the corporation for over 24 years. As Executive Director of Global Education & Artistry she managed budgets, event and program planning, uniform and accessory development and production, as well as operations for their digital learning website. When Desiree and her family moved to Darien in 2018 after living in Brooklyn Heights for over 13 years, she moved into an Executive Consulting role for the company and continues to work in that capacity to date.

Desiree has always given time volunteering for many organizations and was the Estée Lauder brand lead for the Look Good Feel Better program at Memorial Sloan Kettering for over seven years. Desiree also supported and volunteered in many capacities for Estée Lauder’s Breast Cancer Campaign and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) over her years of service with the company. After many years of volunteering at MSK, she became a patient in 2019. “Being diagnosed was one of the scariest moments of my life, but I felt blessed that it was detected in its earliest form and could be treated.” Desiree was introduced to Breast Cancer Alliance in 2022 serving on its Luncheon Committee and then co-chairing the Luncheon in 2023.

“I knew the BCA was such a special organization and was thrilled to become a part of its mission and community.” In addition to her now part-time job, she also volunteers on several PTO Committees for her daughter’s school and is the Social co-chair of her local club.

Evan Margolin earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in marketing and management from The State University of New York at Albany. He is an active member of Young Men’s and Women’s Real Estate Association (YMWREA), The Real Estate Board of New York (REBNY) and The State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany Alumni Association. Evan Margolin is a Vice Chairman in JLL’s Midtown Manhattan office where he is a leader in the tenant representation group.

Evan is also a breast cancer survivor with a goal of increasing male breast cancer awareness. He was a model at the Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show, a panelist for BCA’s medical symposium about male breast cancer and served as a member of Breast Cancer Alliance’s Advisory Council.

Claire Weil attended Vanderbilt University where she received a bachelor’s degree in art history, leading her to pursue a career in interior design. After further schooling and apprenticeships under Celerie Kemble and Phoebe Howard, Claire started her own firm in 2012, Claire Weil Interiors. Claire enjoys volunteering with local philanthropic organizations. As a member of Impact Fairfield County, Claire has served on a number of review committees over the years; for the Boys and Girls Club of Greenwich, she performed multiple duties, most notably co-chairing their annual fundraiser in 2019. Claire is also an avid supporter of Breast Cancer Alliance. Assisting with the silent auction and co-chairing the Kids For a Cause event have been a few of her BCA commitments. In 2023, Claire was honored to serve as co-chair of the Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show.

Advisory Council

Allison Aston grew up between NYC and Bedford, NY with her Belgian father and mother, who is a breast cancer survivor. She attended Skidmore College where she rode on the Equestrian Team and later parlayed that into a three year career focus. After leaving, she started her marketing career at Ogilvy & Mather and then went on to Harper’s Bazaar and Robb Report. Allison landed at David Yurman and Roger Vivier before starting her own agency and helping to found Veronica Beard where, after many different roles, she has landed as the SVP of Special Events, Strategic Partnerships and Charitable Giving. As a volunteer, she is involved with JDRF, MSKCC and NY Presbyterian Hospital as well as her dedication to, and growing invovlement with, BCA.

Catherine McCool Leach received her BS from Boston College and holds her FINRA Series 7, 63 and 65 securities licenses, and holds her National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s license. Catherine is an Executive Director and Banker in the Greenwich, Connecticut office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank. With more than fourteen years of Private Banking experience at J.P. Morgan, Catherine was previously with the Outsourced Chief Investment Office team. Catherine is a member of the Young Families Development Committee for the New Canaan Library and participates in the Boston College alumni network where she served as a B.C. GOLD Council representative. Formerly, Catherine was a member of the New York Chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Young Leadership Council and has volunteered with the Friends Council for the Boys and Girls Club of Boston.

Grace Pittner is a graduate of DePauw University. Upon graduation, she worked as a Sales and New Business Startegist for Rocket Fuel, and went to work for Facebook in 2019. Since that time she has advanced from Partner Manager to Client Solutions Manager, Disruptors at Meta and has been working with BCA since the beginning of 2022, helping BCA expand its partnerships and presence on social media. Grace has worked in advertising technology for nearly eight years.

Medical Advisory Board

Lucy M. De La Cruz, MD serves as Chief of Breast Surgery, the youngest Latina woman to hold the position, and Director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, as well as the Director of the hospital’s breast surgery fellowship program. She is an Associate Professor of Surgery and a member of the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. Lucy attended Universidad Central Del Este in the Dominican Republic, completed her internship and residency at the University of Miami, and her breast surgery fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania.

Leif Ellisen, MD, PhD is Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Program Director for Breast Medical Oncology at the Mass General Cancer Center. He is also co-Leader of the Breast Cancer Program at the Dana-Farber/ Harvard Cancer Center. He received his undergraduate degree from Harvard University, MD and PhD degrees from Stanford University, and completed residency training, oncology fellowship training, and postdoctoral research training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and Mass General, respectively. Dr. Ellisen is best known for his work on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), one of the most aggressive forms of the disease.

Starr Mautner, MD is a board-certified and fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist at the Miami Cancer Institute where she treats patients with benign and malignant breast disease. She earned her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed a general surgery residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College. She then completed a research and BCA-supported clinical fellowship in breast surgical oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Dr. Mautner is the lead physician for breast surgery clinical trials at MCI and is active in clinical research and co-chair of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Alliance Education Committee.

One Woman’s Story: Lauryn Werner

Friday, May 29th 2020: For most people, this day might be remembered as part of the segment of time when the world shut down. For me, it was the day I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 29. A few weeks earlier, I found a small mass in my right breast while performing a routine self breast exam in the bath tub. At the time, I was in my fourth year of dual MD/PhD training program at the University of Kansas School of Medicine and was pursuing my PhD research in a breast cancer research laboratory. I knew that the chances I had cancer were slim, but I immediately called my primary care doctor to get it checked out. She reassured me that the mass was likely a benign fibroadenoma, but we went ahead and scheduled an ultrasound. The ultrasound revealed a soft tissue mass, which I was reassured again was likely benign, but we went ahead to get a biopsy just to be safe. I’ll be forever grateful that the team of providers involved in my workup aired on the side of caution, because two days later, I was diagnosed with stage 2 triple negative breast cancer. I’m not sure if there are words in the English language to describe how completely shocked and devastated I was to be diagnosed with cancer in my 20s. In a single moment, I went from being a breast cancer researcher and PhD student to a breast cancer patient.

Kansas Cancer Center, where I would receive a standard of care chemotherapy regimen along with an immunotherapy drug being studied in triple negative breast cancer. My treatment on the trial would last for six months.

On June 24th, 2020, I took a seat in the chemo infusion chair for the first time and braced for impact as I watched the toxic drugs be pumped into my veins. I was terrified but grateful to have an army of supporters just a FaceTime call away. Just a few days after starting treatment, the results of my genetic testing came back, which revealed that I was a carrier of the BRCA1 mutation. This meant that I had an 80% chance of getting breast cancer in my lifetime. It also meant that my family members were at risk and needed testing immediately. In the coming months, we learned that my father, sister, aunt, and cousin were also carriers of the mutation. The news brought devastation but also empowerment. My sister was able to have a preventative double mastectomy within a year, which reduced her risk of getting breast cancer to a level lower than the general population.

The time between diagnosis and my first appearance in the chemo chair was a complete whirlwind. Teams of physicians at three large academic medical centers reviewed my case and recommended treatment options. I spent three weeks informing my family members and friends of my diagnosis as I carefully dissected numerous research articles to try to decide on the best course of therapy to improve my chances of survival in the face of the humbling statistics I learned about triple negative breast cancer. I met with a reproductive endocrinology and infertility specialist and immediately began a cycle of egg retrieval in hopes of preserving my future fertility. Eventually, I decided to pursue treatment through a clinical trial at the University of

I’m over three years out from chemotherapy treatment today, but I still can’t fathom how I endured those six months of treatment looking back. Treatment occurred every three weeks, and I remember each treatment would hit harder than the one before. Near the end of treatment, I would have just regained my energy from the last treatment by the time it was time to sit in the chair again. Getting treatment during a global pandemic certainly didn’t make things easier. I went to every treatment alone and only left the safety of my home to go to the cancer center, as contracting COVID could have been a death sentence for me and others with suppressed immune systems. The one silver lining of going through cancer treatment during a pandemic was that I didn’t have to take any time off from my PhD studies. I attended classes virtually, sometimes even from the chemo infusion chair. I will be forever grateful for that opportunity.

With the knowledge of my BRCA1 mutation, I decided to pursue a double mastectomy following chemotherapy treatment. On November 4th, 2020, I said goodbye to the breasts I was born with and had my double mastectomy followed by immediate reconstruction. Two days later, on what would be the greatest day of my entire life, I found out that I had a pathological complete response to my chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatment. They found no remaining cancer when they removed my breasts and lymph nodes. This day still remains the best single day of my life. I couldn’t have received better news.

The months that followed my double mastectomy were some of the darkest months of my life. Trying to re-enter “normal” life after enduring such a lifealtering event feels awkward at best, impossible at worst. Slowly, but surely, though, I began to heal. I began to trust my body again. The anxiety began to dissolve. As my hair grew out and the memories of my diagnosis began to fade, I began to feel like myself again.

Just shy of three years after being diagnosed with breast cancer, I successfully defended my dissertation and became Dr. Lauryn Werner, Ph.D. I then set out to begin my last two years of medical school. May of 2025 will mark five years from being diagnosed with breast cancer and will be the month that I graduate as Lauryn Werner, MD, PhD. That moment in the future shines as a beacon of light bringing me hope and determination as I face the next few years of survivorship. Following graduation, I plan to pursue a career as an oncologist and researcher and dedicate my career to the women who will get the same call that I did that fateful day in May of 2020. I can’t wait to contribute to the research that will bring a future where women are no longer dying of breast cancer.

BCA FOUNDERS

Lucy Day (1944-2020)

Susan Elia (1944-2017)

Kenny King Howe

Valerie Marchese

Cecile McCaull

Mary Waterman (1944-1997)

Outgoing BCA Board Members

After nine years of service, four members of the Board of Directors are rolling off. When we asked about their decision to dedicate that time to this important work, these were their responses:

Kim Augustine:

“I originally became involved with Breast Cancer Alliance after losing a best friend to the disease at the age of 31. During my nine years on the Board, I have gained even more than I have given. Seeing the hard work, determination and brilliance of our Executive Director along with the amazing doctors we fund, has given me such an appreciation for the advancements that have been made in the early detection and treatment of breast cancer.”

Nancy Rosen:

“Having served on other Boards, BCA is unique due to the dedication and commitment of its board members, and its unique mission to focus on a holistic approach to combatting breast cancer.”

Meg Russell:

“It has been my great honor to serve on Breast Cancer Alliance’s Board of Directors for the past nine years, two of those as President. The quality of the people I’ve met through BCA, from our tiny but mighty staff to our scores of volunteers and those we serve, has been the greatest motivation and source of satisfaction for me.”

Elisa Wilson:

“It is truly hard to believe that nine years have gone by... Breast Cancer Alliance is an organization that works together for a cause that has and continues to touch the lives of friends and loved ones every day. It has been my honor and privilege to work alongside such dedicated and intelligent individuals for a common purpose. I am proud of what we’ve accomplished as an organization so far, and look forward to the great strides we will continue to make toward treating and curing breast cancer in the future.”

Breast Cancer Alliance

48 Maple Avenue

Greenwich, CT 06830

SPRING EVENT SEASON IS HERE

To register, find more information, or learn about additional events visit breastcanceralliance.org/events

Sunday, April 7

Teen Fashion Show

Cheer on our philanthropic teens at this annual event. Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich

Thursday, May 2

Rock Out for Pink

We’re getting into the NYC nightlife with a fabulous evening at The Cutting Room, 44 E 32nd Street

Sunday, May 5

Our Annual 5K for Hope is back! Join us in Greenwich to run or walk, or start a team in your home city. Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich

Friday, May 10 – Monday, May 13

Join us for a Mother’s Day in the sun: luncheon and medical symposium, yoga, and shopping. Mobile mammography available in coordination with the Morgan Pressel Foundation

The Colony Hotel & The Royal Poinciana, Palm Beach, Florida

Wednesday, May 15

Come roll the dice at our first Casino Night! Poker, blackjack and more. Innis Arden, 120 Tomac Avenue, Old Greenwich

THE FALL HAS SO MUCH IN STORE…

Be sure to mark September 17 for the annual golf outing at GlenArbor Golf Club and October 23 for the Annual Luncheon and Fashion Show at Westchester Country Club!

Breast Cancer Alliance

48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director breastcanceralliance.org

www.facebook.com/breastcanceralliance @breastcanceralliance