BCA_Winter_2023_Outlook_Digital

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Courtney Olsen, President

Kim Augustine

Erica Blob

Sandra Caruso

Karen Colella

Meagan Davis

Rebecca Davis

Sue Delepine

Amy Dates Fletcher

Donna Hagberg, MD

Erica Juneja

Lois Kelly

Lori Kron

Stephanie Latham

Nina Lindia

Dee Mayberry

Justin Nelson

Betsy Donovan Nolan

Monique Olivier

Barbara Rodkin

Nancy Rosen

Meg Russell

Lauren Schweibold

Julie Stein

Magali Swanson

Susan Weis

Jane Gershon Weitzman

Elisa Wilson

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

Alison Estabrook, MD

Alexandra Heerdt, MD

Brigid Killelea, MD

Gregory S. LaTrenta, MD

Linda LaTrenta, MD

Donna-Marie Manasseh, MD

Monica Morrow, MD

Elisa Port, MD

David L. Rimm, MD, PhD

Andrea Silber, MD

Barbara A. Ward, MD

Richard Zelkowitz, MD

ADVISORY COUNCIL

Jane Batkin

Susan Bevan

Frannie Burns

Kathy Clark

Jill Coyle

Carol Crapple

Nat Day

Patti Fast

Sharon Phillips

Lisa Fischer

Brett Holey

David Jones

Karen Lowney

Evan Margolin

James McArdle

Kenneth E. Mifflin

Scott Mitchell

Donna Moffly

Berk Nowak

Maureen Perry

Sharon Phillips

Jordan Rhodes

Ellen Schapps Richman

Carol Santora

Trish Shannon

Margaret Sinclair

William C. Sinclair

Nancy and Turner Smith

Marylou Williams

Ramze Zakka FOUNDERS

Lucy Day (1944-2020)

Susan Elia (1944-2017)

Kenny King Howe

Valerie Marchese

Cecile McCaull

Mary Waterman (1944-1997)

Message from Courtney Olsen, BCA President

In my first year as BCA President, I’ve been motivated every single day to uphold our mission of improving survival rates and quality of life for those impacted by breast cancer.

BCA had strong success with our events this past year. Our teen committee was hard at work raising money on behalf of BCA at their respective schools and through BCA’s annual teen fashion show at Richards. Hundreds of families came out to support our 5K for Hope on a beautiful Sunday in May. Foursomes, sporting pink attire, hit the links (and purchased mulligans!) at our golf outing.

We certainly have many reasons to be very hopeful about our future and the innovative work we are funding, all of which is made possible by YOU - our generous donors.

The work of Breast Cancer Alliance remains critical. At the beginning of January, BCA lost a friend and beloved board member, Dr. Michelle Abadir-Hallock, to Stage 4 breast cancer. I had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle when she participated and modeled at our 2018 luncheon and through her subsequent involvement with the organization. She exemplified radiance on the runway and instantly became an inspiration to anyone in her presence.

Our annual luncheon proved to be another incredible afternoon with a stunning Carolina Herrera fashion show and our courageous models of inspiration gracing the runway. BCA raised an extraordinary $1.2 million at the luncheon, and as a result, we will grant an astounding $1.5 million!

BCA’s local and national partnerships helped to expand our educational reach and awareness of our impact. Our medical webinars offered a myriad of cutting-edge breast cancer topics which have proven to be vital resources to the breast cancer community. Great strides are happening in the research we fund. Because of BCA’s funding for Dr. Nora Disis, our 2020 Exceptional Project grantee and Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute, a potential breast cancer vaccine is on the horizon!

Michelle fiercely battled her metastatic cancer for ten years with grace and dignity. It’s circumstances like Michelle’s and too many others affected by breast cancer that remind me daily how our work at BCA is never done. In her memory, we will be making a grant to further essential, life-saving research. You can honor her memory, and the lives of all those she represents, with the enclosed card.

It is an honor to work alongside BCA’s extraordinary Executive Director, Yonni Wattenmaker, our extremely dedicated Board of Directors, Advisory Council, Medical Advisory Board and the many volunteers that make BCA a leader not only in the non-profit sector but in the world of breast cancer. We remain determined and encouraged for the year ahead!

“Because of BCA’s funding and Dr. Nora Disis, our 2020 Exceptional Project grantee and Director of the Cancer Vaccine Institute, a potential breast cancer vaccine is on the horizon!”

Breast Cancer Statistics and Tips for Being Proactive

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

In 2023, it is estimated that 297,790 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer, 55,720 will be DCIS and 43,700 patients will die from the disease. 2,800 of those diagnosed will be men.

A woman’s risk of breast cancer nearly doubles if she has a first-degree relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Less than 15% of women who get breast cancer have a family member previously diagnosed with it.

A man’s lifetime risk of breast cancer is about 1 in 883.

As of January 2023, there are more than

breast cancer survivors in the U.S. 4 million

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

85%

Decreases

in death

rates have been seen since 1989 and are thought to be the result of treatment advances, earlier detection thorough screening, and increased awareness.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide, and the most common among American women. There is a diagnosis of breast cancer every 14 seconds worldwide.

About 85% of breast cancers occur in women who have NO family history of breast cancer.

About 5-10% of breast cancers can be linked to gene mutations inherited from one’s mother or father. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common. On average, women with a BRCA1 mutation have up to a 72% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. For women with a BRCA2 mutation, the risk is 69%. Breast cancer that is positive for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations tends to develop more often in younger women. An increased ovarian cancer risk is also associated with these genetic mutations. In men, BRCA2 mutations are associated with a lifetime breast cancer risk of about 6.8%; BRCA1 mutations are a less frequent cause of breast cancer in men.

BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE! Perform regular breast self-exams. • Learn about your breast density: Annual breast imaging is generally recommended for women over forty, adding ultrasound or MRI if breasts are dense. Speak to your physician about what is right for you. • Genetic counseling and testing are more available than ever, and some experts are advocating testing for all. • A healthy BMI and exercise are very important, particularly post menopause, as are not smoking and keeping alcohol consumption in moderation.

Eat sensibly and exercise regularly.

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

BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE is one of the most prominent, private non-corporate breast cancer organizations in the United States, funding critical grants in pursuit of its three-pronged mission.

BCA has funded 516 impactful grants to date.

We continue to improve the outlook on breast cancer and are proud to have funded so many impactful grants and ground-breaking research. With the uncertainty of federal funding, the need for private philanthropy for the advancement of cures continues to grow.

Why BCA Is Unique 134 255 74 53

1. Young Investigator Grants (YIG):

These two-year grants are geared toward scientists at an early stage in their breast cancer research career, providing the necessary seed funding to advance their hypotheses, proof of which is required for larger, long-term grants. To secure federal funding, a researcher must prove a theory works; BCA creates the critical bridge between novel research and the opportunity to generate preliminary results. These one-time grants, which many other foundations disregard, are often the catalyst in launching the careers of these researchers.

Patricia Pereira, PhD, Washington University in St. Louis: Target breast tumor heterogeneity and combat drug resistance with an antibody clicking strategy.

Neil Vasan, MD, PhD, Columbia University: Large-scale functional analysis of PIK3CA variants in breast cancer.

2. Exceptional Project Grants (XP):

Hai Wang, PhD, Roswell Park Alliance Foundation: Re-sensitizing the refractory breast cancer bone metastasis to endocrine therapies. Supported by Jane and Stuart Weitzman in memory of Irma Wallin.

Roberta Zappazodi, PhD, Weill Medical College of Cornell University: Tumor-metabolism-driven therapies to overcome triple negative breast cancer immune resistance. Deborah G. Black Memorial Research Grant.

Similar in impact to the YIG, this one-year award recognizes creative, unique and innovative research from tenured scientists in the field of breast cancer. The funding provides the catalyst for the expansion and exploration of revolutionary new approaches to treating and curing this disease.

Camilla dos Santos, PhD, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory: Characterization of strategies for immunosuppression of breast cancer development.

Christy Hagan, PhD, University of Kansas Medical Center Research Institute: Progesterone promotes breast cancer immune evasion through downregulation of antigen presentation.

Li Lan, MD, PhD, Massachusetts General Hospital: Targeting R-loop and mRNA-dependent repair in homologous recombination-proficient breast cancer.

Laurie Littlepage, PhD, University of Notre Dame: Overcoming endocrine therapy resistance by targeting the response to metabolic stress and immune response.

Jordana Phillips, PhD, and Michael Cassidy, PhD, Boston Medical Center: Comparing impact of contrastenhanced mammography (CEM) to breast MRI on barriers to breast cancer treatment.

For 2023, Breast Cancer Alliance awarded over $1.5 million to remarkable grant recipients in four categories.

Exceptional Project Grants

Education and Outreach Grants

Young Investigator Grants

Breast Surgery Fellows

BCA’s THREE-PRONGED MISSION:

BCA focuses on crucial early-stage research.

Breast Cancer Alliance is a premiere private foundation committed to funding early-stage, innovative and impactful research not yet eligible for federal grants. BCA uniquely bridges that gap by providing exceptional researchers with scientific venture capital, propelling life-changing scientific hypotheses from the conceptual stage to reality.

BCA supports brilliant talent in the field.

Breast Cancer Alliance understands that survival rates and quality of life are dramatically improved when patients are in the care of speciallytrained breast surgeons. As a result, BCA uniquely funds breast surgery fellowships at Society of Surgical Oncology-accredited institutions. These highly skilled surgeons go on to work at institutions across the United States. Through its Young Investigator Grants, BCA helps launch the careers of promising new scientists as well.

BCA eliminates barriers of access to essential breast care.

Breast cancer survival rates are near 90% due to advances in early detection and improved education. BCA funds breast health education programs and covers costs associated with mammograms, biopsies and other breast cancer-related services, lessening the burden for underserved patients.

3. Breast Surgery Fellowships:

BCA is the only breast cancer charity to support the education of breast surgical fellows. Since 2006, BCA has provided 53 grants to Society of Surgical Oncology-accredited institutions, enhancing the front lines of treatment for patients across the nation by fostering the specialized training necessary for all aspects of breast surgery. Once fully trained, these talented, young surgeons often move to more remote locations across the United States, bringing their expertise and launching designated breast centers in those regions for the first time.

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, Dr. Kate Rose Pawlowski, Veronica Beard Fellow

Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY, Dr. Catherine Chappuis

4. Education and Outreach Grants (E&O):

Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, Dr. Tooba Mohammad, Rodkin Family Fellow

These grants, which began in 1996, support programs directly related to outreach and breast cancer case management services, including education, counseling and screening for underserved patients in Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. At times, grants have been extended to other parts of the country as part of collaborative partnerships with other institutions. With the escalating costs and challenges associated with healthcare, BCA’s funding to offset fees associated with mammograms and other screening and diagnostic procedures helps to save lives and improve outcomes of patients who could not otherwise afford access to such care.

Cancer Support Team, Purchase, NY

Danbury Hospital/New Milford Hospital, Danbury & New Milford, CT, Paula L. Banwell Memorial Grant*

Greenwich Hospital, Greenwich, CT, Supported by the Town of Greenwich* Griffin Hospital, Derby, CT Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT Hospital of Central Connecticut, New Britain, CT

Middlesex Hospital Cancer Center, Middletown, CT

Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Center, Bridgeport Hospital, Bridgeport, CT, Mitchell Family Grant

Norwalk Hospital, Norwalk, CT

Open Door Family Medical Center, Port Chester, NY

Stamford Hospital, Stamford, CT

St. Vincent’s Hospital, Bridgeport, CT

White Plains Hospital, White Plains, NY

*Unless otherwise noted, all 2023 Education and Outreach grants have been generously supported by Veronica Beard

Educating our supporters with leading experts at our medical symposia

Meeting with our grantees to learn about the research BCA underwrote

Funding screening for the underserved

Breast Cancer Alliance Leadership

Breast Cancer Alliance is the fortunate beneficiary of time and talent from many dedicated volunteers. The new slate of incoming Directors is exceptional, as are the four past Board members who will continue their involvement as Trustee Emeriti or as members of BCA’s Advisory Council now that their threeconsecutive terms (nine years of Board service) are complete. We asked them “Why BCA?” and their answers, along with bios for the new Directors, are below.

Erica Keany Blob, Board Member, is a Partner at Brighton Park Capital, where she is Head of Investor Relations and a member of the Investment Committee and Portfolio Committee. Prior to Brighton Park, Erica spent seven years at New Mountain Capital in several business development roles, and was previously a member of the Investor Relations team at SAC Capital, Morgan Stanley’s Capital Introduction team, and a business manager with profit and loss responsibilities at Walmart.com. She began her career at Merrill Lynch in Equity Capital Markets after graduating from Duke University, where she received her AB in Economics summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, and later receiving her MBA from Harvard Business School.

Why BCA: “I am honored to be joining the Board of the BCA. Too many of us have friends, sisters, brothers, colleagues, who have battled this disease, and I want to use my skills and resources to contribute to winning the war.”

Meagan Davis, Board Member, worked in financial services for over a decade. Her roles included investor relations/ marketing at Lanexa Global Management, a long/short equity hedge fund that was part of the Tiger Management platform. Most recently Meagan was a Partner at JG Coules Advisors, a boutique retained search firm focused on hedge funds, asset managers, and family offices as an integral part of many successful placements, as well as managing the business operations. Since 2018, Meagan has been at home with her children. She has been an active supporter of BCA since moving to Greenwich and was a co-chair of the 2022 BCA Luncheon & Fashion Show. Meagan holds a BA from Yale University where she was a member of the women’s varsity tennis team until sidelined by injury.

Why BCA: “BCA’s cause has long been a dear one to me and my family. The energy I see across BCA is an inspiration — the shared passion and purpose combine to make this a truly impactful organization. I am honored and excited for the opportunity to deepen my involvement by serving on the board.”

Erica Juneja, Board Member, is the President of GAS Bijoux, CT. Her background is in merchandising and as a buyer. She attended high school in Dix Hills, NY and then attended McGill University. She and her family moved to New Canaan in June 2016 after living in Manhattan for over 20 years. Erica has always enjoyed volunteering in her community through her girls’ schools and local organizations in need, but most recently, designed and opened a GAS Bijoux store on Greenwich Avenue in December, a French accessories brand with a global presence. Erica was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020 and was cancer-free by 2021 when she was a Model of Inspiration in BCA’s fashion show. She went on to co-chair the luncheon in 2022. Why BCA: “I joined the BCA board as its mission is personal to me. I connected to BCA as it is a local organization with a much larger impact. I am excited to be part of BCA’s community, engagement, and funding of meaningful research to eradicate breast cancer.”

Lori Kron, Board Member, lives with her family in Rye Brook, NY. Lori graduated from Syracuse University and went on to receive her master’s degree in teaching from Teachers College, Columbia University. She worked at The Spence School in New York City for ten years before moving to Westchester. Lori was a co-chair of the 2021 BCA luncheon, where her mother walked the runway as a Model of Inspiration. Lori continued to be involved by helping to organize the raffle and silent auction for BCA’s Annual Luncheon and will be co-chairing BCA’s Education and Outreach Committee in 2023.

Why BCA: “I am thrilled to be a member of the BCA board and as the daughter of a survivor this mission is close to my heart.”

Betsy Donovan Nolan, Board Member, is an experienced marketing, business development and communications executive with interests extending into the arts and wellness fields. She is currently the Chief Marketing Officer-US for a global law firm that serves private client, private company and private capital businesses. She is responsible for strategies related to revenue growth, client acquisition, new markets and communications. She started her career with Xerox Corp then moved to EY (Ernst & Young) in market transformation roles. Betsy is a co-founder of CNR in New York City and the Executive Roundtable. She holds an M.B.A. from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University. Betsy is a long-time BCA enthusiast, having joined the BCA Advisory Council in the early 2000’s, supporting the organization of the early 5K Fun Runs and other fundraisers.

Why BCA: “Breast Cancer Alliance’s mission in funding research and education has had a direct and positive impact on family members, friends, and my community. I’m excited about the opportunity to help contribute to making a true and lasting difference for survivors and their families.”

Monique Olivier, Board Member, has over 20 years of experience working in various finance, accounting and financial reporting roles (both operational and oversight) at public companies; private companies; public accounting firms (Big 4) and nonprofit organizations and is a Certified Public Accountant. She got involved with BCA in early 2021. Why BCA: “The mission of Breast Cancer Alliance is close to my heart as more than one of my friends have been impacted by breast cancer. I admire all the incredible work done by Breast Cancer Alliance. I am thrilled at the opportunity to be part of the Breast Cancer Alliance Board of Directors, as this role will allow me to strengthen my contribution through not only volunteering my time but also sharing my professional skills and experience. I hope that through the combination of my passion for this cause and my professional background I can make a meaningful and impactful contribution to Breast Cancer Alliance.”

Julie Stein, Board Member, is currently a stay-at-home mom who lives in New Canaan, CT with her family. Julie is a five-year breast cancer survivor and has devoted much of the past five years to raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research towards a cure. Most recently Julie served as a co-chair for the 2022 BCA Luncheon. Julie graduated from Roslyn High School in 1989, and received her Bachelor of Science in 1993 from the University of

Delaware where she graduated Magna Cum Laude majoring in Health and Human Services with a Spanish minor. Julie went on to receive her Master of Social Work in 1995 from NYU also graduating with high honors. Why BCA: “As a five-year breast cancer survivor, I am one of the fortunate ones. Not everyone is so lucky. I feel truly humbled, grateful, honored, and proud to join the Breast Cancer Alliance’s Board of Directors. I am excited to collaborate with such an esteemed team to fulfill BCA’s mission of raising awareness, education, funding, and fellowships as we fight for and strive towards a cure for breast cancer.”

Sharon Phillips Advisory Council Member

Why BCA: “Breast Cancer Alliance is a unique organization! By venture funding of promising early-stage research, support of breast surgery fellows and community initiatives, BCA is impactful far beyond its size. It is an honor to be part of this effort to change the course of breast cancer.”

Trish Shannon Advisory Council Member

Why BCA: “I am so very honored to continue working on behalf of BCA as a member of the Advisory Committee. My time as a Board member has been so very rewarding and seeing the way that BCA has grown and evolved over these past nine years is just amazing. I know we have accomplished so very much to help find a cure, and the friendships that I have formed with BCA members are so very important to me.”

Mary Jeffery Trustee Emeritus

Why BCA: “It is an honor to serve in this capacity, arm-in-arm — as BCA’s logo represents — with the women and men united in support of BCA’s powerful, unique mission. BCA’s impact in the world of breast cancer is significant, and we will continue our work on behalf of all those affected by this disease.”

Andrew Mitchell-Namdar Trustee Emeritus

Why BCA: “Having been involved with BCA for more than 15 years, I have seen the incredible impact their early-stage young investigator grants and breast surgery fellowships are having on patient survival rates. Their critical work and approach is funded by no one else and I am humbled, excited and honored to rejoin the BCA Board.”

ONE WOMAN’S STORY: Dana Shocker

“If you told me a year ago that I would be the one writing about my breast cancer journey, I wouldn’t have believed you. ‘Soon you’ll be on the other side of this,’ they would all say. They weren’t exactly right; it never really ends, but I’m still here and that’s definitely something to write about. My name is Dana Shocker, and I’m a breast cancer survivor. One year ago, I was diagnosed with Stage 1B Invasive Ductal Carcinoma ER+ PR- HER2, and Grade 2 DCIS at only 30 years old.”

“A year prior to my diagnosis, I found a new lump in my breast. Being extremely cystic my entire life, I knew right away that this one was different. The lump was hard and located directly in the middle of my chest. I called my doctor right away. I was examined and told that I had nothing to worry about. I was told this was just a cyst and, because of my age and the absence of breast cancer in my family history, there was little to no chance of this being something bad. So, I listened.

A few months later, the lump was growing. I called my doctor again. She didn’t treat my concern with any urgency and reassured me I was fine. A few months later, I was getting into the shower and noticed that my breast had changed shape and my nipple was discolored. I called my doctor again and said I had a NEW lump so they would see me quickly. My mother came with me this time. My doctor was condescending and laughed at the fact that I was still worried about the same issue. I begged for an ultrasound, and she agreed to give me one for ‘peace of mind.’

I received the call on January 5th 2022, at around 10 in the morning, sitting on the edge of my bed. After the ultrasound, mammogram and biopsy, the radiologist called with my results. ‘This isn’t what we were hoping for’ she said, ‘pathology came back as Invasive Ductal Carcinoma.’ Silence on my end. The radiologist continued to talk, but I couldn’t comprehend any of the words. I just kept repeating the word over and over in my head. Cancer. ‘How do I tell my fiancé who just lost his father to cancer six months ago? How do I tell my parents their daughter is sick? Am I going to die?’

First stop, find a breast surgeon. Next stop, more testing, MRI’s, biopsies, genetic testing. After that, my first oncology appointment. Then, on to fertility preservation. Fertility preservation was something that never even crossed my mind before and was probably the biggest shock throughout all of this. I never heard about this issue with other women who were diagnosed because they were typically older. They had their children or at least made their own decision not to. My decision was being made for me, and fast.

I knew in that moment I NEEDED to find my community. I needed to find other women my age who could help me navigate through this. Who could guide me, prep me, comfort me, console me. I started posting my story via social media and, just like that, out of nowhere, floods of messages in my inbox. All young women from all over the globe. My community

After one round of Oocyte Cryopreservation, I was ready to get this cancer out of me. February 23rd 2022, I went in for a bilateral mastectomy. Those were a rough few weeks. I knew it was going to be hard, but I really had no idea what I was in for. I’m so grateful for my fiancé and parents for taking care of me…some women must do this alone. Two weeks after surgery, I found out that I would need chemotherapy. Four rounds of TC Chemo (Docetaxel/Taxotere, and Cyclophosphamide). To say I was nervous is an understatement, but I knew that this was giving me the best chance at a long life ahead, and that was all that mattered. Thankfully, I was given the option at doing another cycle of oocyte cryopreservation which I jumped on right away. The more eggs frozen the better! Unfortunately, we were forced to cancel our wedding scheduled for July 15th due to my weakened immune system. Another punch in the gut

April 13th 2022 was my first round of chemo, and then every twenty-one days after that. We had many hiccups during treatment. My tissue expanders became infected only ten days after my first infusion, and I was hospitalized for six days with sepsis. I had emergency surgery to remove the expanders which left me with only skin where my breasts once were. I was devastated and wasn’t sure how I would get through the next seven months before they could place them back in. But I did. I persevered. I woke up every day and tried to look at the positives – I’m alive.

Finishing chemo was an accomplishment like no other. I felt strong and thankful, and had a deeper appreciation for life. The way I viewed things changed; the way I saw myself changed. Instead of being angry at the way my body felt or looked, I was thankful to that body for carrying me through the hardest year of my life. I learned to be easy with myself when I didn’t have the energy or willpower to get off the couch – or at least I’m trying to be easy with myself.

A little over a month after chemotherapy was finished, I started Tamoxifen which I will take for the next ten years. It was a weird feeling starting that medication. Knowing that it causes some not-so-wonderful side effects, and other not-so-wonderful potential issues. But it will help to keep the cancer from coming back and keep me here longer, so I’ll take it!

What no one prepared me for was the many obstacles that come with survivorship. To be honest, it’s been a lot harder emotionally now than it was during active treatment. The side effects from chemotherapy are still very much present, plus the additional dread of ‘what do I do now’ constantly looming over my head.

I changed as a person in many ways since my diagnosis. Many of which have led me to question my career and what I want to do with the rest of my life. I knew immediately that the cancer community would be one that I would always be a part of, but maybe now I could take part in a different way – to be an advocate instead of a patient, and to be a helping hand instead of the one in need.

Every day is a challenge and some are harder than the others. Especially the days where I mourn the loss of my breasts, my fertility, my wedding. Or the days where I’m worried about a possible reoccurrence. But then the days appear where I look at how far I’ve come, and how what I have now is what I used to once pray for: Health. Opportunity. Ability. There were days during treatment where I would just dream about going for a long walk, or not having drains hanging from my body. It’s all relative.

My advice to the newly diagnosed would be this: you’re stronger than you think. You are NOT alone. Ask questions, FIND your community, and use all of the resources available to you, whether it’s emotional, financial, mental, spiritual, or physical support you need. Reach out to your patient navigators, your insurance representatives, and your community. Although it’s a whirlwind of emotions and never-ending phone calls, doctor appointments, surgeries, decisions, etc., you will one day be the one writing your One Woman Story and helping someone just like yourself.”

Some Breast Cancer Resources for Women Facing Diagnosis:

AnaOno bras that recognize and are designed to fit different breast shapes and surgery outcomes.

Breast Cancer Alliance Peer Mentoring: BCA has a supportive community of patients who have had or are living with breast cancer and want to support others: newly or formerly diagnosed, those with metastatic disease, loved ones and caregivers. If you want support, or want to help: Email info@breastcanceralliance.org for a survey.

Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE) is a nonprofit organization for women who are at high risk for breast and ovarian cancers due to their family history and genetic status, and for members of families in which a BRCA mutation may be present.

Illume Fertility Clinic is led by eight specially-trained board-certified reproductive endocrinologists who are eager to help you achieve your fertility and family-building goals. With an award-winning embryology lab, andrology lab, on-site surgical suite and innovative technology, Illume Fertility offers the highest quality fertility care in an inclusive environment.

Livestrong Fertility is dedicated to providing reproductive information, resources and financial support to survivors whose cancer and its treatment present risks to their fertility.

Masthead® was started with one primary purpose: to provide women with comfort, support, and dignity as they prepare for, undergo, and recover from surgery and other treatments. Their state-of-the-art Elizabeth Pink Surgical Bra® is used in hundreds of the top hospitals in the country by the finest doctors and surgical staff.

Natracure has been providing the professional healthcare market with top-notch recovery solutions for over 20 years and has now adapted the same medical technologies for consumer use, manufacturing products to support recovery from cooling gel packs to socks.

NiceRx helps individuals in the United States to access affordable FDA-approved brand name medications through patient assistance programs offered by U.S. pharmaceutical companies.

Research Spotlight: Ray Acciavatti, PhD

Research Assistant

Professor of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania

Q: What drew you to cancer research?

A: As an undergraduate student at Villanova University, I always enjoyed math and the physical sciences and was looking for a way to apply this interest to medical research. In 2006, I learned about the Summer Undergraduate Fellowship Program through the American Association of Physicists in Medicine. I was introduced to x-ray physics in Dr. Andrew Maidment’s mammography research lab at Penn. The summer internship led me to apply to a Ph.D. program at Penn where my thesis focused on developing mathematical models of image quality for 3D breast imaging with tomosynthesis.

Q: What do you find to be the biggest challenge facing you thus far?

A: My biggest challenge was expanding my focus to biomedical sciences. In 2007, I enrolled in the first cohort of the HHMI-NIBIB Interfaces Program at Penn, a unique PhD program combining medical imaging coursework with the first year and a half of medical school classes. This was a challenging transition since my undergraduate focus was mainly math and physical sciences. Gaining a deeper understanding of the biology of breast cancer continues to be challenging but ultimately rewarding.

Q: Can you describe your research in laymen’s terms?

A: I work with a team of researchers developing the next generation of 3D breast imaging systems for mammography. Each team member’s expertise is unique; my focus is on applying math to designing x-ray scanning motions that offer the best image quality and visualization of the smallest possible details.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest breakthrough in breast cancer research to date?

A: When I started graduate school in 2007, 3D breast imaging with tomosynthesis was not FDA approved for screening. The first 3D system was FDA approved in 2011 (during my PhD thesis). I was amazed by the rapid implementation of 3D imaging, which is now widely used in screening. With 3D breast imaging, more cancers are detected early (including invasive cancers). It has also led to fewer false alarms, meaning fewer women are recalled for additional testing that ultimately finds no cancer.

Q: In your opinion, what is the biggest setback to breast cancer eradication?

A: The biggest setback from my perspective as a diagnostic imaging scientist is missing an early-stage cancer when it is most readily treatable. Some cancers are essentially invisible to x-ray imaging at screening and can only be detected with supplemental imaging such as ultrasound or MRI. Even with the latest 3D x-ray systems, imaging women with dense breasts continues to be challenging since the sensitivity of mammography is reduced in dense breasts. One of the goals of the next-generation tomosynthesis system is improving image quality in women with dense breasts beginning right from the screening exam.

Q: If you could give advice to a young woman recently diagnosed with breast cancer what would it be?

A: Being diagnosed with cancer can be scary, especially at a young age. My main advice would be to stay positive about the long-term outlook and to keep up with all the prescribed treatments and follow-up testing so that any adjustments to the treatment plan can be made as early as possible. I would also recommend reading about the latest treatments available and asking questions.

Q: How has your first year with Breast Cancer Alliance helped you achieve your goals as a scientist?

A: I am deeply grateful that Breast Cancer Alliance funded my grant “SelfSteering 3D Mammography” – the first external grant that I received after I made the transition to Research Assistant Professor at Penn. The goal is to detect suspicious areas in the image and ultimately customize the scanning motion around these areas. My Breast Cancer Alliance grant is currently allowing me to perform the modeling and retrospective clinical image analyses to support the idea of self-steering 3D mammography. The data generated from this grant will help me apply for future long-term funding, with the ultimate goal to implement this design in the next-generation tomosynthesis system.

Q: If Breast Cancer Alliance could help you in any other way besides funding, what would it be?

A: Our research lab greatly appreciates the role of breast cancer advocates and would be interested in involving advocates in our upcoming pilot study with the nextgeneration tomosynthesis system. We will be recruiting volunteers for next-generation tomosynthesis imaging as part of a separate grant. X-ray scanning motions not currently used in clinical systems will be analyzed, with the goal of improving radiologists’ ability to characterize suspicious findings as benign or malignant. This should hopefully lead to more efficient patient care and better clinical outcomes.

The next-generation tomosynthesis system in the X-Ray Physics Lab at the University of Pennsylvania

Breast Cancer Alliance

48 Maple Avenue Greenwich, CT 06830

SAVE THESE DATES

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

Charity Poker Tournament

Thursday, March 30

Tastings courtesy of The Calling wine, Gray Whale Gin and Redemption Bourbon Gas Bijoux trunk show Townhouse, 35 Church Street, Greenwich, CT

Teen Fashion Show

Tuesday, April 18

Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT

5K for Hope

Sunday, May 7

Presenting Sponsor: Omnicom

Honoree: Ramze Zakka, Z Hospitality Group Richards, 359 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT or create a team and run where you live!

Golf Outing

Tuesday, September 19

GlenArbor Golf Club, Bedford Hills, NY

Annual BCA Luncheon and Fashion Show

Wednesday, October 25

Westchester Country Club, Purchase, NY

Breast Cancer Alliance

48 Maple Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830

Yonni Wattenmaker, Executive Director breastcanceralliance.org

www.facebook.com/breastcanceralliance