Survivors Come Out For Breast Cancer Victory Day at Mather

People from all over came out to celebrate 15th Annual Victory Day for breast cancer survivors.

The free event featured speakers Pat Battle, a reporter for WNBC 4 New York who went public with her breast cancer last fall and singer/songwriter Kate Corrigan of Hicksville, who uses her music to help newly diagnosed patients deal with their breast cancer.

According to American Cancer Society, the chance of a woman having invasive breast cancer sometime during her life is one in eight.

Sharon Murray, a Rocky Point resident, said that the event is “absolutely uplifting, inspiring it brings tears to my eyes and most of all hope.”

Murray has been attending the event for over 10 years. Last year she was diagnosed with breast cancer. After chemo radiation, she is now in remission.

Just like Murray, survivors from all over were eager to share their heartbreaking, yet hopeful story.

“I am ready to show victory,” said Kim Hagerman of Mount Sinai.

Hagerman was diagnosed with breast cancer two years ago, and she is finally ready to show that nothing can stop her. While this is her first year attending the event, she was sure it would be “moving and uplifting.”

One thing most women at the event had in common was The Fortunato Breast Health Center at Mather Hospital, where many came and got their diagnosis but also where they found hope. The breast center started as one room when it opened more than 15 years ago now has its own wing. It has grown and advanced along with the technology to fight breast cancer.

Lorraine Fitzgerald a clinical nurse for the Fortunato Breast Health Center said the event brings "a lot of support for ladies and survivors and a lot of closeness."

Fitzgerald, who has never had breast cancer, has been working at the center for the last ten years. She comes to the event for support because most of the women there have seen her.

In addition to the guest speakers, vendors filled the tent in hopes to raise money to fight the disease.

"My donation is what I make here. I buy everything wholesale and sell it. All the proceeds go to the Fortunato Breast Health Clinic," said Bonnie Lombardi, a supporter for six years.

Lombardi is also a survivor originally from Sound Beach. She was diagnosed in 2011, and relocated to Pennsylvania a few years ago. Now in remission, she still comes back to the Fortunato center each year to get all her testing done.

In addition to Lombardi, C. Tech Collection from Mount Sinai raised over $7,600 for the center. They fundraise with car washes, ice cream socials, Chinese auctions and raffles. They have been donating money for the last 8 years.