State Sen. Siela Bynoe, whose district includes Baldwin, joined breast cancer survivors and supporters in Uniondale on Friday, Oct. 24 as the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center held its first annual Breast Cancer Survivor Dinner. The event, hosted in partnership with the American Legion Hall, celebrated courage, faith and community while honoring local women who have battled breast cancer.
Guests enjoyed an elegant evening of unity and celebration, with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and dinner set amid black and pink décor, floral centerpieces and artwork by students at Hofstra University. Their paintings were auctioned to raise funds for breast cancer awareness initiatives.
The program began with an opening prayer and welcoming remarks from UERC President Stacey Richardson, who thanked the community, sponsors and cancer survivors for their strength and partnership.
“We appreciate each and every one of you for recognizing breast cancer awareness and showing resilience through your journey,” Richardson said. “Tonight, we celebrate you — and we’re going to have a ball!”
Bynoe, who was diagnosed 22 years ago, shared her personal journey, recalling how she discovered a lump while on vacation in the Caribbean.
“I scheduled an appointment as soon as I got home,” she told the crowd.
At the time, she was the executive director of the North Hempstead Housing Authority and studying for a master’s degree at LIU Post. Despite the challenge, she found strength in her faith — in particular, words from the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you.” It is a reminder that even when life is difficult, there is still hope.
“Surviving breast cancer has shown me the true power of community, faith and perseverance,” Bynoe said. “Together we can lift each other up and support the research that saves lives.”
She also reminded the audience that breast cancer isn’t only hereditary. “You don’t have to have the BRCA gene to be diagnosed,” she said. “Environmental factors — even the water we drink — can play a role.”
According to the Breast Cancer Foundation, BRCA, known as the breast cancer gene, has been found to increase the chances of developing breast cancer, if there is a mutation.
“A small percentage of people (about one in 400, or 0.25 percent of the population) carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes,” the foundation states on its website. “A BRCA mutation occurs when the DNA that makes up the gene becomes damaged in some way.”
Some 12 percent of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimes, according to the foundation. Those with the genetic mutation have a higher chance — 45 to 65 percent, depending on the two genes.
Among the honorees was Gloria Gantt, a 15-year survivor, a registered nurse and founder of BetterMag, a holistic health magazine. “I take pride in being able to share my story and be recognized among such strong women,” Gantt said.
Olga Moreno-Hernandez, a 25-year survivor, was also honored for her courage and advocacy after moving to the Village of Hempstead and becoming an active community volunteer.
Hadar Goldvaser, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, in Manhattan, offered medical insights and statistics, emphasizing the importance of early detection.
“One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime,” Goldvaser said.
“The good news is that most patients are cured — but we must ensure everyone has access to care, especially communities of color, who face higher mortality rates.”
Honoree received glass sculpture awards and flowers. Bynoe presented proclamations to UERC board members and survivors for their dedication to awareness and empowerment.
The evening closed with prayer, and expressions of gratitude and hope — a powerful reminder that the Uniondale community stands united in the fight against breast cancer.
“As a breast cancer survivor, I know firsthand how vital community support can be for those facing this challenging diagnosis,” Bynoe said in a statement. “I’m grateful to the Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center for creating this event to bring together people whose shared experiences serve to remind us that we are never alone.”
She explained that breast cancer impacts more than 300,000 women a year, and Black women continue to have a higher mortality rate. Bynoe encouraged everyone to get annual breast cancer screenings, and said she would remain a strong advocate of access to quality health care for all.
Proceeds from the event will benefit breast cancer research.
For more information about UERC or to support future initiatives, contact the organization at (516) 440-6004 or UERC.Uniondale@gmail.com.
