For breast cancer survivors, the journey does not necessarily end when treatment does. Physical and emotional challenges can linger, but so can moments of connection, resilience and hope that remind patients they are not alone.
That message took center stage at the annual Breast Cancer Summit at The Lannin at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Oct. 21, where survivors, medical professionals and community members gathered to share experiences and discuss the realities of breast cancer care. Presented by New York Plastic Surgical Group, the free event featured a personal survivor story, expert discussions and a keynote address by CNN anchor and Senior National Correspondent Sara Sidner, who publicly shared her stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis in 2024.
During her keynote, Sidner reflected on navigating her breast cancer diagnosis, the realities of living with it and the medical professionals whose care and support helped her through treatment.
In an interview with the Herald, she explained why she ultimately chose to share her experience publicly, despite initially wanting to keep her diagnosis private and face treatment with the support of family and friends. She said she realized that speaking openly about her journey could help others recognize the importance of screening and feel less alone in their own experiences.
“I hope they see themselves in me,” she said of other breast cancer patients. “I hope they understand that their struggle is my struggle.”
Sidner also stressed the importance of compassion in medical care. While physicians bring essential clinical expertise to treatment, she said, the humanity and kindness they show patients can be just as meaningful during an uncertain and often overwhelming time.
That need for understanding and connection was also reflected in the story shared by Meta Miller, during her survivor story presentation at the summit.
At 48, Miller underwent her first mammogram after a close friend encouraged her to get screened. The results revealed invasive ductal carcinoma, despite Miller having no family history of cancer. She subsequently underwent a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery.
Miller shared her experience with humor and honesty, encouraging others to seek screening while reminding patients that cancer does not have to define who they are.
“Don't let cancer take away all of our humor. Don't let it take away every aspect of who we are,” Miller told the Herald.
Miller said maintaining a sense of humor helped her cope with her diagnosis, but she also found comfort in connecting with others who understood what she was experiencing. By discussing aspects of her treatment on TikTok, she connected with people facing similar circumstances.
Those connections created opportunities to exchange advice, ask questions and offer support, reinforcing her belief that no one should have to face the experience alone.
Miller hopes patients will give themselves grace throughout treatment while continuing to make room for the people, activities and experiences that bring them happiness.
She also hopes attendees will carry the message of early detection beyond the summit by encouraging friends, relatives and colleagues to schedule mammograms. Having delayed her own first screening, Miller said she understands how easily people can overlook its importance.
Dr. Tommaso Addona, president and partner of New York Plastic Surgical Group, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction after cancer and Chief of Plastic Surgery at both St. Joseph Hospital in Bethpage and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, said events like the summit help Long Island residents better understand the resources available throughout the breast cancer journey.
“You are your biggest advocates,” Addona said, encouraging patients to take an active role in their care and seek access to the resources they need.
Founded in 2011 by New York Plastic Surgical Group, the summit brings patients, survivors and medical professionals together to share knowledge and discuss developments in breast cancer care. The event was hosted by Kristin Thorne, a five-time Emmy Award-winning investigative journalist who has volunteered as its host for more than a decade.
Through the experiences shared throughout the day, the summit underscored that breast cancer care involves more than diagnosis and treatment. It also means helping patients feel heard, supported and understood as they navigate an experience that can continue to affect them long after their initial diagnosis.
