For Valley Stream native Joanne Ameruoso, the fight against breast cancer is personal.
Growing up in a family with a long history of the disease, she witnessed the devastating impact it could have. Her grandmother, aunt and mother all faced breast cancer, and in 2013, her mother died from the illness after choosing not to seek medical care despite the warning signs. The sudden loss became a turning point in Ameruoso’s life.
Instead of letting grief consume her, she channeled her energy into advocacy and action. Already involved in local breast cancer walks with the American Cancer Society, she became a visible presence in the awareness community. She was selected as the kickoff speaker for Breast Cancer Awareness Month at Farmingdale University.
Out of the pain of her mother’s death came a memoir. Ameruoso began journaling to cope with her loss, encouraged by a friend who suggested it as a form of healing. What started as private writing soon developed into a self-published book, “Faith Over Fear.”
“I was so angry about my mom’s death,” Ameruoso said. “I journaled and ended up writing a memoir about my journey and how my mom’s fear became my fight.”
Ameruoso de-scribes herself as a “previvor,” someone who takes preventive measures to avoid a cancer diagnosis. After genetic testing revealed a variant of Lynch syndrome, a hereditary condition linked to several types of cancer, she chose to undergo a double mastectomy to reduce her risk. She emphasizes that she is not a cancer survivor, but rather someone who acted decisively before a diagnosis could arrive.
Her mission is now to educate women about the importance of preventive care and to raise funds for research. She directs her fundraising efforts toward Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, where researcher Carmela DeSantis and her team are studying Lynch syndrome and its links to breast cancer.
“As a matter of fact, they’ve had a breakthrough recently with some breast cancer research,” Ameruoso said. “So, it’s nice to know that I’m a part of this because it’s very important, because we still have a lot of work to do as far as finding a cure — we’re not there yet.”
Ameruoso is committed to ensuring that Lynch syndrome will one day be included in standard genetic testing panels, providing women with a clearer picture of their risks.
She raises money through a variety of community-oriented events. From “Pickleball for a Cause” to karaoke nights, Ameruoso seeks fun and engaging ways to bring people together while supporting breast cancer research. Each event is designed not only to raise funds but also to spread awareness. She also assembles care packages for women currently facing breast cancer, offering small comforts and reminders that they are not alone.
Her latest event continues that creative approach. On Sept. 19, she will host “Give Breast Cancer the Boot,” an evening of country line dancing at St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus in Lynbrook. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dancing, food and music running from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Professional instructor Rochelle Davis will lead the line dancing, while a DJ will provide music throughout the night. Guests are encouraged to wear pink in recognition of the cause.
The evening is organized by Angela Ruisi, with Linda Skliros serving as liaison for bingo and event planning on behalf of St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus. Entertainment will include line dancing instruction by Rochelle Davis from Dancing with Rochelle, with music by Ray Swartz from Line Dance with Ray. Catering will be provided by Joe from Vincent’s of Lynbrook, and raffle baskets will also be available. Tickets are $55 per person and include food, drinks and entertainment. Checks can be mailed directly to the Knights of Columbus at 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook, NY 11563, made payable to MJ’s Cause.
Ameruoso emphasizes that while October is widely recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the disease affects lives every day of the year. By hosting events throughout the calendar, she hopes to remind people that prevention, education and support are ongoing needs. September’s fundraiser is part of that effort to keep the conversation alive beyond one month of heightened visibility.
For Ameruoso, each event is not only about fundraising but about building a sense of community and connection. She often gives away copies of “Faith Over Fear” at her events, ensuring that as many people as possible can access her story.
“By telling my story and writing a book—I never wrote a book to make money, Ameruoso said. “Because I barely sell any books. I give them away because I feel that the story is so important for people to read, so that we never see other women do what my mom did. No woman should have such a fear of breast cancer that they’re afraid to get checked.”
Attendees of the Sept. 19 fundraiser will have the chance to meet Ameruoso, learn more about her work and join in a lively night of dancing, all in support of a worthy cause. Proceeds will go directly to Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s breast cancer research.
With each event, she continues to carry forward her message of faith over fear, turning personal loss into a mission that touches lives far beyond her own.
