Dr. Margaret Kemeny
New York, NY

Dr. Kemeny is one of America’s first female cancer surgeons and an expert in treating cancers of the liver, pancreas and colon. She is a member of the Eastern Division Board of Directors, and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Queens regional office. She directs the $6 million state-of-the-art Queens Cancer Center, which opened in 2002. After earning honors in biochemistry at Harvard College, Dr. Margaret Kemeny received her medical degree at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Doreen Semel
Chappaqua, New York

Doreen Semel has been a breast cancer survivor for 14 years. For the past 13 years, she has been a facilitator of the Chappaqua Breast Cancer Support Group. Currently she is a member of the American Cancer Society’s Eastern Division Board of Advisors, President of the Westchester Board of Advisors, and a Legislative Ambassador. Doreen volunteers her time with the American Cancer Society’s Reach to Recovery program which helps males and females cope with their breast cancer experience.

Cathy Williams
Staten Island, NY

Cathy Williams, a wife, mother, and grandmother, was diagnosed with breast cancer over 6 years ago. The onset of cancer helped her realize her mission: to reach out to women in the community to educate, enlighten, empower, and encourage them to be their own best advocate. Cathy visited hospitals as an American Cancer Society ambassador, ministering to women dealing with the effects of breast cancer before and after surgery and has also been a speaker at the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer breakfast. She is a member of Christian Cultural Center in Brooklyn and credits the founders Rev. Dr. A. R. and Elder Karen Bernard, as well as friends and a multitude of prayers for her successful battle against the disease. Cathy says, “I am cancer free and live intentionally to help others.”

Merrilynn Jedlicka
East Patchogue, NY

Merrilynn Jedlicka is a wife, mother and grandmother who was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43 and again at age 44. She underwent mastectomies both times and credits the early detection with having a mammogram as soon as she felt a lump. Merrilynn is a Reach to Recovery volunteer, visiting with hundreds of women who deal with a breast cancer diagnosis. Merrilynn works in the medical field as an x-ray technologist. Her hobbies include traveling, spending time with family and keeping fit.

Evelyn Ronga
Lake Hapatcong, NJ

Evelyn Ronga was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998 at the age of 33. She had a lumpectomy and multiple treatments followed by a lymph node dissection. Evelyn lost both of her parents to cancer and through this and other experiences has found strength, determination and a desire and commitment to move forward with her life. A three time breast cancer survivor, Evelyn lives with her husband of 14 years and enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking and golfing. She is an active volunteer with the Reach to Recovery program and works with other cancer-related organizations and events. Evelyn says, “I continue to hope that, one day soon, a cure for cancer will be found.”

Dana Kaplan
Westfield, NJ

Dana Kaplan is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She is currently a Partner in her law firm Kenyon & Kenyon LLP, a wife, a mother of two boys and currently expecting a baby girl. Dana has appeared on many television networks and has been quoted in several print publications concerning breast cancer and the role it has played in her life.  She truly believes that breast cancer is no longer a "death sentence" for women and feels that having a positive outlook goes a long way in recovering from and dealing with this disease. Dana focuses her efforts each year on the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, where she has been a spotlight speaker for the past two years, as well as a member of the Pacesetters Club for her fundraising efforts. As a strong advocate for knowledge, Dana believes that, “arming yourself with the proper information about cancer and available treatments for it, as well as conducting routine self-examinations, can provide a strong arsenal for helping diagnose and defeat the disease.” 

Susanne Fischer
New York, NY

Susanne Fischer has been a breast cancer survivor for 3 1/2 years. She has been a full-time mother for the past ten years and is a wife and mother of two boys. Her past accomplishments include volunteering at the Evelyn Lauder Breast Center at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and as a Pace Setter and team leader for Susanne's Friends, a community based team for the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk. Susanne has also been a survivor speaker at numerous American Cancer Society events over the past 3 years and has also served as President of the Parent's Association at her children's school. Susanne says, “My passion is to give back and help others deal with the ordeal of breast cancer.”

Lorraine Vaughan
Staten Island, NY

Lorraine Vaughan’s breast cancer was detected in the early stages during a mammography in October 2000. She had a lumpectomy in December of that year and chose the most aggressive treatment, which consisted of chemo and radiation. She currently works as a freelance title closer in New York. Lorraine has been a Reach to Recovery volunteer for three years and chats with newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. Lorraine finds it rewarding to do her part to help other women overcome their fear and says, “Simultaneously my heart and mind made me realize just how precious life is and how it is so important to be happy which I feel is also health related. I am well within my body, mind and spirit.”

Theresa (Terry) Martin
Saratoga Springs, NY

Terry Martin was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 years ago. She has volunteered her time with the American Cancer Society for ten years.  Currently, Terry is  a Legislative/Celebration on the Hill Ambassador for the American Cancer Society, on the Adirondack Board of Advisors, a Queensbury Relay for Life Chairperson, Reach to Recovery volunteer, and a Making Strides Against Breast Cancer team captain. Terry has chosen the American Cancer Society as the vehicle by which she wants to improve the world - for her own children, her students, her fellow cancer survivors, and for herself. Terry works as a Health Education Teacher and girls Field Hockey coach. Her dedication to cancer prevention has changed many lives, including the thousands of students that pass through her classroom or across her field each year. 

Vivian Snyder
Staten Island, NY

Vivian Snyder was diagnosed with breast cancer 14 years ago. Fortunately, the cancer was detected early and she underwent a mastectomy. A retired registered nurse, she used to work as a mammographer and X-ray technician. Vivian has for many years volunteered with the American Cancer Society in the areas of Reach to Recovery, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Relay for Life, and Patient Navigation. Vivian says, “There have been wonderful advances and don’t give up, keep a positive attitude and don’t lose your sense of humor.”

Steven Lubetkin
Professional Podcasts

Steven Lubetkin is the narrator of the podcast series, editor, and owner of Professional Podcasts LLC.