How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count The Ways

No one is ever prepared to hear the words, “You have breast cancer.” A breast cancer diagnosis can shock and blindside individuals and couples alike. Even partners who are strongly committed to one another may face difficult moments when confronted with the extraordinary stress of breast cancer. Couples may be presented with changes in relationship roles, routines and responsibilities throughout a partner’s diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Studies indicate that couples who cope best with breast cancer are able to address the illness as a team with a shared sense of purpose and responsibility.

Hear from 3 couples who tackled breast cancer as a team, and speak about the challenges they faced and the communication strategies that helped them grow.

This event is free, however, you must register in advance. Once registered you will receive a confirmation email that includes the zoom link to join.

Meet Our Couples

Cindy & Bruce

Little did Cindy and Bruce know they were about to meet the love of their lives when they were set up on a blind date by Bruce’s cousin, who also happened to be a close friend of Cindy’s. One unforgettable date and 41 years later, the Finks are stronger than ever. Cindy was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1994, at the age of 36. She underwent a unilateral lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. In 2010, the couple learned that Cindy’s cancer had come back. At the age of 53, Cindy had a mastectomy of the same breast, followed by chemotherapy. They are the loving parents of Dana and Jackie, and grandparents to 6 year old Sara.

Cindy recalls the difficulty of trying to juggle it all when first diagnosed. Cindy reached out to the Young Women’s Support Group at Adelphi where she was able to connect with others in her situation and gained the support she needed to move forward. Today, Cindy is a proud volunteer helping with breast cancer as a volunteer with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support program.

Kim & Anthony

Kim and Anthony have been together for 10 years in September. Together they have a daughter named Savannah who is 7 years old. Kim was just 30 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her original diagnosis was invasive ductal cancer, stage 2. Kim’s treatments included 6 months of chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy, radiation therapy and Herceptin for her-2 positive breast cancer.

The couple met while Kim was working in a restaurant as a bartender. Anthony is a day trader who attended Columbia University where he was a pitcher for their baseball team. Kim loves to travel and has camped in the Amazon rainforest. Fun fact, Kim is 5’9 but wears a size 6.5 shoe.

As a couple they enjoy going to concerts and sharing their love of music. They also enjoy wine tasting and visiting bed and breakfasts when they are able to get away.

Since 2019, Kim has been a volunteer with the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline & Support program helping others going through a similar diagnosis.

Tim & Sandy

Tim and Sandy have been married for five decades. They met the summer after Tim’s freshman year at college at a mutual friend’s home, where Tim was playing poker. Sandy entering her senior year of high school was smitten. Tim and Sandy worked tirelessly to build a home filled with love and adventures for their three amazing children, daughters Jaime and Molly, and son Barry. The couple had been married for 52 years, when they learned Tim had been diagnosed with advanced breast cancer in the midst of a global pandemic in June 2020. Not even in their wildest dreams could they have imagined the rollercoaster ride they would soon embark on.

Tim currently serves as a volunteer with the Adelphi New York Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program. Tim is committed to sharing his story and helping other men learn the signs of breast cancer and the importance of performing regular breast self-exams.

Our forums are sponsored by:

• The Junior Coalition of the Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer
• Northwell Health Cancer Institute

For further information, please contact:

Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program
516.877.4320
breastcancerhotline@adelphi.edu

Support Hotline: 800.877.8077