7 Women Honored At Huntington Cancer Survivorship Celebration

HUNTINGTON, NY — Seven women whose lives have been impacted by cancer were honored Thursday at the inaugural Pink & Teal Health & Survivorship Celebration in Huntington, an event focused on celebrating survivors, remembering those lost and addressing disparities in women's healthcare.

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin joined cancer survivors, oncologists, medical professionals, advocates and community leaders at Rexer Family Farm on Sept. 17 for the celebration, which was organized in collaboration with The Witness Project of Long Island and the Suffolk County Medical Society.

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The event brought together survivors, families and healthcare professionals to promote breast and cervical cancer awareness, early detection, screening and access to quality care, particularly among women of color and underserved communities.

"My constituents—especially women of color—face persistent gaps in access to screening, timely treatment and quality care, and experience worse outcomes from cervical and breast cancer," Sanin said. "So many of our neighbors are struggling to access basic care, navigate changing costs and rules, and make decisions that can literally put their health in the balance."

Sanin said the event was an opportunity to honor survivors, remember those who have died and bring medical professionals and community organizations together to address healthcare disparities.

Seven Women Honored

The celebration recognized six cancer survivors and one woman posthumously for their experiences, advocacy and contributions to their communities.

The honorees were:

• Anna McNeil, 81, a breast cancer survivor.
• Marion Thompson, 72, a breast cancer survivor.
• Darleen Washington, 69, a cancer survivor.
• Sharon Hinnant, a two-time breast cancer survivor and retired educator.
• Kim Fleming Obasohan, a 22-year breast cancer survivor and retired nurse.
• Dr. Alexea Gaffney-Adams, a physician, health equity advocate and breast cancer survivor.
• LaJuana Dumpson, who was honored in memoriam after dying from breast cancer in January 2025 at age 67.

Dumpson was the mother of Mecca Baker, founder of Pink & Teal Honors and a board member of The Witness Project of Long Island.

Dumpson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2024 and died six months later, according to event organizers.

Her death helped give personal meaning to Baker's mission of celebrating survivors, honoring those who have died and ensuring their stories continue to be heard.

"Pink & Teal began with a desire to make sure the women behind these journeys are seen, heard and celebrated," Baker said. "Each of our seven honorees represents a story of courage, resilience and love that extends far beyond a diagnosis. This evening is about celebrating survivors, remembering those we have lost, and honoring the families and communities who walk alongside them."

The celebration grew out of Baker's efforts to expand the reach of The Witness Project of Long Island, which works to increase breast and cervical cancer awareness and education among women of African descent.

Baker approached Sanin's office with the idea, and the initiative expanded through partnerships with the Suffolk County Medical Society and other community organizations.

Addressing Disparities In Women's Healthcare

Tracey Edwards, a cancer survivor, NAACP National Board member and first vice president of the NAACP New York State Conference, also addressed attendees.

The event highlighted the importance of ensuring that women, particularly women of color and those in underserved communities, have access to trusted health information, cancer screenings and quality medical care.

The evening recognized cancer survivors throughout the audience, bringing honorees, medical professionals, advocates and community partners together to celebrate survivorship and remember those who have died.

Beyond the survivor recognition, the celebration featured a medical panel focused on prevention, screening, early detection, treatment and survivorship.

Dr. Joshua Harris, Dr. Faisal Siddiqui and Dr. Yelda Nouri participated in the discussion, allowing attendees to hear directly from medical professionals and connect with organizations providing women's health resources.

Nicole Gerberg, executive director of the Suffolk County Medical Society, highlighted the importance of building stronger relationships between physicians and the communities they serve.

"Medicine cannot address health inequities from behind the walls of a hospital or doctor's office," Gerberg said. "We need to bring physicians into the communities they serve, build meaningful relationships with community organizations and leaders, and listen to what people are experiencing firsthand."