WARRIOR CONNECTION
Pink Aid’s Survivor Network
Part of Pink Aid’s mission is “to empower breast cancer survivors to heal by helping and inspiring others.” Pink Aid’s Warrior Connection is open to all breast cancer survivors, or “warriors” as we call them, who want to join the Pink Aid family to get involved and “pay it forward.”
Through the Warrior Connection, you will meet fellow breast cancer survivors and share information, stories and a community of support.
The Warrior Connection has several components. The Peer-to-Peer Mentorship Program matches newly diagnosed patients with a peer mentor who has been through a similar breast cancer journey for friendship and support.
Each spring, the Warrior Connection hosts a large Educational Event to keep Warriors up-to-date on all current topics and new developments in breast health in an intimate forum.
At the June 12th event, 75 guests participated in an unforgettable day of learning, connection, and community. This year’s program was filled with powerful insights, heartfelt moments, laughter, and the special bond that unites the Pink Aid family - both familiar faces and new friends.
Dr. Elisa Port of Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center and Dr. Richard Zelkowitz of Hartford HealthCare, two of the most respected leaders in breast cancer care, led an inspiring and informative discussion. Topics included the lifesaving impact of early screening, the evolving role of AI in early detection, advancements in precision therapy, and the “three W’s” of lifestyle wellness: walking, weight, and wine. Together, they shared a hopeful vision: a future where no one dies from breast cancer by 2030.
To see a recap of the day, click on the event video link below. You can also view our photo gallery to experience the energy, wisdom, and warmth of the day, capturing the very essence of Pink Aid’s mission.
Breast cancer is a challenging journey, but with knowledge, support, and community, we move forward with compassion and hope.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make this day so special.
We plan to add other social events for Warriors. For more information, contact jeanniek@pinkaid.org.


2025
Warrior Connection:
a conversation with Dr Elisa Port, moderated by Dr. richard zelkowitz
Dr. Elisa Port of Mount Sinai’s Dubin Breast Center and Dr. Richard Zelkowitz of Hartford HealthCare, two of the most respected leaders in breast cancer care, led an inspiring and informative discussion. Topics included the lifesaving impact of early screening, the evolving role of AI in early detection, advancements in precision therapy, and the “three W’s” of lifestyle wellness: walking, weight, and wine. Together, they shared a hopeful vision: a future where no one dies from breast cancer by 2030.

2024
WARRIOR TALKS “FROM THE FRONT LINES OF BREAST CANCER"
Featured Guest Speaker: Hanna Yoko Irie, MD, PhD
Featured Guest Speaker: Christina Weltz, MD
Moderator: Richard S. Zelkowitz, MD
It was a rare opportunity to hear from 3 nationally recognized breast cancer experts from St Vincent’s Hospital and New York’s Mount Sinai Dubin Breast Center
They covered various topics including:
- Are breast cancer patients getting younger? - Assessing your risk - Advancements in genetic testing - Treatment innovations - Life after breast cancer - pregnancy and sexual health

2022
Warrior Connection:
Lifestyle, Early Detection, Genetics & Prevention
Updates in Genetics; The Latest Developments & New Therapeutic Avenues:
with Dr. Richard Zelkowitz, Regional Medical Director, Hartford Healthcare,
St. Vincent’s Hospital and Susan R Capasso, Genetic Counselor, MS, EdD, CGC
New Findings in Leading a Healthy Breast Cancer Lifestyle; The Maurer Foundation:
with Lauren Fisch-Henry, The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education, Senior Breast Health Educator

A Conversation on Breast Surgery & the implications for Breast Cancer Warriors of Infectious Disease with Medical Experts Dr. Zane Saul, MD, Chief of Infectious Disease at Bridgeport Hospital/ Yale New Haven Health and Dr. Brigid Killelea, MD, a Breast Surgery Specialist in Bridgeport, CT.

2020
Warrior connection:
CANCER & COMPASSION IN THE TIME OF COVID
More than ever it was important to bring you the most up to date information, and to allow everyone a space to connect and ask questions in a safe environment!
A HUGE thank you to our frontline heroes Dr. Andrew Anson, Dr. Michael Cohenuram and Dr. Zane Saul. We were so fortunate to have the gift of their time and expertise - their compassion did a lot to ease the concerns of the participants.

2019
warrior connection:
Breast Cancer Genetics & Genomics
Pink Aid Supporters & Survivors joined for a morning of bonding and great conversation led by Featured Guest Speaker Linda T. Vahdat, MD MBA on Breast Cancer Genetic & Genomics.
What are the new developments in genetic testing we need to be aware of? What are the most promising new treatment developments?

2018
warrior connection:
managing the fear of recurrence in every day life?
Pink Aid Supporters & Survivors joined featured Guest Speaker: Richard S. Zelkowitz, as he discussed the newest treatment protocols for premenopausal and post menopausal women? How do I keep my bones in optimal health? What does new data regarding sexual health reveal?
