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.
Breast cancer is a challenging journey, but with knowledge, support, and community, we move forward with compassion and
The 2026 Warrior Connection promises to be an insightful discussion about Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship with breast cancer. The event is complimentary, gerously sponsored by Gilead Oncology and Natera. Space is limited. Please RSVP by June 5th.
2026
Warrior Connection:
An Insightful Discussion About Sexuality, Intimacy and Survivorship
Elena Ratner, MD and Johanna D'Addario, PA-C, were joined by Tara Sanft, MD, the Cancer Survivorship Specialist, for a conversation moderated by Richard Zelkowitz, MD the Medical Director of Breast Oncology for Hartford Healthcare's Cancer Institute. Pink Aid's June 10, 2026 Warrior Connection Educational Event was just a little bit different and a true standout. The "less than frequently" talked about topics of sexuality, intimacy and survivorship after cancer were discussed frankly and openly. Important information was shared in a format that allowed for understanding, insight and even a little humor.
Founders and Co-Directors of Yale New Haven Health's Program in Sexuality, Intimacy and Menopause,
Each panelist, highly regarded and nationally recognized in their area of expertise, shared the "how to" and importance of navigating the challenges that can occur during and after breast cancer treatment. Among other issues, there was discussion about advocating for self, weight loss drugs, improving sexual experience, achieving comfort in asking clinical providers intimate questions and recent recommendations/changes in hormone therapy for post breast cancer patients.
We thank those who participated in this exceptional event. For those who could not, we invite you to watch the event video and browse the photo gallery to share in the knowledge, wisdom, warmth, humor and compassion of this outstanding program.
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?
Event Is Complimentary, Sponsored By:
.
OUR SUPPORTERS
