Pink & Teal Event Puts Survivorship In Spotlight

Seven women whose lives have been touched by cancer were honored during the inaugural Pink & Teal Health & Survivorship Celebration at Rexer Family Farm, an event combining recognition of survivors with a focus on prevention, early detection and access to care.

Suffolk County Legislator Rebecca Sanin joined cancer survivors, physicians, advocates, nonprofit organizations and community leaders for the celebration, developed with The Witness Project of Long Island and the Suffolk County Medical Society.

“Pink & Teal began with a desire to make sure the women behind these journeys are seen, heard and celebrated,” said Mecca Baker, founder of Pink & Teal Honors and a board member of The Witness Project. “Each of our seven honorees represents a story of courage, resilience and love that extends far beyond a diagnosis.”

The Witness Project works to increase breast and cervical cancer awareness and education among women of African descent. The collaboration grew after Baker approached Sanin’s office about expanding the organization’s reach in Huntington.

Sanin said the effort also draws attention to disparities in access to cancer screening, treatment and quality healthcare.

“My constituents—especially women of color—face persistent gaps in access to screening, timely treatment and quality care,” the Legislator said. “This crisis demands action.”

The evening included a medical panel featuring Dr. Joshua Harris, Dr. Faisal Siddiqui and Dr. Yelda Nouri, who discussed screening, prevention, early detection, treatment and survivorship.

Suffolk County Medical Society Executive Director Nicole Gerberg said addressing disparities requires doctors to connect directly with the people 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.”

The seven honorees were:

• Anna McNeil, 81 — Breast cancer survivor • Marion Thompson, 72 — Breast cancer survivor • Darleen Washington, 69 — Cancer survivor • Sharon Hinnant — Two-time breast cancer survivor and retired educator • Kim Fleming Obasohan — 22-year breast cancer survivor and retired nurse • Dr. Alexea Gaffney-Adams — Physician, health equity advocate and breast cancer survivor • LaJuana Dumpson — Honored in memoriam; Baker’s mother, who died from breast cancer in January 2025 at age 67