Breast Cancer Survivors and Thrivers Enjoy a ‘Day of Beauty’

It was Katherine Hahn Schomberg’s birthday on Thursday, and the recipients, as well as Isles’ wives and girlfriends, sang “Happy Birthday” to her in celebration. Even though the women had met for the first time that day, they felt their shared love and connection immediately.

“As we walked into the lobby this morning, we all saw each other and knew that we had all been through something intense either recently or in the last few years, and we immediately felt connected,” Hahn Schomberg said. “It was special. We had a wonderful day.”

The special day revolved around the importance of self-care and wellness. Burns is an example of the importance of prevention because she was diagnosed with cancer after undergoing a routine check-up and advocated for all women to do the same.

“I realized it was time for a mammogram, so I went and that’s how they found it,” Burns said. “Nothing is more important than the annual screenings. It saved my life, it saves lives, it’s so important to take the time.”

Lauren Doda, who works as a nurse at Northwell, had the dual experience of being a caregiver and a patient. During her most difficult times, she leaned on her immediate family and children. She hadn’t joined any outside support groups during her battle, but the community she joined on Thursday felt particularly empowering.

“It’s such a loving, welcoming community,” Doda said. “We are superheroes from all walks of life and go through the same things at different stages. You find your strength in your weakest times and can feel the energy and strength in this space.”