Pennsylvania
Hi! We are Pennsylvania’s Impact Leader Volunteers!
If you have any questions or are in need of support or information, please feel free to email us. We are happy to chat about available resources, information, and support that you may find helpful. As you navigate your hereditary cancer experience, know that you are not alone and that you can reach out at any time. We look forward to hearing from you.
You can also be matched to someone who shares a similar experience as you through FORCE’s Peer Navigation Program. Learn more at www.facingourrisk.org/pnp.
If you need immediate assistance, please contact Diane Rose, VP of Volunteer Programs.
Events
Do you have a family history of cancer? Are you considering genetic testing, waiting for results, or have already tested positive for a genetic mutation?
You are not alone. Network with others who understand what you’re going through. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions or just listen in a safe, supportive environment. Feel free to bring a friend or family member.
Join us and live your life empowered!
Knowledge is Power: What You Need to Know About Hereditary Cancer Risk October 20, 2021, 7:00 pm Eastern Time
Hosted by
Monroe Township Public Library, NJ
RSVP
Registration is recommended, but not required. Click here for more information and to log into the event.
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83239518914?pwd=ZXhIWDA5SmxSd1lYMkl4SzVIVzUydz09
Meeting ID: 832 3951 8914
Passcode: 906531
Additional Information
Medical and genetics experts will discuss how to determine and reduce hereditary cancer risk in a free, virtual program presented by the Monroe Township Public Library.
Speakers will include Dr. Michael Nissenblatt, medical oncologist and clinical professor of medicine at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Brunswick; Melissa Gandhi, genetic counselor at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; Abby Grayson, licensed professional counselor, BRCA1-positive and a “previvor;” and Scott Lanman, a volunteer with FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered).
This virtual program is coordinated by Sandra Lanman of East Brunswick. It will be presented via Zoom in memory of her daughter, Sheryl Lanman Nichols, who died of metastatic hereditary breast cancer in 2015 at age 34, with no known family history of breast cancer.
FORCE Virtual Financial Educational and Support Meeting October 25, 2021, 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm Pacific Time
Led by
Briana Arnold and Jana Lesko
RSVP
Email Jana at janal@facingourrisk.org
Additional Information
Guest Speaker: Joanna Morales, CEO, Triage Cancer
Discussion Topic: Financial and privacy concerns related to hereditary cancer (genetic testing, risk-reduction, treatment):
- How to pick a health insurance plan – going into open enrollment
- Health insurance consumer rights, including the appeals process
- Disability insurance options
- Disclosure and privacy
- Applying for life insurance
- Where to look for financial assistance
FORCE LGBTQIA+ Virtual Community Meeting October 26, 2021, 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm Pacific Time
Led by
Will L. (they/them) and Maddie W. (she/her)
RSVP
Additional Information
Are you LGBTQIA+ and do you have a family history of cancer? Are you considering genetic testing, waiting for results, or have already tested positive for a genetic mutation? Are you looking for connection with other LGBTQIA+ people navigating hereditary cancer? You're invited to a virtual FORCE gathering! You are not alone. Connect with others who understand what you're going through. It's a great opportunity to ask questions or just listen in a safe, supportive environment.
Virtual Holiday Happy Hour December 13, 2021, 7:00 pm Eastern Time
Led by
Karin Roseman, Katrina Wells, Danielle Altersitz and Elana Krutoff
RSVP
Email Karin at Karinfacingourrisk@gmail.com
FORCE Virtual Support Meeting December 14, 2021, 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm Eastern Time
Led by
Donna Lamp, RN, BSN, CCM, Iman Haroun, M.Sc., LCGC, MD and Diane Rose
RSVP
Email Diane at dianer@facingourrisk.org
FORCE Virtual Men's Meeting January 5, 2022, 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm Eastern Time
Led by
Scott Lanman, Brad Hertz and Mike Philbin
RSVP
Additional Information
Join other men to ask questions and learn about information and resources available for you and your family. Knowledge is power, and here's a chance to hear how others are managing their inherited cancer or cancer risk.
FORCE People of Color Virtual Support Meeting January 12, 2022, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Central Time
Led by
Carmen Pace, Wenora Johnson, Forum Shah, MS, CGC, Karlena Lara-Otero Ph.D., MS, CGC, and Andrea Crawford, MS, CGC
RSVP
Additional Information
Register to attend or email Wenora at wenoraf@gmail.com if you have questions. Does cancer run in your family? Take charge of your health and learn about hereditary cancer and inherited mutations. Connect with other Black/African American, Asian, Latina, Hispanic and Indigenous people to share your story, ask questions or just listen in a safe, supportive environment. Partners, caregivers and loved ones are welcome.
Local Leaders
Karin Roseman (Philadelphia)
Email
Danielle Altersitz (Philadelphia)
Email
Katrina Wells (Philadelphia)
Email
Elana Krutoff (Philadelphia)
Email
Robin Karlin (Pittsburgh)
Email
Shannon Ewing (Pittsburgh)
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Krystle Goverick (Danville)
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Nicole Deckard, MS, CGC (Geisinger Genomic Medicine Institute)
Email
Cassie Kobeski (Scranton)
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Maria Serra (Scranton)
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Donna Lamp, RN, BSN, CCM, CGN, CGRA (Penn State Health St. Joseph Cancer Center in Reading)
Email
Iman Haroun, M.Sc., LCGC, MD (Reading Hospital)
Email
Stay informed about the latest research, important resurces and opportunities to network with others.
Sign up"FORCE has over 350 volunteers across the country, ensuring no one faces hereditary cancer alone."
Sandy Cohen
FORCE SVP of Volunteer Services
and Previvor
This Page Sponsored By:
The Magee-Womens Breast and Ovarian Cancer Risk Assessment and Prevention Program offers individualized cancer prevention recommendations, medical and scientific knowledge, and advanced surveillance and diagnostic methods for women considered at high risk.