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!
FORCE American Sign Language Virtual Support Meeting August 11, 2021, 7:30 pm Eastern Time
Led by
This meeting is held in American Sign Language, led by Debbie Lesser, CI/CT, (RID Certified Interpreter) and Alicia Wolfson, (MA, MSGC).
RSVP
Additional Information
Debbie Lesser holds a Certificate of Interpretation, Certificate of Transliteration and is a RID Certified Interpreter. Debbie learned of her BRCA 1 mutation in 2013 and is a trained FORCE Peer Navigator and State Impact Leader since 2017.
Alicia Wolfson is a Deaf Genetic Counselor that recently received her degree in Genetic Counseling from Keck Graduate Institute (KGI) in May 2021, and a Master of Arts in Communication Studies from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2011. Wolfson has worked with, and been a member of the Deaf community for over 20 years. Her work experience includes working as a Research Coordinator at the Greater Los Angeles Agency on Deafness, Inc. (GLAD) to help create breast cancer information and prevention materials in ASL, as well as with UCLA's Deaf Genetics Project to provide information about hereditary cancers in ASL. Wolfson is fluent in ASL and has a strong interest in increasing the Deaf community's awareness and access to genetic counseling, as well as to improve training for genetic counselors in working with Deaf patients.
FORCE Virtual Support Meeting August 23, 2021, 7:00 pm Eastern Time
Led by
Karin Roseman, Katrina Wells and Danielle Altersitz
RSVP
Email Karin at Karinfacingourrisk@gmail.com
Additional Information
Special Guest: Melanie Corbman, MS, LCGC, Manager of Clinical Genetics at Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
FORCE LGBTQIA+ Virtual Community Meeting August 24, 2021, 5:00 pm - 6:00 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 looking for connection with other LGBTQIA+ people navigating hereditary cancer? This new group is a great opportunity to ask questions in a safe, supportive environment and connect with other LGBTQIA+ people navigating hereditary cancer.
FORCE Virtual Support Meeting September 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
12th Annual Joining FORCES Against Hereditary Cancer Conference September 29, 2021,
Led by
Renowned hereditary cancer experts
RSVP
Additional Information
Attend our virtual international conference designed to empower individuals and families facing hereditary cancer on September 29-30, 2021. Whether you are a cancer survivor, previvor, healthcare provider or caregiver, this powerful conference has something for you – and it is FREE for all attendees.
FORCE Virtual Men's Meeting October 6, 2021, 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 October 13, 2021, 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.
Virtual Holiday Happy Hour December 13, 2021, 7:00 pm Eastern Time
Led by
Karin Roseman, Katrina Wells and Danielle Altersitz
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
Local Leaders
Karin Roseman (Philadelphia)
Email
Danielle Altersitz (Philadelphia)
Email
Katrina Wells (Philadelphia)
Email
Robin Karlin (Pittsburgh)
Email
Shannon Ewing (Pittsburgh)
Email
Krystle Goverick (Danville)
Email
Nicole Deckard, MS, CGC (Geisinger Genomic Medicine Institute)
Email
Cassie Kobeski (Scranton)
Email
Maria Serra (Scranton)
Email
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.