Woman to Woman Stories
For 25 years, Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program has been a beacon of hope for women facing gynecologic cancer. Through the power of peer support, survivors turned mentors provide encouragement, guidance, and a sense of community to those navigating a diagnosis. The stories below highlight the resilience, strength, and compassion of the volunteers who make this program special. Each woman’s journey is unique, but they all share a common mission—to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.
“Woman to Woman brought me into the light.” - Jacquitta
Jacquitta Ladson, a 65-year-old Brooklyn native, is a dedicated volunteer for Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program, celebrating its 25th anniversary. A former cancer patient, Jacquitta found solace and support through the program, which helped her emerge from a dark place. Now cancer-free, she mentors others, offering guidance and hope to those undergoing treatment. She visits patients weekly, providing encouragement just as her own mentor once did. Deeply passionate about the program, she credits it with transforming her life and is committed to ensuring others never feel alone in their cancer journey.
No one should face cancer alone.” - Sandra
Sandra Wang, a longtime New Yorker originally from Taiwan, is a survivor and volunteer with Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program. Diagnosed with endometrial cancer in her forties, she was shocked and scared, feeling alone despite support from loved ones. Her mentor from Woman to Woman provided crucial emotional support and guidance through treatment. Grateful for the program, Sandra now gives back by mentoring patients and organizing events. She emphasizes that no one should face cancer alone, offering hope and solidarity. Sandra credits her family, medical team, and Woman to Woman for helping her thrive beyond her diagnosis.
“We are survivors. We are women who are defying the odds.” – Dr. Brasner
Shari Brasner, MD, is a survivor, volunteer, and OB-GYN who has experienced cancer from both sides—as a patient and as a physician. Diagnosed with a rare and aggressive cancer in October 2020, she underwent surgery and chemotherapy during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, nearly four years cancer-free, she gives back through Mount Sinai’s Woman to Womanprogram, offering mentorship and hope to women facing their own diagnoses. Dr. Brasner believes in the power of survivor support, emphasizing that real stories of resilience can inspire others to push forward. Grateful for her family, colleagues, and the Woman to Womancommunity, she encourages patients to lean on their support systems and focus on the possibility of a full recovery.
“Stay positive, stay engaged, and lean on the people who want to help.” - Amanda
Amanda Fitzpatrick was first diagnosed with endometrial cancer at just 26 years old—an age far younger than most patients with the disease. When she joined a support group, she found herself surrounded by women much older than her, with no space dedicated to young women, particularly women of color, facing gynecologic cancer. Determined to change that, she helped create the younger women's group within Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program, now known as "We're Too Young for This." Her message is clear: Cancer is not a death sentence.
“It's important to have that person to stand beside you.” - Shawn
Shawn Smith, a 61-year-old from Harlem, is a proud cancer survivor celebrating six years in remission after battling Stage 3 endometrial cancer. Following six rounds of chemotherapy and 35 radiation treatments, she found strength through the Woman to Woman program at Mount Sinai. Now, she dedicates herself to supporting and encouraging other women facing cancer, reminding them that they are not alone. She emphasizes the importance of finding a support system and seeking help. Grateful for her journey, Shawn is committed to empowering others, proving that survival is possible, and urging women to never give up hope.
“Having a mentor who understands all the feelings I'm going through was truly a life preserver.” - Carin
Carin Willis was diagnosed with ovarian cancer just six months after losing her mother to the same disease. As both a caregiver and now a patient, she found invaluable support through Mount Sinai’s Woman to Woman program. Learning she was BRCA-positive after her mother tested negative was a shocking revelation, but having access to a mentor helped her navigate the emotional and medical complexities of her journey. Carin believes in the power of education, support, and connection. With an optimistic outlook, she encourages others to seek knowledge, ask questions, and lean on those who’ve walked the same path.