Westbury resident Lyn Dobrin, the public relations consultant for the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program, will be honored at the program’s 35th anniversary on Tuesday, Oct. 13, at Adelphi University.
Dobrin has worked with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program since its start in 1980, when, at the time, she was doing public relations work for the university’s school of social work. She was involved in getting the initial word out about the program, and has been spreading news about its work ever since.
Dobrin noted that when she began, there was not a great awareness for breast cancer, as there is today. “Breast cancer was a secret 35 years ago,” said Dobrin. She stated that a great deal of the program’s work in the ‘90s was pushing for more research, reaching out to Congress and working to get legislation.
Dobrin is no stranger to social activism. Long before working with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program, she worked with refugees and was a Peace Corps volunteer in Kenya.
“Working for social good has always been something that attracted me,” said Dobrin.
Social activism has been a driving force for Dobrin’s work in aiding others through the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program.
“If I can help [do] something that makes their lives better… that really motivates me,” said Dobrin. “It’s important work for me.”
She said the most rewarding part of her job is being around the people she encounters: both the staff and the volunteers.
“It’s really nice to be around good people,” Dobrin said. “I love making connections.”
She is also proud of the program’s hotline, which provides breast cancer services, support, referrals and information.
“What gratifies me is how many people’s lives have been made better because of the hotline,” said Dobrin. “We’ve been there to help a lot of women. When you call the hotline, you’re speaking to a survivor.”
Dobrin has watched the public’s view of breast cancer change throughout her 35 years with the program.
“People are much more willing to talk about it,” she said. “It’s good to talk to other people…and [to] be with other women who are coping as you are.”
When Dobrin isn’t writing press releases or breast cancer stories, she is working as a freelance writer. She writes articles about food and travel, among other things, which can be found on her Facebook page, Lyn Dobrin Ink.
Dobrin will be honored for her work with the Adelphi Breast Cancer Program as part of the annual Celebration of Survivorship event, on Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Ruth S. Harley University Center Ballroom at Adelphi University. Along with Dobrin, State Senator Kemp Hannon will be honored.
“I’m really pleased to be honored in this way,” Dobrin said. “It’s really gratifying after all these years.”
