The Breast Cancer Dialogues Episode 3: Special Edition
Content independently created by SurvivorNet with support from Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp.
Unleash The Power To Thrive.
The Breast Cancer Dialogues is a special SurvivorNet series about creating a new life after breast cancer. Remarkable survivors reveal how they've transformed and elevated their lives, and how you can too.
About Episode 3
With Thanksgiving approaching — a season centered on gratitude, reflection, and the people who lift us up — we gathered an extraordinary group of women from across the country for a special edition of the Breast Cancer Dialogues. Each of them is thriving after breast cancer, and each carries a deep appreciation for the family, friends, doctors, and communities who walked beside them through their hardest moments.
In this heartfelt conversation, SurvivorNet created a space to honor not only the women’s strength and resilience, but also the support systems that helped guide their survivorship journeys — the people who showed up, steadied them, advocated for them, and reminded them that healing is never a solo effort.
Hosted by award-winning journalist and breast cancer survivor Alison Hall, the discussion brought together Amanda Butler, a fitness coach who turned her stage 2 diagnosis into a mission to help others find strength in survivorship, and who credits her family and fitness community for carrying her through treatment; Amy J.B. Knowles, Associate Dean at NYU Rory Meyers College of Nursing, whose decade of advocacy work is deeply rooted in gratitude for the mentors, colleagues, and loved ones who supported her after her early-stage diagnosis; Irene Hong, a strategic finance professional who embraced a more intentional, grounded life after cancer — shaped by those who encouraged her to slow down, be present, and find grace in the process; and Anna Crollman, a marketing professional and influencer who transformed her own experience with breast cancer and fertility challenges into a platform for self-compassion and body acceptance, guided by the women who shared their vulnerabilities and helped her reclaim her strength.
Joined by Dr. Danielle Seidman, a leading breast oncologist at NYU Langone Health, the group reflected on the people who made a difference during treatment and beyond — offering a reminder that gratitude, connection, and community are at the heart of every survivorship story.
Together, they share a powerful message of thanks for the hands that held theirs, the voices that reassured them, and the support systems that continue to shape the next chapters of life after cancer.
- LOCATION
New York City
- DATE
November 13, 2025
The Panelists
Alison Hall
Breast Cancer Survivor and ModeratorAmanda Butler
Breast Cancer Survivor and Fitness InstructorAmy J.B. Knowles
Breast Cancer Survivor and Dean of StudentsAnna Crollman
Breast Cancer Survivor, Marketing Creative and InfluencerIrene Hong
Breast Cancer Survivor and Finance SpecialistDr. Danielle Seidman
Breast Medical Oncologist, Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU LangoneEpisode 3: Explore chapters
A Journey of Transformation
In New York City, Amanda Butler, Amy J.B. Knowles, Irene Hong, and Anna Crollman sit down with award-winning journalist and breast cancer survivor Alison Hall to reveal how life after breast cancer has inspired them to chase new dreams — from creating thriving businesses to advocating for survivors everywhere. Together, they’re redefining what it means to live beyond the diagnosis.
Watch chapter
The Hope Chest
Four survivors — Anna Crollman, Irene Hong, Amy Knowles, and Amanda Butler — share personal mementos symbolizing hope and resilience during their cancer journeys. From a seashell weathered by waves to Buddhist figurines, a slightly askew ribbon, and bracelets worn through treatment, each item reflects strength, spirituality, humor, and support, offering inspiration to others facing cancer’s emotional and physical challenges.
Portraits of Resilience
In a special segment of Breast Cancer Dialogues called “Portraits of Resilience,” survivors Amanda Butler, Amy Knowles, Irene Hong, and Anna Crollman revisit photos from their cancer journeys, sharing messages they wish they’d told their former selves. From fear before surgery to chemotherapy exhaustion and fertility worries, each story transforms pain into hope — reminding others that resilience, love, and community can carry you through even the darkest moments toward healing.
Your Treatment Plan, Your Choice
Breast cancer survivors and Dr. Danielle Seidman emphasize the importance of mental health, trust in doctors, and informed decision-making. They discuss coping with recurrence fears, preparing questions, weighing treatment risks, managing side effects, and long-term therapies like endocrine treatments and CDK4/6 inhibitors — highlighting that open communication, self-advocacy, and reliable information are essential for effective, personalized breast cancer care and survivorship.
Start from the Beginning
Episode 1: Unleash The Power To Thrive.
The Breast Cancer Dialogues is a special SurvivorNet series about creating a new life after breast cancer. Remarkable survivors reveal how they've transformed and elevated their lives, and how you can too.
Watch Episode 
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