My name is Annette L. Spellen.
I am a Vice State Lead Ambassador.
My family and I have been involved with ACS and ACSCAN for over 20 years.
My mother had breast cancer way back when little or no information was provided to the minority community and my mother had a mastectomy. She was so upset about the operation that she considered committing suicide. I thank God for Reach to Recovery and the American Cancer Society for saving her life.
I developed lung cancer and had surgery as a result of the 911 disaster at the World Trade towers in lower Manhattan in New York City.
Health equity is very important to me because I have noticed that in this day and age, certain communities still are not getting the information and/or medical care that they deserve when it comes to cancer.
I am a retired Detective from the New York City Police Department and I am active with a couple of law enforcement organizations. I am the Civic, Public Safety and Clergy Chairperson for my Community Board.
My sister, daughter and I participate annually in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in memory of my mother and we have started participating in the Relay for Life event.