Why we walk

Every participant has a reason why they walk for Northwell Health. Many walk in support of a loved one. Some have received care at Northwell. Others are dedicated Northwell employees. Below are the personal stories from members of our Walk community. To share your personal story, email us at walk@northwell.edu

Terry and John Gorga

In 2020, John Gorga discovered a lump in his chest and was shocked to learn he had breast cancer, a diagnosis he didn’t know men could receive. Less than two years later, his wife, Terry, found a lump in her breast during a routine mammogram and received the same diagnosis. Two cancer diagnoses in the same family, so close together, were both shocking and terrifying. Both underwent surgery and radiation at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), where they received life-saving care. Grateful for the support of PBMC’s staff, the Gorga family now proudly participates in Northwell’s Walk to Raise Health to give back and help other families access critical, close-to-home treatment.

Audrey McCullough

Audrey, a Northwell nurse for 34 years, serves as assistant director of Nursing for Patient Care Services at LIJ Valley Stream, where she impacts lives daily. Inspired by Northwell’s inclusive environment, she’s passionate about fundraising for the Walk to help patients access the resources they need to live healthy lives. Audrey finds joy in knowing her efforts support countless individuals and we’re truly grateful for leaders like Audrey, whose dedication makes a lasting difference in the community.

Vera Feuer, MD

Vera Feuer, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at Northwell, leads the School Mental Health and Pediatric Emergency Psychiatry programs. Her team is dedicated to addressing children's mental health early, recognizing that untreated conditions can have lifelong impacts. Every day, they help students in crisis access specialized care, empowering kids and teens to flourish. Grateful for Northwell’s commitment to mental health and the Walk community’s support, Vera is passionate about making a lasting difference in the lives of her youngest patients.

Alex Carr

In August of 2022, Alex was diagnosed with testicular cancer, a diagnosis that brought back memories of losing his grandfather to cancer. Determined to stay close to home, Alex chose Staten Island University Hospital and the Florina Cancer Center for his care. Under the expert guidance of Dr. Bershadskiy, Alex underwent surgery and chemotherapy, and he is now cancer-free. He and his husband Elvis are proud members of the Northwell family, supporting the Florina Cancer Center and Northwell’s Walk to Raise Health.

Peggie Staib

Peggie was diagnosed with Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) – an early form of breast cancer–in the summer of 2024. She was relieved to find that she could receive comprehensive care close to home at Peconic Bay Medical Center (PBMC), rather than having to travel long distances. From diagnosis to surgery and follow-up care, Peggie received top-notch treatment at PBMC. Proud of the care that PBMC provided, Peggie supports Northwell’s Walk to Raise Health to help ensure that everyone in her community has access to the same high-quality care.

Eric Zorrilla and Stephanie Tineo

Eric and Stephanie, both proud Northwell employees, welcomed their son Ryan on March 3, 2021. Sadly, Ryan faced life-threatening medical issues after birth and was rushed to the NICU at Cohen Children’s Medical Center. Over the next 37 days, Eric and Stephanie received constant care and compassion from the Northwell staff as they watched their son fight for his life. Ryan passed away on April 9, 2021, but his parents walk in Northwell’s Walk to Raise Health to honor his memory, give back to the hospital, and ensure every family receives the same compassionate care they did for their son.

Amy Matthews

In March of 2023, Amy went for a routine mammogram and ultrasound at Phelps Hospital, where Dr. Dasari, a Northwell radiologist, informed her that she had invasive lobular carcinoma, a type of breast cancer. Luckily, it was caught early, and Dr. Dasari’s patient and compassionate guidance helped Amy navigate the next steps. Although Phelps wasn’t the closest hospital to her, Amy chose it for its exceptional care. After surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, Amy completed her treatment in December, cancer-free. Grateful for the care she received, Amy joined the Walk to support her care team and Phelps Hospital.