Diane Sackett Nannery
Diane lost her battle with breast cancer November 19, 2003 at John T. Mather Memorial Hospital in Port Jefferson. She was 51 years old.
She had been a postal worker for 24 years until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993. She became an advocate who had the personality to take on a national cause with such enthusiam that she would make her point known. The very cancer that took her life was the driving force of her life.With the help of Senator Alfonse D'Amato, she was able to push the issuance of the breast cancer awareness stamp. After trying 26 times, the stamp was finally issued on June 15, 1996. She toured the nation promoting advocacy. She began by writing articles for postal newsletters, then in 1998 with the help of NY Times writer Joan Swirsky, co-wrote one of the first books on Lymphedema. "Coping with Lymphedema" was a major hit with the Lymphedema world. She also helped initiate the use of pink wrist bands to signify affected lymphedema limbs.
Diane is survived by her husband Russell, her mother Helen, brother William, nephew William and three Yorkies, three cats, a Husky Aikido mix and a mutt. |
