A Tribute to My Mom, the Woman Who Inspired the Lynne Cohen Foundation

My mom, Lynne Cohen, was a friend to all. Truly. Even in the midst of the battle that would eventually take her life, she catalyzed change and encouraged the medical establishment to evolve in ways that were unprecedented. Even when the odds were stacked against her, she called for increased individualization, patient advocacy, and preventive care. She brought together the greatest minds in women’s cancer treatment to set the course for a national network of life-saving preventive care clinics. 

After she passed away, we created the Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Clinics, which were among the first to focus on early detection and prevention. This approach was groundbreaking. Through a dedication to preemptive care, genetic testing, genetic counseling, data collection, and doctor-to-doctor collaboration, these clinics helped shape the future of ovarian and breast cancer research and prevention. In this sense, we have set the standard, and the field has never been the same. Lynne Cohen Preventive Care Clinics proudly continue this legacy, serving over 10,000 insured and uninsured women in New York and California.

Today, LCF honors my mother’s memory by continuing her mission: to give back to the community and use the resources of our voices, our energy and our ability to raise funds and awareness to make a difference. For the last 20+ years, we have been raising awareness and funds for ovarian and breast cancer prevention to strengthen the likelihood of early detection for all women, regardless of socio-economic background. To this end, LCF has opened 4 clinics over the past two decades and founded numerous outreach programs in order to provide support within the at-risk community and beyond.

At LCF, we never underestimate the effect of personalized care and human connection. Everything we do — from multidisciplinary Preventive Care Clinics to Kickin' Cancer! athletic events to the Peony Project Educational Gatherings — stems from the knowledge that we are stronger together. And, the work we do together does not end…

And that is why we have launched The Seam – to use this platform to provide real, fact-based, science-backed information on women’s health and wellness to our supporters!

 Amy Cohen Epstein is the Founder of The Seam, the President and Executive Director of the Lynne Cohen Foundation, and a life-long advocate for cancer education, preventive care, and collaborative medicine.