Stacey Sager
Following the 9/11 attacks, Stacey quickly discovered how difficult and personal her job is as a journalist after spending hours with families desperately searching for loved ones killed in the World Trade Center. The sorrow of that week was something she never thought she would see again as a journalist or as a human being, but years later she would discover the pain of the pandemic, telling more of those critical stories of suffering, survival and loss.
Stacey's first on-air job in television was at a small station in Bangor, Maine. She then reported at WNEP-TV in Scranton, Pennsylvania and WJAR-TV in Providence, Rhode Island.
Throughout her career, Stacey has received numerous Emmy awards nominations, and has won 9 Emmy awards to date: most recently for her coverage of the Gilgo serial killer, but also for breaking news such as the Brooklyn subway shooting, tropical storm Ida, Hurricane Isaias, the 2007 steampipe explosion in midtown Manhattan, as well as winter's harsh effects on Long Island. Additionally, she has won an Emmy for WABC-TV's annual breast cancer special. She is also a recipient of the Michael P. Metcalf Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and a 2025 recipient of the Gracie Award, for WABC-TV's documentary on Stacey's breast cancer journey, which spans more than a quarter of a century.
In the spring of 1999, Stacey completed a groundbreaking Eyewitness News special on how she was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 30. It was a unique, first-person account of the tough decision-making process faced by young women in crisis, a story done long before many others in broadcasting would speak publicly about their cancer diagnoses.
Then, in the spring of 2011, Stacey faced yet another cancer diagnosis. Doctors discovered a pre-invasive ovarian cancer in the lining of her fallopian tubes. She was also diagnosed with BRCA1, a genetic mutation that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Stacey decided once again to take viewers on her journey through surgery and the decisions that followed, urging women at risk to get screened for genetic mutations that cause these cancers. Fully recovered, Stacey made it a mission to inspire women to get out and get screened.
Then, in 2023, Stacey faced her third and most serious cancer diagnosis - another case of breast cancer in residual tissue that was left behind in her bilateral mastectomy a quarter of a century before. While undergoing chemo, Stacey completed a moving documentary on ABC7 New York, "3 Decades, 3 Cancers", in which she shared her decades-long journey with viewers once again, to explain the importance of understanding lifetime cancer risk.
Stacey has been honored with numerous humanitarian awards and was cited for her volunteer work with the American Cancer Society. She also works extensively with organizations such as T.E.A.L. Walk/Run and the Basser Center, which are dedicated to helping women with ovarian cancer and BRCA-related cancers. Stacey has co-hosted Channel 7's annual Emmy Award-winning breast cancer specials, worked with Pink Aid to raise money for women struggling through breast cancer, and is an avid promoter and participant in the American Cancer Society's annual "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk, which raises millions of dollars for breast cancer awareness and research. It is an issue that will always be near and dear to her heart, as are the many stories she covers on women's issues in general.
A New York native, Stacey has lived and studied in Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. Born in Flushing, Queens, she grew up primarily in Dix Hills, Long Island. She attended Tufts University, majoring in political science and later earned a master's degree in broadcast journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University. Stacey lives in Nassau County with her husband and two daughters. She also loves running and hiking. Her hobby of home gardening is also a source of immense pride, strength, and joy.
Stacey's Stories
A dozen NYC beaches warn of high bacteria levels in water after heavy rain
New York City is warning people to stay out of the water at a dozen beaches because of elevated bacteria levels after all of the rain this week.
Nassau County officials warn of TikTok challenge with dangerous consequences for kids
There's a renewed warning about a dangerous TikTok challenge involving a toy that has led to children getting burned.
Essential tremors 'vanish' after life-changing procedure at Long Island hospital
James Broten had a high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a procedure that aims to block a pathway in the brain that can trigger severe tremors.
Veterans in New Jersey gifted refurbished cars to get them back on the road
For the four deserving veterans, the gift is truly life-changing.
Venezuelan Americans in NYC fear for loved ones back home after devastating earthquakes
The devastating earthquake in Venezuela is impacting residents in New York City, who are on edge because they have been unable to reach their loved ones.
Knicks superfan on Long Island recalls thrill of victory from 1973 NBA Finals championship
Lavert Henderson-Hobbs was in the crowd at Madison Square Garden in 1973 when the Knicks last won the NBA Finals, and she will be there again on Wednesday night cheering them on.
Mom charged with child endangerment after dozens of cats found in Long Island home
Prosecutors say the squalid conditions inside the home put the children in danger and it was her own daughter who called police.
Long Beach approves increased fines and possible jail time for setting off illegal fireworks
Fireworks are illegal to use, own or sell in the State of New York.
One last lesson: Retiring Long Island teacher to walk 83 miles for students with cerebral palsy
Chris Polhemus is walking from Commack to Montauk over the next four days to raise thousands of dollars for an independent learning space at The Children's Center in Commack.
Two teens arrested for attacking drivers in road rage incidents on Long Island
Police in Bayville say the pair was caught on video trying to smash two different vehicles with a baseball bat and a lacrosse stick.