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
LI hospital accepting patients for clinical trial testing vaccine against breast cancer
A hospital on Long Island is testing a vaccine against breast cancer and is accepting patients for a clinical trial.
How to save money by growing your own food
It's a big debate among home gardeners, sometimes even a running joke. Can money really be saved by growing your own food, especially as produce prices keep rising?
Long Island mom says blood donations saved her life after suffering postpartum hemorrhages
Her hemorrhages were so severe that she needed enough donor blood to replace her entire blood volume.
House to vote on legislation that could harm endangered species' habitats
Wildlife advocates claim the bill would overhaul the non-partisan law that protects wildlife habitats, including ones on Long Island.
Cat recovering after doctors say it may have been stuck for over a week on LIRR tracks
The cat's surgeon said it took 4 hours to repair Garfield's injuries.
'Eyewitness to Gilgo Beach': The horror by the sea -- and the hunt for justice
Go behind the scenes with New York's number one news team as Eyewitness News tells the convoluted and downright creepy story of the search for a serial killer near Gilgo Beach.
Lyme disease vaccine trial results 'encouraging' after more than 70% efficacy shown, doctors say
Lyme disease infects hundreds of thousands of people each year and now scientists may be on the verge of a breakthrough with a new vaccine.
Nassau Co. superintendent delivers diploma to Alvaro Velasquez, who self-deported
A Superintendent in Nassau County traveled to Guatemala to deliver a student's cap, gown and diploma after he was picked up by ICE and forced to self-deport just weeks before graduation.
Man accused of killing 2 teens in Hicksville crash faces charges in court
A 24-year-old driver is back in court to face charges in a speeding crash on Long Island that left two teenagers dead.
Bellport High School students stage walkout over district's proposed budget cuts
The vast majority of students Bellport High School staged a walkout in support of their teachers on Wednesday, protesting their superintendent's proposal to cut dozens of jobs.