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 nominations, and has won 7 Emmy awards to date: most recently for her coverage of the Brooklyn subway shooting, but also for her coverage of various weather events, such as tropical storm Ida and Hurricane Isaias, as well as winter's harsh weather effects on Long Island. Additionally, she has won an Emmy for her coverage of the 2007 steampipe explosion in midtown Manhattan and for a WABC-TV breast cancer special. She is also a recipient of the prestigious Michael P. Metcalf Media Award from the National Conference of Christians and Jews.
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
Breakthrough law offers cancer patients in New York relief for 'scalp-cooling therapy'
New York has become the first state in the country to require insurance coverage for what's called "scalp-cooling therapy," which can reduce hair loss for chemo patients.
Long Island homeowner transforms home into impressive 'Christmas Vacation' display
A homeowner on Long Island is channeling Clark Griswold's enthusiasm and paying tribute to the classic movie "Christmas Vacation."
Sea turtles stunned by drop in temperatures rescued on Long Island
The New York Marine Rescue Center in Riberhead says it is helping a record number of sea turtles on Long Island who are simply stunned by cold temperatures.
Firefighters provide safety tips on properly decorating Christmas trees for Long Island residents
Holiday lights, decorations and putting up Christmas trees could be hazardous if not properly assembled correctly.
Homeowner's enormous inflatable Santa Claus brings extra holiday spirit to Farmingdale residents
What about a 42-foot inflatable Santa Claus on your front lawn? Christina Stergiopoulos in Farmingdale did that and has drawn great reaction from the neighborhood. Even the UPS guy had to stop and stare.
Suffolk County cracking down on drunk driving for busy holiday season
The Suffolk County Police Department on Tuesday announced they are implementing DWI patrols and checkpoints during the holiday season.
New York State education initiative to expand learning opportunities draws fire on Long Island
Parents packed into a press conference in Mineola on Thursday, armed with signs comparing New York State's Department of Education plan to "robbery."
Animal rights activists hold protest over future, privatization of Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter
The shelter has been run and funded by the town for years, but officials recently have been exploring other options to privatize the building in a more efficient manner.
Residents say army of wild turkeys taking over parts of Long Island
After disappearing from the area for decades, an army of wild turkeys has returned to Long Island and it looks like they're here to stay.
Long Island politicians vow to fight Gov. Kathy Hochul's revised congestion pricing plan
From the local level on up, politicians outside Manhattan are already pushing hard to stop congestion pricing in New York City.