Lets Talk: NJ Activist Deb Belfatto is on a Mission to Boost Women’s Health

This story originally ran on New Jersey Family on March 21 2025. Click here for the original article.

Deb Belfatto is a force for women’s health and wellness. The tireless advocate has an unwavering belief in lifting up the women around her. It’s long been her calling, or as she puts it, her path to purpose. When it comes to health in all its forms, Belfatto wants every woman to have the education and support needed not just to survive, but to thrive.

That mission began in 1988, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33. Her daughter, Lindsay, was just 2 at the time. “There were no young women talking about breast cancer then,” she recalls. “I was sitting in waiting rooms filled with older women, and I felt so isolated. I didn’t know a single person my age who had been through this.”

Belfatto with her daughter Lindsay / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Deb also knew immediately that she had something many other women didn’t. “I had resources. And I was quickly struck by how many women didn’t,” she says.

That realization led her to cofound the North Jersey affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a driving force behind breast cancer education, screenings, and research funding across New Jersey. For over 15 years, she helped raise millions of dollars to support women in the state—especially those in underserved communities—ensuring they had access to the mammograms, treatment, and support they needed.

Then, in 2021, 35 years after her first diagnosis, Belfatto got a call she never thought she’d receive twice. “I had breast cancer again,” she says, calling it her WTF number two. This time, though, she faced it differently. Belfatto, was empowered with enough information to be an honorary oncologist, and she had a trusted team of doctors in her corner, including one who was a dear friend. She met her second diagnosis not with fear, but with full optimism. 

Embracing a Path to Purpose
Belfatto wanted to frame her journey in a way that gave others hope, too. “Everything leads you somewhere,” she says. “And this time, it led me to Let’s Talk.” Her goal was to reach the women who lack access to health care, and remind the women who constantly pit themselves last, while raising kids, that they deserve to come first sometimes, too. Above all, she wanted every woman to know the power of sisterhood, and how much it can do for the body and the mind.

Belfatto with her husband Joe / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Belfatto was raised by a supportive and nurturing mother who taught her not just to count her blessings, but to share them. “And do it with grace and with power,” she says. She grew up in Essex County, spent more than two decades in Summit,  where her daughter Lindsay was raised, and now calls Jersey City home, a city she loves for its energy, walkability, and diversity.

Belfatto with her family in Puglia, Italy / COURTESY OF THE BELFATTO FAMILY

Every day, Belfatto is filled with gratitude for what she calls her abundant blessings—her husband, Joe Belfatto (not only her partner in life but also in all things philanthropic); her daughter Lindsay, and son in law, Marcus; and grandkids, Rocco and Louie. Having her family and a sisterhood of friends work alongside her to pull off her biggest and boldest vision yet has been instrumental. Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness isn’t just a one day symposium dedicated to women’s wellness at NJPAC in Newark,  it’s a movement.

The Evolution of Let’s Talk
Now in its third year, Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness has become the must attend New Jersey gathering for women’s self care. “It’s part event, part movement, part giant hug,” Belfatto says. “You walk in, and I guarantee you’ll walk out with a new friend, some real talk, and a whole new perspective on how to take care of you.”

When she first imagined Let’s Talk, Belfatto envisioned a place where women could talk openly and honestly about things that matter most—breast health, mental health, finances and more. “The whole truth and nothing but the truth—that’s what we’re about,” she says. “We’re not here to sugarcoat things. We’re here to have real conversations about what women need.”

Movement and fun are a big part of Let’s Talk / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Let’s Talk brings together doctors, wellness experts and women from all backgrounds to learn, connect, and support one another. The symposium covers five pillars: physical well being, mental health, spiritual wellness, financial health and human connection.

There’s a wellness lounge where women can try movement sessions, meditation, and self care workshops; a marketplace showcasing women owned businesses (think everything from stylish finds to wellness products to unique gifts); and, above all, community. “I always say, you’re going to walk in and make a new friend that day,” Belfatto says. “There’s joy, there’s tears, there’s connection, it’s all there.”

This year, there’s an even bigger focus on health equity, with mobile mammography screenings on site to provide exams for female veterans who might not have access to care. “No woman should be denied the same quality of care that I received,” she says. “Health equity is everything.”

Belfatto at the podium at Let’s Talk / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you’ve ever seen Belfatto in action, you know she doesn’t just make a statement with her words, she makes one with her style too. Whether it’s a blazer with a statement ladybug pin that embodies her positivity, or her signature Lingua Franca sweaters embroidered with powerful phrases like “Love is the Cure”, she finds a way to use fashion as a conversation starter. “I love to wear a message,” she says. “Clothing can be fun, but it can also be meaningful. I want what I wear to reflect what I believe in.”

One of her favorite pieces? A custom jacket by Cara Brown Designs of Lambertville, a woman, owned business specializing in handcrafted jewelry and fashion. “My friends gifted me a blank jacket for my 70th birthday, and then I got to design it with patches and details that tell my story,” she says, pointing to meaningful phrases like “Path to Purpose" and the Let’s Talk logo as examples.

Belfatto films her first podcast episode with her Let’s Talk team (pictured from left): Marlie Massena, Sally Younghans and Lisa Marie Falbo / LONGSHOT PRODUCTIONS

Now that Let’s Talk has become its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Belfatto is looking to the future, expanding the movement by hosting more community events throughout the year and launching a podcast. “I want to keep the conversation going year round,” she says. “There’s so much more to talk about.”

A mobile meditation studio at last year’s Let’s Talk / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

A Day For You
This year’s event is set for March 29, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at NJPAC in Newark. Expect candid conversations on topics women don’t talk about enough from cancer and fertility to motherhood and sexual health to menopause and mental health. Experts, doctors, and wellness professionals will lead panels and breakout sessions throughout the day. A Wellness Lounge will offer mindfulness and movement, tips for better sleep, a chance to create a personal vision board, and even a mocktail.

Anna Mae Creates, a Jersey City based business that makes cute tote bags, zip pouches and more, was part of last year’s Let’s Talk marketplace. / COURTNEY VAN JAHNKE PHOTOGRAPHY

You’ll also be able to shop at a marketplace filled with women owned businesses. Author, motivational speaker, media personality, and beauty expert Mikki Taylor will serve as the day's emcee.  Tickets include breakfast, lunch, snacks and a swag bag.

“I want every woman to walk out of Let’s Talk knowing that she matters,” she says. “That she’s worthy of care, of joy, of taking up space. This isn’t just a one day event, it’s a mindset shift.”

For more information about Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness and for tickets, click here and be sure to use code NJFAMILY30 for a 30 percent discount on tickets. Student and young professional rates are available as well as the opportunity to buy a “Sister Ticket” for a woman who may require additional resources to attend.

We’re giving away two tickets to Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness for you and your bestie. To enter to win, head to New Jersey Family’s Instagram page for details! 

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