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Kathie Pecinka of Long Island beats breast cancer, realizes baseball dream at New York Mets Fantasy Camp

Related Topics: New York Mets, Long Island

NEW YORK -- A breast cancer survivor from Long Island hit one out of the park as the only woman in national baseball tournaments.

Kathie Pecinka, a baseball enthusiast and nurse educator, said her breast cancer diagnosis five years ago came totally out of left field.

"Devastated, totally blindsided. I had no family history, I take good care of myself," said Pecinka.

Pecinka, 60, immediately chose to undergo a double mastectomy. It was a success thanks to her incredible medical team, she said.

Pecinka and Dr. Mark Smith, her reconstructive surgeon, bonded over their love for baseball.