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Every year, we find more people who manage to accomplish extraordinary things
in the fight against breast cancer. To see each Champion's story, pick one from
the list below.
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Gal Pals
Fight for the Cause
Jeanne Fitzmaurice
Bend, OR
Read Jeanne's story
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Breast Cancer
Buddy
Andrea Ivory
Miami, FL
Read Andrea's story
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Breast Cancer
Wellness
Beverly Vote
Lebanon, MO
Read Beverly's story
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Support in the
Hudson Valley
Cathy Varunok
Poughkeepsie, NY
Read Cathy's
story
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Mammograms, Wigs
and Accessories
Colleen Johnson
Kansas City, MO
Read Colleen's story
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You Don't Have to Be
Over Forty
Donna Bruck
Monroe, MI
Read Donna's story
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Tennis and Golf Help
Find a Cure
Elaine Lustig
Orlando, FL
Read Elaine's story
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Look Good,
Feel Better
Ellen Richman
Jenkintown, PA
Read Ellen's story
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Breast Cancer Talk
for Everyone
Elsa Pèrez
San Antonio, TX
Read Elsa's story
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Teaching Women
with Disabilities
Grace Wright
Chapel Hill, NC
Read Grace's story
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Teaching
Youngsters
Janey Shugart
Granite Bay, CA
Read Janey's story
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Gardening
for the Cure
Joanne Seneta
Lynn, MA
Read Joanne's story
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Student
"SuperWoman"
LaTondria Carter
Tallahassee, FL
Read LaTondria's
story
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Mothers Supporting Daughters
with Breast Cancer
Lillie Shockney
Baltimore, MD
Read Lillie's story
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Leader for Breast
Cancer Husbands
Marc Silver
Chevy Chase, MD
Read Marc's story
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Beating Cultural
Taboos
Marìa Antonia (Toña) Sànchez
Hood River, OR
Read Marìa's story
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"Prayer, Laughter &
Broccoli"
Peter Flierl
Greenwich, CT
Read Peter's story
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Helping Her Community
Help Others
Randi Passoff
Atlanta, GA
Read Randi's story
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Helping Others Make Informed
Medical Decisions
Sandra Walters
Denver, CO
Read Sandra's story
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Women's
Task Force
Sandy Clauser
South Bend, IN
Read Sandy's
story
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Survivor Lends Hand
to Sister Study
Sara Williams
Mebane, NC
Read Sara's story
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Healing Through
Laughter
Saranne Rothberg
Tenafly, NJ
Read Saranne's story
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Daughter Works with Breast Cancer
Patients in Memory of Mother
Tenille Oderwald
East Peoria, IL
Read Tenille's story
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Teaching Young Women
through LEAD
Vicky Cooke
Wilmington, DE
Read Vicky's story
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Battling Breast Cancer
to the Finish Line
Wendy Chioji
Winter Park, FL
Read Wendy's story
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Hope for a
Cure
Barbara Hensley
Wayzata, MN
Read Barbara's story
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Raising
Awareness
Becky Haddad
Denver, CO
Read Becky's story
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Sharing Her
Strength
Carmen Gonzalez
El Paso, TX
Read Carmen's story
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A Gift of
Comfort
Christine Smith
Seattle, WA
Read Christine's
story
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The Beauty
Within
Cookie Aftergut
Atlanta, GA
Read Cookie's story
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A Hobby
Becomes Hope
Debbie Mancini-
Wharff
West Des Moines, IA
Read Debbie's story
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Survivors
Teaching Survival
Denise O'Neill
Arnold, MD
Read Denise's story
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Mother of
Three Survivors
Diane Youngblood
Bedford, TX
Read Diane's story
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Merit Badge
for Awareness
Dorothy Slator Paterson
Houston, TX
Read Dorothy's story
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Stamp
for the Cause
Ethel Kessler
Bethesda, MD
Read Ethel's story
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Breast Cancer
Angel
Faye Dietiker
Cypress, CA
Read Faye's story
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The Navajo
Community
Fran Robinson
La Plata (Farmington), NM
Read Fran's story
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Rehabilitating
Survivors' Spirits
Gennè McDonald
Gainesville, FL
Read Gennè's
story
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News Anchor
Tells Her Story
Heather Pick
Columbus, OH
Read Heather's story
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Educating
Young Women
Jana Peters
San Francisco, CA
Read Jana's story
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Son Honors
Mom's Memory
Jeff Popkin
Boston, MA
Read Jeff's story
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Radio
Personality Speaks Out
Karen Parker-Chesson
Chesapeake, VA
Read Karen's story
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Movie
with a Message
Kathy Cawthon
Hampton, VA
Read Kathy's story
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Crusader for
Early Detection
Martha Kaley
Greensboro, NC
Read Martha's story
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Low-income
Issues
Mary Lynn Faunda Donovan
Greer, SC
Read Mary Lynn's
story
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Health Issues
are Political Issues
Nancy Ryan
Lee, NH
Read Nancy's story
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Small
Business.
Big Goals
Sarah Copeland
Savannah, GA
Read Sarah's story
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Creativity
for the Cause
Shaney Jo Darden
San Diego, CA
Read Shaney's story
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A Hand to Hold
Sharon Bassett
Indianapolis, IN
Read Sharon's story
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Laughing for a
Cure
Tammy S. Greyshock
Charlotte, NC
Read Tammy's story
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Taking the
Plunge
Beth Sabo
of West Haven, CT
Read Beth's story
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From Survivor
to Leader
Cindy Geoghegan
of Wilton, CT
Read Cindy's story
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Options for
Rural Women
Debra Smalley
of Lakeside, AZ
Read Debra's story
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Turning
Concern into Action
Don Klimkiewicz
of Chesapeake, VA
Read Don's story
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Raising Her
Voice
Georgia Ellis
of Wichita, KS
Read Georgia's story
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A Spiritual
Journey
Jay Grogan
of Dallas, TX
Read Jay's story
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Outreach to
Younger Women
Joy West
of Greenville, SC
Read Joy's story
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Racing for the
Cure
Judy Pickett
of Cameron Park, CA
Read Judy's story
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Educating
Tomorrow’s Champions
Julie McQueen
of Holly Springs, NC
Read Julie's story
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An
Inspirational Journal
Kim Carlos
of Kansas City, MO
Read Kim's story
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Fighting
Prejudice
Linda Lovato-Montoya
of Albuquerque, NM
Read Linda's story
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Cancer and
Pregnancy
Lindsay Nohr
of New York, NY
Read Lindsay's story
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Taking Charge
of Cancer
Lori Capri Lober
of Kansas City, MO
Read Lori's story
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Mentors for
Survival
Mara Ginsberg
of Delmar, NY
Read Mara's story
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Raising
Awareness at Work
Margaret Kelly
of Greenwood Village, CO
Read Margaret's
story
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Scouting for
the Cure
Margaret Stothart
of Matthews, NC
Read Margaret's
story
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A Man with
a Mission
Mark Goldstein
of Randolph, NJ
Read Mark's story
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A Witness to
Survival
Mattye Willis
of Little Rock, AR
Read Mattye's story
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Shaping
Survivor Self-Confidence
Mimi San Pedro
of Little Rock, AR
Read Mimi's story
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Climbing to
New Heights
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbers
of Birmingham, AL
Read their story
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A Chain of
Support
Rochelle Shoretz
of Teaneck, NJ
Read 's story
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The Breakfast
Club
Sherrill Jackson
of St. Louis, MO
Read Sherrill's
story
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Fighting Myths
With Facts
Susan Shinagawa
of San Diego, CA
Read Susan's story
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Golf for LIFE
Val Skinner
of Bay Head, NJ
Read Val's story
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Sense of
Security
Vicki Tosher
of Englewood, CO
Read Vicki's story
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©
2010
Yoplait USA, Inc.
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Beth Sabo,
West Haven, CT
Taking the Plunge
As Commissioner of Human Resources in West Haven, Connecticut, Beth Sabo is no
stranger to planning events for the community. While she is dedicated to many
philanthropic causes and fundraisers within the city, the community is most
fond of Beth's contributions in support of breast cancer awareness. Saddened by
a local elementary school teacher's death from breast cancer, Beth and her
colleagues created the Breast Cancer Awareness Committee with the goal of
spreading awareness to both young and old members of the community. Working
with the Mayor's office, Beth expanded the program exponentially, reaching out
to members of the community previously unconcerned with breast cancer. Beth has
not only raised awareness but has greatly strengthened the community of breast
cancer survivors in West Haven. After a meeting with the mayor in 2000, Beth
proposed a series of events to run throughout the year designed with the sole
purpose of supporting breast cancer awareness in the community.
One such event, The Icy Plunge for the Cure, had participants raise money by
racing into Long Island Sound on a cold January morning. While the Icy Plunge
was in its planning stages, the committee expected a small number of avid
breast cancer supporters to take part. However, with Beth's remarkable
enthusiasm and the public's general curiosity regarding the seemingly bizarre
event, it attracted many more people than expected. The Icy Plunge for the Cure
has grown tremendously since its inception in 2001, bringing in $25,000 last
year alone. Through creative exercises such as these, Beth's diligence in
spreading breast cancer awareness has transformed a community into a
closely-knit support system for breast cancer survivors. Beth's innovation and
creativity are exemplary. She is an ordinary woman doing truly extraordinary
things in the fight against breast cancer.
Cindy Geoghegan,
Wilton, CT
From Survivor to Leader
Cindy Geoghegan was a typical working mother, skillfully juggling both her
professional and family responsibilities. With no risk factors or family
history of cancer, Cindy was both shocked and scared when she was diagnosed
with breast cancer at age 35. A wife and mother of two, Cindy's initial shock
was the wake-up call she needed as she quickly realized that every woman is
susceptible to breast cancer, no matter how "low risk" they think they are.
Throughout her six months of treatment, Cindy learned a great deal about the
disease that had invaded her life. In her search for information, Cindy
stumbled upon the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Affiliate in
Maryland, which at the time, was still in its early stages of development. With
nearly 20 years of public relations experience on her side, Cindy turned her
expertise toward increasing awareness of breast cancer and eventually became
president of the founding board of the Maryland Komen Affiliate. Throughout her
tenure as president, the affiliate tripled in size and revenue increased
dramatically, providing more funding for innovative research, more outreach
activities and higher visibility for the Foundation.
During this time, Cindy spearheaded a national program known as Project CRAFT
(Clinical Research Affiliates Funding Trials), which was designed to increase
patient participation in breast cancer clinical trials. Though she was
passionate about working with Komen to increase awareness, Cindy still felt
that there was more to be done in the fight against cancer. She began lobbying
for increased mammography funding in the state of Maryland with a passion and
fervor unmatched by most. She worked diligently to spread the message of the
importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer. In the
process, Cindy provided countless young women with the information necessary to
raise their awareness. Cindy was named president of the Greater New York City
Affiliate of the Komen Foundation where she has dedicated her presidency to the
memories of two past presidents of the affiliate who lost their battles with
breast cancer. In New York, Cindy takes on challenges with the same tenacity
she demonstrated in Maryland - that tenacity and commitment has earned her the
title of Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Debra Smalley,
Lakeside, AZ
Options for Rural Women
There are currently numerous treatment methods and options available for women
dealing with breast cancer. What many women may not realize, however, is that
while information regarding these treatment options is readily available in
rural communities, the actual services themselves usually are not. Debra
Smalley, a native of rural Arizona and a registered nurse practitioner, is
dedicated to making breast cancer treatments and options readily available to
all women, especially those in culturally diverse, medically underserved rural
areas. As a health care professional, Debra knows well how location and
residence can greatly affect one's treatment options and that not everyone has
the means to seek treatment in a large city. The realization of these needs
sparked her creation of The Nurses Office in 1992, a local clinic
specializing in treatment and educational options for breast cancer patients
without alternatives.
The Nurses Office is a comprehensive women's health care clinic located
180 miles outside Phoenix in an ethnically diverse region of Arizona. The
clinic is modeled after the surrounding woodland area so as to have a log cabin
feel while simultaneously providing a welcoming atmosphere for women seeking
the necessary support and treatment that every patient deserves. Additionally,
at The Nurses Office, women are taught the benefits of breast self-exams
and the importance of yearly mammograms, two seemingly simple ideas that are
not often taught to women in these communities and that can have a profound
impact on their lives. Debra and her staff work diligently to provide these
breast health services to the low-income population of the clinic's surrounding
areas and have forged many friendships as a result of the support systems they
provide. Her diligence to the cause has proved to be invaluable to the
residents of rural Arizona and she is truly a Champion in the fight against
breast cancer.
Don Klimkiewicz,
Chesapeake, VA
Turning Concern into Action
Don Klimkiewicz has always enjoyed serving his community. As a former Marine,
businessman, husband and father, he has consistently been presented with
opportunities to help people in numerous ways throughout the years. Don is the
owner and president of Cavalier Ford and Century Ford car dealerships in
Chesapeake, Virginia and Rockville, Maryland respectively, and is universally
known throughout the communities in which he serves as an honest, hard-working
businessman always willing to help with a cause. When a family member was
diagnosed with breast cancer, Don immediately realized that he had found the
next "cause" to embrace. Though he was filled with concern and worry, Don felt
that he could make a difference by turning these feelings of uneasiness into a
mission of helping others.
Researching the disease, Don discovered that 182,000 women and 1,600 men are
diagnosed with breast cancer each year. These staggering statistics made Don
realize that it is important to increase awareness not only to help eradicate
breast cancer but also because early detection education can help save lives.
Brainstorming yielded the idea that he could use his local "celebrity" status
to produce effective public service announcements (PSAs) about breast cancer.
Don's PSAs are designed to educate people about the benefits of early detection
and inspire people to donate or volunteer their time for the cause. Don covers
all costs related to creating and airing the announcements with no mention of
his dealerships. As of 2004, Don had produced more than a dozen PSAs which
aired more than 100,000 times in the Hampton Roads, Virginia; Washington, D.C.;
and Mt. Airy, Maryland areas. It's because of this effort that Don deserves to
be called a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Georgia Ellis,
Wichita, KS
Raising Her Voice
In recent years, breast cancer awareness has increased dramatically and the
stigma attached to publicly discussing the disease has all but disappeared as
more and more educational programs are now available for women. While generally
the disease is no longer "taboo," many people do not realize that for some
women there are still cultural factors that influence their silence on the
subject. When Georgia Ellis was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that
the subject was kept mostly silent, or even secret, in her African-American
community. Georgia knew that education and early detection were crucial in
preventing breast cancer, yet she struggled with how she could get this message
across to a community that didn't seem ready to discuss the disease publicly.
Georgia decided that the best way to break the cultural silence was to become a
"messenger" in the fight against breast cancer. She became a voice amidst the
silence, telling women of her own personal struggles and her ultimate battle
that resulted in a double mastectomy and reconstruction. In addition to her
story, Georgia became certified to instruct women about breast self-exams and
began to educate women in her community about their importance.
In 1995, Georgia became actively involved in the Mid-Kansas Affiliate of the
Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and helped to initiate Witnessing in
the Heartland, a health-based program for African-American women partnered with
churches and community centers across Kansas. The program features cancer
survivors who serve as witnesses about their triumphs over breast and cervical
cancers. It is a means of communicating to the African-American community that
a breast cancer diagnosis is not an automatic death sentence. Georgia was also
recently recognized for her courage and passion by being asked to serve on the
Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection and Control Advisory Committee of
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help them understand
and focus on issues facing minority women as they seek breast cancer screening.
Georgia has made tremendous strides in educating women about breast cancer and
deserves to be included as a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Jay Grogan,
Dallas, TX
A Spiritual Journey
When Jay Grogan's wife Lynn was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 33, he knew
that his family was in for a struggle. As the father of young boys, Jay was
concerned not only for his wife's health but also for his family's well-being
throughout Lynn's illness. Lynn, an ordained minister, had always relied upon
her to faith as a means of overcoming obstacles. When faced with breast cancer,
especially when faced with metastatic disease, her faith journey accelerated
into a broader search for true inner peace. This pursuit caused the
unintentional collision between traditional notions of healthcare and the
healing effects of spirituality.
As a lawyer, Jay was initially a skeptic as to notions of tangible connections
between one's inner state or "spirituality" and one's physical well-being.
While Lynn was not "cured" (she died at age 40), Jay witnessed a real and
dramatic "healing" because of the spiritual journey she took daily and the
inner peace she was able to discover. After Lynn died, Jay and some of Lynn's
friends decided to host a lecture that would continue her passion for the
mind/body spirit connection. The overwhelming and unexpected success of the
initial lecture led Jay to continue the "Lynn Lectures" on a national basis. By
creating a series of forums dedicated to exploring the power of Lynn's
remarkable experiences, Jay hopes the series can help others find the same
peace in their lives that his wife was able to achieve in hers. His remarkable
account of her story shows how someone can take a difficult life experience and
make something truly wonderful and beautiful from it, making Jay Grogan and his
wife Lynn true Champions in the fight against breast cancer.
Joy West,
Greenville, SC
Outreach to Younger Women
As a 34-year-old single mother, Joy West was healthy and loved being extremely
active. An avid backpacker, mountain climber, archer, and former gymnast, Joy's
healthy lifestyle could hardly be labeled as high risk for developing cancer.
With no family history of the disease, the chance of developing breast cancer
seemed remote to Joy. Nevertheless, she was diagnosed with breast cancer in
July 2000. The diagnosis left her with many questions and relatively few
answers until her pathology report showed that she had inflammatory breast
cancer, a very aggressive form of the disease. Fortunately, the report also
showed the cancer was caught early enough to treat successfully. Following a
radical mastectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments, Joy was well on her
way to conquering the disease. While she was being treated, however, Joy was
shocked by the lack of materials geared toward young breast cancer patients.
She noted that most support groups and literature were filled with women of her
mother's and grandmother's age. Joy realized there were countless women like
herself struggling with breast cancer without the support young women need and
she decided to do something about it.
Joy decided to utilize her skills as a marketing assistant to create the Big C
Chicks, initially a support group for young women coping with breast
cancer. Soon after the group's establishment, Joy began receiving e-mails from
women across the country with questions, much like the ones she herself had had
upon her initial diagnosis. From these inquiries, Joy began to write a monthly
newsletter to help young women understand the disease and research that was
being done to find a cure. Eventually Joy turned her efforts toward creating
"Concert for a Cure," a concert featuring local bands and the sharing of
survivor stories between sets. Joy was bombarded by requests from bands all
over the South wishing to participate in the upcoming concert. The funds raised
in the concerts were distributed in the form of care packages to young women
diagnosed with cancer. Additionally, she founded a fashion line, Chick Chic -
Clothes for a Cure, which is sold in local area boutiques and educates
consumers by stressing the importance of breast health on the attached tags.
Joy's strength and perseverance throughout her own battle with cancer, coupled
with her various exemplary efforts to help those with similar situations, truly
makes her a champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Judy Pickett,
Cameron Park, CA
Racing for the Cure
Judy Pickett has always led an active life. An avid runner, she cares a great
deal about fitness and used to teach physical education classes in addition to
her primary focus as a high school biology teacher. When she was diagnosed with
Stage 2 breast cancer in 1997, the news was both shocking and devastating; Judy
was 33 years old and a mother of three children, including a newborn son. Her
cancer treatment left her with little time or energy for most activities and
her love of running naturally took a backseat to being with her family and
fighting the disease. Following her surgery, radiation, and nearly eight months
of chemotherapy, Judy began running once again to "get back to normal."
In May 1998, Judy ran her first Susan G. Komen Race
for the Cure® and through that experience, she was inspired to set a goal
of running in 100 breast cancer events. In addition to this mission, Judy and
her husband, Tod, founded the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Fund, a
nonprofit organization for the education of women in the El Dorado County area
as well as provide scholarships to high school seniors whose parents have had
cancer. To date, the Fund has awarded $7,500 in scholarships and
continues to bring hope and support to those students whose families need it
the most. Though Judy's cancer has recurred three times since her initial
diagnosis, her dedication to the cause has remained steadfast as she refuses to
let the cancer keep her from her goal. In 2002, she was even tapped to carry
the Olympic torch through Sacramento. As of June, 2004, Judy had run in 85
races and was "on the fast track" to achieving her goal of 100 races when
recognized as a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Julie McQueen,
Holly Springs, NC
Educating Tomorrow's Champions
When Julie McQueen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992, she felt alone in
her fight. Though she is a health educator by profession, she wasn't personally
acquainted with anyone who had been affected by the disease. Additionally, as a
mother of two young boys, it was difficult for Julie to cope with the stress
and fears attached to her diagnosis without a support system familiar with the
disease. While shopping at a local mall, Julie noticed a brochure outlining the
upcoming local Race for the Cure®. Upon reading the brochure, Julie knew
that Race for the Cure® could be the outlet of support for which she had so
desperately been searching. Shortly after deciding to train for the 5K race,
Julie joined the planning committee and became actively involved in the Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation North Carolina Triangle Affiliate. Since that
time, Julie has co-chaired and chaired the North Carolina Triangle Race for the
Cure® for two years while also serving on the board of directors. Her
newfound passion for breast cancer awareness continued as she developed and
implemented two breast health education programs from the perspective of a
survivor at the Alice Aycock Poe Center for Health Education where she worked.
While Julie's educational programs and work with Komen was fulfilling, she knew
that she could do more to fight the disease. She started by creating Better
Start Early (BSE), a program designed specifically to teach high-school
age women about the importance of monthly breast self-exams. In the program,
she teaches the participants how to correctly perform a self-exam and informs
them about risk factors and how to prevent them early in their lives. After the
success of BSE, Blue Cross Blue Shield approached Julie and the Poe Center to
develop and implement a breast health program. The comprehensive four-part
curriculum is designed for health occupation students throughout the entire
state of North Carolina. Once trained, these students become advocates for
self-exams and general breast health by volunteering at community service
events and health fairs. Though her cancer reappeared in 2003, Julie is not
going to let it stop her from accomplishing extraordinary things as a Champion
in the fight against breast cancer.
Kim Carlos,
Kansas City, MO
An Inspirational Journal
When Kim Carlos' friend Patti was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 24, she
learned that any woman, regardless of her age, can be affected by the disease.
As a result of Patti's diagnosis, Kim realized the importance of monthly
self-exams and meticulously began checking herself each month. Though she was
taking the necessary precautions to safeguard herself against the disease, Kim
knew that no woman is ever completely safe from breast cancer. When she found a
lump during one of these exams, Kim became nervous. At age 30, she knew that
this lump had the potential to change her life and that of her husband and
toddler son immeasurably. Shortly before her son's second birthday, Kim's fears
were affirmed when she received the devastating news that the lump she had
found was cancerous. Though her doctor informed her that it had been caught
early, Kim couldn't help but feel nervous and frightened about her treatment.
As a way of combating these fears, she began keeping a journal of her ordeal,
documenting her thoughts, feelings and goals throughout her battle with the
disease. After enduring eight rounds of chemotherapy, a mastectomy with breast
reconstruction, and several other surgeries, Kim found herself in remission and
dedicated herself to helping to eradicate breast cancer.
Since her diagnosis, Kim has made breast cancer advocacy her life's mission.
Knowing from personal experience that many affected women are unsure of what
their battle with cancer will entail, Kim decided that she would share her
journal with others to raise breast cancer awareness among other women. In
addition to her heartwarming and inspirational journal entries, Kim has written
articles for numerous publications and has appeared on countless radio and
television stations promoting the importance of breast cancer awareness and
self-exams. Kim's diagnosis at such a young age also motivated her to work
tirelessly to bring a chapter of the Young Survivor Coalition to the Kansas
City Area. In addition, Kim is currently serving as Chair of the Public Policy
and Advocacy Committee on the Board of Directors for the Komen Foundation
Kansas City Affiliate. With tireless dedication, Kim has kept track of the
women that she inspired to perform self-exams and the number currently exceeds
1,000. For touching countless people in many different ways, all Kim's hard
work has made her truly deserving of being called a Champion in the fight
against breast cancer.
"I am a person who is living with cancer, not dying from it," she says. "I
refuse to let this experience take over my life! I didn't go through all this
to make a difference in just one life; I want to make a difference in thousands
of lives."
Linda Lovato-Montoya,
Albuquerque, NM
Fighting Prejudice
For many cultures, breast cancer is not considered an acceptable topic of
discussion. Additionally, within certain ethnic communities there are barriers
to teaching breast cancer awareness and preventive measures because of the
stigmas associated with the disease. The Hispanic community is no exception.
However, women like Linda Lovato-Montoya are working hard to change the stigmas
attached to the disease. Having gone through a double mastectomy, Linda has
dedicated herself to raising awareness within the Hispanic community, serving
as a reliable, relatable source, unafraid of sharing her own stories to help
others. Through the past few years, Linda has also worked to benefit Hispanic
men by increasing their awareness, tolerance, and positive support for the
women they know that are affected by the disease. Her work with Caminando Juntos,
an organization created as a support group for Hispanic cancer survivors, has
also proved to be invaluable in the lives of many Hispanic women.
Additionally, Linda felt that sharing her story through literature would prove
to be an effective means of communication within her ethnic community. In her
revealing booklet, One Day at a Time, Linda traces her life both
personally and professionally, discussing her perseverance, strength, and
strong family dedication. Throughout her treatment, Linda recorded her
thoughts, feelings, and ideas in a journal, and through her booklet, she hopes
to inspire many women to seek this outlet as a way for them to cope with the
disease. As a member of Comadre a Comadre, a women's organization for
cancer survivors, Linda provides support, advocacy, education, and awareness
about breast cancer to New Mexico Hispanics and is an invaluable asset toward
banishing the cultural stereotypes and stigmas associated with breast cancer.
Linda is truly a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Lindsay Nohr,
New York, NY
Cancer and Pregnancy
As a 25-year-old cancer survivor, Lindsay Nohr has experienced more in her
young life than many women experience in a lifetime. In fact, by her 24th
birthday, she had already been diagnosed with cancer, undergone surgery,
chemotherapy and radiation. Diagnosed with a rare form of tongue cancer when
she was 22, Lindsay found herself facing an uphill battle unimaginable to most
women her age. She found that she had many questions and she sought many
answers. In a quest for information, Lindsay discovered that chemotherapy and
radiation, while indeed effective in helping treat the disease, can leave
patients infertile, a fact that less than 10 percent of oncologists inform
their patients about. Due to this insight, Lindsay was able to successfully
store 29 of her eggs safely prior to the start of her treatments, yet she
realized that many young women are not as lucky or as well informed as she was.
Armed with this information, Lindsay vowed to make a difference.
On her search for information, Lindsay learned that while several reproductive
options exist for women with cancer, breast cancer patients have unique
requirements and concerns. She found that breast cancer tumors can be hormone
sensitive, making the standard procedures required for fertility preservation
and assisted reproduction extremely dangerous. With this knowledge, Lindsay
founded FertileHope, the first organization designed to create and
extensively distribute breast cancer and fertility specific brochures.
Partnering with organizations such as the American Cancer Society and the Susan
G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, FertileHope has already made a
profound impact on patients and medical professionals since its inception in
October 2001. In less than two years, Lindsay has helped countless women make
educated decisions regarding their fertility options. With the launch of FertileHope's
Web site, she is sure to provide even more assistance to women desperately in
need of information and support. For her efforts through FertileHope,
Lindsay is a true Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Lindsay Nohr and FertileHope have been featured in USA Today, The Wall
Street Journal, The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Austin
American-Statesman, Glamour Magazine, CURE Magazine, and Fit Pregnancy
in addition to appearing on Good Morning America.
Lori Capri Lober,
Kansas City, MO
Taking Charge of Cancer
Lori Capri Lober vowed to dedicate her life to helping others after she was
diagnosed at the age of 36 with Stage 4 breast cancer in 2000. Determined not
to let breast cancer get the better of her, Lori has committed her time to a
number of different projects with the end result, she hopes, of eradicating not
just breast cancer, but ALL types of cancer. A local philanthropist in the
Kansas City area, Lori is well-known for her awareness campaigns and
educational outreach programs. When Lori decided to implement the first ever
"Building for a Cure" show home, the event was a huge success, raising more
than $125,000 for breast cancer research. Lori decided that there was more she
could do to fight the invasive disease and thus created the Touched by Cancer
Foundation, inspiring many to join her on a crusade to fight breast
cancer.
The Touched by Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit foundation formed to
serve as a comprehensive resource for increasing awareness of cancer and
promoting positive treatment outcomes for patients. Lori's knowledge that each
year more than 1.3 million people are newly diagnosed with some form of cancer
is the motivation behind the foundation, as is the message that a cancer
diagnosis is not an automatic death sentence. The education-based foundation
provides valuable information, including information about the importance of
second opinions before having any surgical procedure. As is the case with many
people, Lori's original diagnosis was wrong and would have involved immediate
surgery had she not sought a second opinion. The Foundation also encourages
self-awareness, education about the various treatment options available, and
ways in which one can get involved to fight the disease. Through Touched by
Cancer, Lori encourages a proactive approach in dealing with one's
current health condition and stresses the importance of nutrition and personal
knowledge of all treatment options. Because of Lori's amazing dedication and
tireless efforts, she truly exemplifies what it means to be a Champion in the
fight against breast cancer.
Mara Ginsberg,
Delmar, NY
Mentors for Survival
Mara Ginsberg is no stranger to breast cancer, having experienced the diagnoses
of both her mother and aunt. As she matured, it was devastating for Mara to
watch as these two important women in her life both endured double mastectomies
and eventually lost their battles with breast cancer shortly after the age of
44. As a wife and mother of two children, ages 4 and 7, Mara was equally
devastated to learn that, at the age of 37, she too had breast cancer. Mara's
career as an attorney left her with little time or energy throughout her
treatment. Astonishingly, Mara continued to work full time with her firm,
taking off only a few days for her chemotherapy. With treatment options scarce
in upstate New York, Mara began to research any and all options available to
her. In this quest for information, she found that many of the latest options,
information, and support systems offered were unavailable to women not residing
in major metropolitan areas.
In October 1998, Mara decided that the lack of resources was unacceptable and
needed to be changed. Mara left her job as an attorney to found To Life!,
a nonprofit organization based outside Albany which matches newly diagnosed
women with a "mentor," or breast cancer survivor/volunteer sharing a similar
diagnosis and treatment history. The mentor then provides the patient with
educational forums on health and personal issues relating to the disease.
Through To Life!, Mara has created the educational program and support
system that every woman diagnosed with cancer needs and deserves, regardless of
where she lives. In five short years, she has helped serve over 3,500 people in
a 10-county area through To Life!, free of charge, and we are honored to
have her as one of the 25 Yoplait Champions in the fight against breast cancer.
To Life! empowers women and their families. One woman said, "When I left
the doctor's office, I knew I had cancer. When I left To Life!, I knew I
had a future."
Margaret Kelly,
Greenwood Village, CO
Raising Awareness at Work
While having dinner with her 11-year-old son one night, the last thing Margaret
Kelly expected him to ask her was whether she performed regular breast
self-exams. He had seen a program about moms getting breast cancer on a local
news show. Though she was taken aback by his question, she realized her son had
a point and she should heed the young man's caring and sage advice. When she
underwent her first mammogram the following year at age 39, she figured it was
routine when the office called her to repeat the test. When they called her a
second time to schedule a follow-up ultrasound, Margaret became suspicious and
following a biopsy, her worst fears were realized when her doctor delivered the
news that she had breast cancer. Following her diagnosis, Margaret endured five
major surgeries ( including a second cancer diagnosis - cervical cancer and
back surgery for a ruptured disk) in 23 months but never let her treatments get
her down. Not one to give in to setbacks, she began her mission of fighting
back against the disease that had invaded her life. Margaret made a brave
decision to continue her successful career while simultaneously using her
experiences with cancer for the greater good they could provide other women.
As President and Chief Operating Officer of RE/MAX International, the
world's largest real estate corporation, Margaret decided to initiate an Early
Detection Program for RE/MAX Associates and customers. To those that
were signed up, e-mail reminders were sent to notify the women that they were
due for their monthly or annual breast exam. For a workplace that was nearly 54
percent women, the program proved to be an invaluable step toward ensuring the
health of her associates. From those first e-mails, Margaret has made it her
mission to encourage every woman she works with to get a mammogram. At the RE/MAX
International Convention in 2003, Margaret decided to cap off the annual
fashion show with the stories of 10 RE/MAX breast cancer survivor models
- all wearing white as a sign of victory. Additionally, a portion of the ticket
sales generated was donated to the Komen Foundation. RE/MAX International
has since become a major co-sponsor of the Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure® events and none of this could have been
achieved without Margaret's hard work, making her an ordinary woman doing
extraordinary things in the fight against breast cancer.
Margaret Stothart,
Matthews, NC
Scouting for the Cure
In 1996, Margaret was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 47. When her
four-year-old daughter asked, "Mommy, what's breast cancer? Will you die?" she
knew that she had to help her daughter comprehend the complexities and fears
associated with her cancer. Margaret was determined to see her daughter grow up
into a mature, educated woman and her difficult questions were enough to spark
a desire in Margaret to work towards educating young girls about the disease,
while simultaneously fighting her own battle. Margaret believed that while
breast cancer education is essential for adults, it is important to educate
children as well, for many are forced to cope with a parent afflicted with an
unfamiliar disease. Margaret's decision to help young girls become aware of
breast cancer and learn about prevention is an invaluable step toward answering
a child's many questions and misconceptions about the disease.
As a long-time supporter of the Girl Scouts, Margaret's dedication to the
organization was both a hobby and an outlet for her daughter. It was no
surprise to friends and family when following her mastectomy, Margaret became
her daughter's Girl Scout Troop Leader. Her dedication to helping young girls
understand breast cancer began with a project to educate the troop about breast
health by getting them involved in the Charlotte Race for the Cure®. In
2000, Margaret's daughter and the troop supported her by participating in their
first Race. Margaret was thrilled that her message was reaching the girls yet
she wanted to extend the program. In the spring of 2002, she approached the
Girl Scouts Hornets Nest Council (GSHNC) and the Charlotte Komen Foundation
Affiliate and founded Scouting for the Cure™, a program similar to the one she
introduced to her own troop. Upon the program's launch in September 2002, more
than 12,000 Girl Scouts from the eight-county service area were invited to
participate and more than 300 came. Since its inception, Margaret's program has
gained national interest and for this reason, she deserves the title Champion
in the fight against breast cancer.
Mark Goldstein,
Randolph, NJ
A Man with a Mission
While efforts through the past few decades have vastly shaped today's
perception and awareness of breast cancer, most of these perceptions are
directed towards women. Many people do not realize that the disease does not
discriminate along gender lines and that men are also diagnosed with breast
cancer. Mark Goldstein is dedicated to spreading awareness of this little-known
fact throughout the nation. As a 15-year breast cancer survivor, Mark is an
example of the disease's unpredictable nature and its non-gender specificity.
When Mark detected a lump in his breast through self-examination, he ignored it
for three months before he was examined by a physician and subsequently
diagnosed with Stage 1 breast cancer in 1988. Following a modified radical
mastectomy, radiation and chemotherapy, Mark found himself cancer-free and
ready to commit himself to challenging the misconception that breast cancer is
a woman's disease.
As a member of "Honorary Team New Balance," Mark participates in Susan G. Komen
Race for the Cure® events across the country. His
2004 race marked his participation in 129 Komen Race for the Cure® events,
leaving him five races short of his goal of running every Komen Race for the
Cure® event. However, he will gladly stop running the day a cure is found.
Mark's life objective is to heighten awareness of breast cancer, in both men
and women, through his public media opportunities. Mark also belongs to several
support groups in order to share his story and support with men who also have
been stricken with breast cancer. He has helped the Komen Foundation
significantly by speaking to race participants and by acting as a panelist at
the Komen Foundation's 2003 Mission Conference where he shared his story. Mark
has made strides by conveying the idea that breast cancer knows no boundaries
of gender, ethnicity, or class, and the inspiration he provides makes him a
worthy Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Mattye Willis,
Little Rock, AR
A Witness to Survival
Mattye Willis was young and scared when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in
1975, a time when public information regarding the disease was extremely
scarce. While Mattye's friends and family were indeed supportive throughout her
battle with cancer, she often found it difficult to sustain herself, for there
were so few people who understood what she was going through or who could
answer her growing number of questions. With great perseverance and courage,
Mattye endured her treatments with little help from outside sources. When she
was diagnosed with cancer in her other breast, she decided she would develop
her experiences into a national ministry. She knew that there were other women
suffering with many questions and she was determined to help provide them with
the answers and support that she wished she had during her struggle. Mattye
chose to become a part of The Witness Project, a culturally informed,
community-based breast and cervical cancer educational program created in 1991.
As a Witness role model, and deputy director of the project, Mattye
strives to help African-American women understand that breast cancer is
something they can overcome. In addition to this role, she also teaches
survivors to use their own stories as a means for motivating other women they
know toward early detection, education, and spreading awareness about the
disease. With grants funded by the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The
Witness Project has been able to grow from its original grass-roots
inception in Arkansas to 32 locations in 22 states across the country. Mattye
has traveled to many of these locations, training the new members on how to
reach out to the African-American community and lay down the foundations for
early detection educational programming. Not only has Mattye set the standard
for breast cancer activists in Arkansas, but she has also raised the bar for
activists in African-American communities across the nation. For this reason,
Mattye is a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Mimi San Pedro,
Little Rock, AR
Shaping Survivor Self-Confidence
Throughout her nearly 18-year career, Mimi San Pedro had the reputation of
being a high-energy, tough-as-nails advertising executive. Though small in
stature, standing 4 feet 11-inches tall, Mimi operated in the fast-paced,
cutthroat environment of advertising without trepidation and excelled
tremendously. She was considered by most in her field to be one of the 10 most
powerful advertising people in the state of Arkansas and the Arkansas Chapter
of the American Advertising Federation honored her work and dedication with the
"Lifetime Achievement Award."
Mimi's career was booming and she never once questioned this fast-paced
lifestyle until she was diagnosed with breast cancer in March 2000. Mimi
underwent a lumpectomy and a year of radiation and chemotherapy treatments.
Throughout her ordeal, Mimi found herself yearning to help other women with
experiences similar to her own. When she received the news that she was
cancer-free a year later, Mimi decided to make this dream a reality and thus
embarked on a life-altering career change. She left the frenetic world of
advertising behind in favor of ContourMed, a new Little Rock-based
company making custom-fitted breast prosthetics for breast cancer survivors. As
vice president, Mimi helped launch the company on both local and national
levels, while simultaneously achieving her dream of helping people deal with
this sensitive aspect of their recovery. Mimi and ContourMed have made
an invaluable impact in the lives of numerous breast cancer survivors
throughout the United States and we are proud to have her as one of the 25
Champions in the fight against breast cancer.
"It's all about attitude. You've got to live your life every day. You have to
have the attitude of a fighter. If your demise is your demise, you have to let
it be. But you have to fight it every day." -Mimi San Pedro (from "Beating
Breast Cancer 2000" in supp. info)
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbers,
Birmingham, AL
Climbing to New Heights
 From walking in races to collecting pink Yoplait
lids, there are hundreds of ways people can get involved in the fight against
breast cancer. While the possibilities for contributing to the cause are indeed
endless, a group of women from Birmingham, Alabama took their passion for
breast cancer awareness to new heights - literally! On October 4, 2003, Jane
Webb, Stacey Gordon, Marilyn McCormick, Val Richardson, and Penny Wright
reached the final destination of an incredible journey that few have attempted
and even fewer have completed: the summit of Africa's Mount Kilimanjaro, a
whopping 19,340 feet above sea level, in the name of Climb for the Cause, a
grass-roots project raising money to fight breast cancer.
Since the summer of 2001, a group of people dared to dream that they could make
a difference in the fight against breast cancer. The members of that diverse
group - a mother climbing in honor of her two daughters diagnosed with the
disease, a nursing educator, a radiology technologist, an aerobics instructor,
and a neonatal nurse practitioner - all shared the same goal of doing their
part to find a cure for this prevalent disease. Through much hard work and
planning over the prior two years, their dream had become a reality as the five
women, four of them survivors, embarked on this inspirational expedition. The
women began their expedition in the African rain forest in Tanzania at 7,000
feet, and climb upward for six days through a variety of terrain including a
highland desert. The Women of the Mount Kilimanjaro expedition climbed not only
for themselves and their sisters, mothers, and friends, but also for women
everywhere; their journey gave hope to thousands of women and their families
that face breast cancer today and will surely benefit women in the years to
come.
Rochelle Shoretz,
Teaneck, NJ
A Chain of Support
As a young mother having recently graduated law school and completed a
clerkship to Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, the last thing Rochelle
Shoretz expected was to be diagnosed with breast cancer at age 28. Following
the diagnosis, Rochelle struggled to find someone close to her age with whom
she could share her thoughts, feelings, and concerns regarding her cancer and
its effect on raising her two young children. Rochelle became frustrated
because it seemed that cancer was the only link she had with the survivors with
whom she encountered. Eventually, she was relieved when she found another young
mother just a few months ahead of her in treatment. Through the connection,
Rochelle recognized the support young women could give each other, provided
that they are able to find one another. Similarly, Rochelle felt the unique
concerns of Jewish women fighting breast cancer needed to be addressed.
Though her impressive scholastic resume could have given her a prime law
position, Rochelle knew that she needed to dedicate her life elsewhere. With
these concerns in mind, Rochelle founded Sharsheret, a national
nonprofit organization supporting young Jewish women fighting breast cancer.
Just four months after her diagnosis, she was drafting mission statements and
meeting with health care professionals in between her chemotherapy and
radiation treatments. In just a few months, Sharsheret, Hebrew for
"chain," became the only national organization to pair young women facing
breast cancer with volunteers able to relate to them and share their own
personal and medical experiences for support. Under Rochelle's leadership, this
past year alone, Sharsheret has received more than1,400 phone calls and
e-mails from 18 states and has provided support to those young women who would
have otherwise faced their battles alone. Through one major lifestyle change,
Rochelle has been able to help countless women gain the support and
understanding that every breast cancer patient deserves. Sharsheret also
presents medical symposia on issues affecting young women with breast cancer
and educates health care professionals about the issues facing young women with
breast cancer. It's for these efforts that Rochelle Shoretz is a Champion in
the fight against breast cancer.
Sherrill Jackson,
St. Louis, MO
The Breakfast Club
Nearly five years ago, Sherrill Jackson was approached for advice and support
by a young mother recently diagnosed with breast cancer. As a survivor herself,
and never one to ignore someone in need, Sherrill agreed to meet the woman for
breakfast to help talk her through her diagnosis and upcoming treatment. She
never dreamed the chance breakfast meeting would translate into a mission she
would passionately pursue in the years to come. Sherrill asked a few of her
friends, also survivors, to join her at breakfast that day to offer the woman
additional comfort and support. After that first meeting, the woman gained so
much insight and inspiration that she requested to meet with Sherrill and her
friends again the following month, sparking the formation of the nonprofit
organization, The Breakfast Club.
The Breakfast Club meets monthly in the inner city of St. Louis,
providing support and education to women in the African-American community. The
Breakfast Club has consistently provided the extra love and caring that
breast cancer patients deserve. Sherrill has also spearheaded efforts to obtain
grants to establish many of the programs The Breakfast Club initiates,
including providing mammograms to neighborhood women without health insurance.
Additionally, Sherrill realized that women were not the only people affected by
breast cancer and thus established an extension of the group called The
Breakfast Club Brothers for husbands, boyfriends, and friends of women
affected by the disease. Due to her outstanding work with The Breakfast Club,
Sherrill was invited to sit on the board of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation St. Louis Affiliate and continues to make great things happen every
day for those affected by breast cancer. Sherrill certainly deserves to be
recognized as a Champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Susan Shinagawa,
San Diego, CA
Fighting Myths With Facts
When Susan Shinagawa found a lump in her breast in 1991, she immediately took
action and saw a breast surgeon. Upon examination, Susan was told that she had
nothing to worry about because she was too young, had no family history of the
disease, and "Asian women don't get breast cancer." Fortunately, Susan listened
to her body rather than her doctor and sought a second opinion. True to her
initial feelings, the second doctor accurately diagnosed her as having
infiltrating breast cancer. After reading numerous books, articles published in
professional medical journals and speaking with other young survivors, Susan
made an educated decision to have a modified radical mastectomy and requested
adjuvant chemotherapy. Even before she completed her chemotherapy, Susan began
speaking publicly about her breast cancer diagnosis and became certified by the
American Cancer Society as a Reach-to-Reach volunteer.
At the time of her diagnosis in October 1991, speaking candidly about the
disease was taboo in most Asian American and Pacific Islander communities,
where the stigma of a cancer diagnosis was overwrought with guilt, shame and
disgrace. As Susan worked to fight breast cancer, she couldn't help remembering
how her first doctor told her "Asian women don't get breast cancer," and she
began researching the validity of this statement. Shockingly enough, she found
that the doctor's statements, though widely believed in the medical profession,
were made as a result of using flawed statistical methods and reasoning. By
1993, Susan began her mission to dispel the outrageous myths surrounding Asian
women and breast cancer and along the way, earned the respect and admiration of
all those with whom she has come into contact. Through her efforts to rid the
medical field of the misconception that Asians can't get breast cancer, Susan
has paved the way for many women to be accurately diagnosed and has
consequently saved many lives in the process. Susan is an ordinary woman doing
extraordinary things in the fight against cancer.
Val Skinner,
Bay Head, NJ
Golf for LIFE
Breast Cancer is a great concern for nearly all women. That is why women should
be proactive and diligent in understanding early breast care practices. Val
Skinner did just that after witnessing the struggle of a friend that was
diagnosed with breast cancer. Val is a veteran and multiple winner on the
Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour in which she ranks among the
top in all time career money. During her collegiate career she earned accolades
ranging from being named the Big Eight Female Athlete of the Year to GOLF
Magazine's Collegiate Player of the Year. Val exudes passion not only
for golf, but also for her philanthropic work off the course. Her affiliation
with the fight against breast cancer was motivated by her dear friend, and
rising young LPGA star, Heather Farr's loss of life at the age of 28. Val's
initial commitment to this fight was to raise funds for research. She began by
organizing and chairing a Pro-Am event raising $500,000 for the National Breast
Cancer Coalition.
Still not satisfied with the awareness and education available to young women,
Val decided that she should take her dedication to breast cancer to the next
level. From this dedication, the Val Skinner Foundation, a nonprofit
organization based in New Jersey, and the LIFE Event (LPGA Pros In the
Fight to Eradicate Breast Cancer) were born. The LIFE Event, which
featured many of the best female golfers in the world from the LPGA Tour in a
Pro-Am event, was a bittersweet way for Val to honor Heather and her brave
fight against the disease. The event was so successful that it made history by
raising the largest sum of money ever in a single day golf event for breast
cancer. In four years, this event has contributed $2 million to a national
campaign called the Young Women Initiative, which the Val Skinner Foundation
and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation conceptualized together. The
other beneficiary of these funds is the Cancer Institute of New Jersey, which
has named its high-risk breast cancer care clinic "The LIFE Center." The
Center, which was named in honor of this advocacy, focuses on young women, and
the diagnoses and treatment of their disease. Val's commitment to education,
awareness and finding a cure for breast cancer is truly an inspiration to women
everywhere. It is for this that she is among the Champions in the fight against
breast cancer.
Vicki Tosher,
Englewood, CO
Sense of Security
Vicki Tosher is well known throughout Colorado as being a pioneer in the fight
against breast cancer. In fact, many claim she has become the face of breast
cancer advocacy in the state. While her work to eradicate the disease has made
her a locally known "celebrity," Vicki's efforts were not motivated by her
battle with breast cancer. A survivor herself, Vicki was first diagnosed with
breast cancer in 1992. Upon her diagnosis, Vicki knew she wanted to make a
difference and became involved with groups such as the American Cancer Society,
Colorado Breast Cancer Coalition and the Denver Race for the Cure®. When
her close friend, Donna, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time,
Vicki began to see that the high costs of treatments can often present
individuals with devastating financial hardships.
Vicki decided that no patient should be forced to choose between obtaining
treatment and saving their home. Thus, Sense of Security was born in the
spirit of Donna's struggle. Vicki's vision behind Sense of Security was
simple: no breast cancer patient should have to suffer financial hardship while
in the midst of treatment. She designed Sense of Security to provide
patients with a "safe haven" of assistance with things such as mortgage or rent
payments, medical insurance premiums, transportation costs, child care,
utilities, and groceries, to name just a sampling of services offered. Over the
past few years, Vicki has led Sense of Security from a mere dream to an
impressive reality, with its current budget at nearly $300,000 and almost 100
assisted patients to date. Though diagnosed with a second occurrence of breast
cancer, Vicki has maintained her selfless focus on providing assistance for
others, clearly making her an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things in the
fight against breast cancer.
Barbara Hensley,
Wayzata, MN
Hope for a Cure
After the heartbreaking loss of both her sisters, Kathy Smith Morgan and Patsy
Smith Miller to breast cancer and her mother, Betty Smith to lung cancer, which
is suspected to have metastasized from breast cancer, Barbara's life was
forever changed. She witnessed first-hand not only the physical and emotional
effects of the disease, but also the financial burden placed upon those
struggling for survival. Following the deaths of both her sisters and
consultations with breast cancer specialists, Barbara made the difficult
personal decision to undergo a preventative bilateral mastectomy.
In 2001, Barbara left the security of her executive management position as a
Vice President of Product Strategy and Management at a Fortune 500 company to
dedicate the rest of her professional life to the cause of breast cancer. She
took a second loan on her own home and used her extensive business and
leadership skills to develop and implement the business model for the
Hope Chest for Breast Cancer® Foundation.
The Hope Chest for Breast Cancer raises money through the sale of donated,
upscale furniture, accessories and designer clothing, utilizing a chain of
retail stores. In addition to the retail store, Hope Chest hosts a variety of
special events to raise money for the foundation.
Through the unique retail shop, grants and donations from corporations,
individuals and foundations, and the variety of creative and engaging special
events, the Hope Chest raises money to fund breast cancer research, early
detection and treatment programs, and hospice care for those touched by breast
cancer. At Hope Chest, a special emphasis is placed on helping people who are
battling breast cancer with inadequate or no health insurance. The Hope Chest
just recently gave the University of Minnesota Breast Cancer Center $100,000 to
fund an education program for women of different ethnicities on the importance
of early detection and to provide financial support to those with the disease.
"I am incredibly thankful to be a recipient of the Yoplait Champion Award,"
says Hensley. "The Hope Chest has a unique business model in that it includes a
for profit retail store of donated very upscale furniture, clothing and
accessories that will be franchised nationwide. These retail franchisees, or social
entrepreneurs, will contribute an ongoing revenue stream to the Hope
Chest Foundation." Ultimately, Hope Chest plans to open 50 franchises and, once
operational, contribute over 10 million dollars to breast cancer causes each
year.
Becky Haddad,
Denver, CO
Raising Awareness
Becky is a 19-year cancer survivor whose tireless work has made great strides
to educate the Denver community on breast cancer issues. Working through her
local Komen Foundation Affiliate speakers' bureau, she's spread the word on the
importance of breast self-exams, clinical breast exams and mammograms. She
volunteers from 30 hours a month to 30 a week, speaking at health fairs and
community organization meetings, all while holding down a fulltime job.
Among her contributions is the Multicultural Conference entitled "Breast Health
and Cultural Beliefs: Celebrating Our Differences and Similarities." The
conference strives to blur the lines that separate Denver's various racial,
cultural and socio-economic groups using breast health education and awareness
as a common concern. Over its six-year history, the conference has offered
breast health and breast cancer education to nearly 1,000 medically underserved
and uninsured Denver area women and men who are uninsured and not receiving
adequate service from the dominant health system. Under Becky's leadership,
community organizations and agencies come together to make a real difference in
the Denver's communities. Her respect and understanding of each community and
its members are keys to the success of the planning committee and the
conference. And it works. Participant surveys show an increase in breast health
education and awareness.
Becky believes that her own breast cancer was a gift, so much so that she's
taken Ralph Waldo Emerson's words to be her motto. "What lies behind us and
what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."
Carmen Gonzalez,
El Paso, TX
Sharing Her Strength
At the age of 44, Carmen Gonzalez was diagnosed with breast cancer in both
breasts. A single woman, between jobs and without insurance, she endured a
lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, all in a matter of two months. She lost
her apartment and her beloved cat. But she gained something even more valuable:
a new perspective on life.
Two years later, Carmen began working as the Coordinator for Support Services
at Texas Tech University's Breast Care Center, the very place where she'd
received her own diagnosis. In her new role, Carmen accompanies the doctor
every time a patient receives a diagnosis of breast cancer. She's there to hold
a woman's hand, offer her shoulder for a good cry and tell the patient her own
story of survival. Their diagnosis demands that these women face an uncertain
future. Carmen's there so they won't face it alone.
Carmen's job doesn't end at the diagnosis. She's with the patient through the
entire journey: she visits them at the hospital before and after surgery, at
the infusion center and throughout treatment, providing them with wigs, scarves
and even helping with their makeup.
Carmen also facilitates the only Spanish-language support group in the
predominately Hispanic city of El Paso. She volunteers her time at the El Paso
Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, serves on the
Education Committee and volunteers at health fairs, at the Race for the
Cure® and at the Annual Breast Cancer Survival Celebration.
Christine Smith,
Seattle, WA
A Gift of Comfort
Christine Smith was 32 years old at the time of her breast cancer diagnosis.
She had a husband, two small children and a strong support network. As she
underwent bilateral mastectomies, months of chemotherapy and future
reconstructive surgeries, she realized how fortunate she was to have so many
people around her at so challenging a time. During her treatment Christine saw
other women who didn't have the same support for dealing with the daily
realities of breast cancer. She decided she wanted to reach out to these
patients in a very practical way.
Six years ago, Christine founded the Northwest Hope and Healing Foundation. The
Foundation's mission is to provide financial assistance to patients in need,
for non-medical support services such as child care, meal service,
transportation, and emergency rent. Perhaps just as important are their
signature Healing Baskets. Filled with lotions, herbal teas and a teddy bear
for holding during treatment, the basket tells the newly diagnosed patient that
she's not alone.
Christine recently celebrated her five-year wellness mark, surrounded by her
family, friends and many of the patients she's touched along the way. Her
commitment to others is the heart of Northwest Hope and Healing. She leads by
example and shows others that you can turn personal tragedy into something
positive.
Cookie Aftergut,
Atlanta, GA
The Beauty Within
During her experience with chemotherapy for her breast cancer, Cookie had
nowhere to turn for guidance on how to cope with its effects. She decided other
women wouldn't have to face the ordeal alone.
Cookie founded ChemoChic to help women manage treatment that can rob them of
their energy, self-confidence and self-esteem. The organization's mission is
simple: Bring out your inner and outer beauty. To do this, ChemoChic enlists
the help of a nutritionist, a yoga instructor and oncology social worker. These
specialists teach women going through cancer treatments about healthful eating,
relaxation techniques, and other ways to enrich the body and sprit. Cookie also
offers inspirational support, and shows the women how to apply make-up and use
head coverings.
ChemoChic has proven so successful, it now has a network of locations that
offer this important program. ChemoChic has helped more than 300 women over the
past two years and is an affiliate program of the Georgia Cancer Foundation.
Cookie plans to expand ChemoChic throughout Georgia, and eventually nationwide.
Debbie Mancini-Wharff,
West Des Moines, IA
A Hobby Becomes Hope
Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 37. After undergoing
surgery and aggressive chemotherapy treatments, her doctors declared her
cancer-free.
But six months later, the cancer returned and this time it had metastasized to
her bones. Remarkably, Debbie didn't let the news knock her down. While
undergoing aggressive treatments, she continued to care for her children, run a
full-time business out of her home, and also found a way to turn her hobby into
a fund-raising effort for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Debbie established the Crop for the Cure, a gathering of dedicated scrapbookers
from her community. This year, 110 participants made a contribution to share in
their hobby, raising more than $13,000 for the Komen Foundation. Debbie is not
only a mother, career woman and breast cancer survivor, but an innovator in the
fight for a cure. She's an inspiration to all of us and breast cancer survivors
everywhere.
Denise O'Neill,
Arnold, MD
Survivors Teaching Survival
When Denise O'Neill was diagnosed with breast cancer, she saw a gap in the
emotional support system for newly diagnosed patients. When she was diagnosed,
she felt as if the rug had been pulled out from underneath her. Having to deal
with the diagnosis was devastating enough but having such a short time to
obtain information and make decisions about her treatment made things even more
difficult. She began to think of all the women who were even less informed than
she was. While undergoing treatment, Denise was also troubled by how many women
were dealing with breast cancer with very little emotional support.
After completing surgery and radiation, Denise took action. She resigned from
her full-time job. And, with 17 years of sales and marketing experience under
her belt, she founded Survivors Offering Support (SOS) at Anne Arundel Medical
Center in Annapolis. Her vision was of a trained volunteer survivor mentoring
organization whose services the hospital could integrate into its standard of
care for breast cancer patients. "Having someone who is kind and knowledgeable
and who has been through the experience right there when you've been diagnosed
is like throwing you a lifeline when you have just gone overboard," said Dr.
Lorraine Tafra, Director of the Breast Cancer at Anne Arundel Medical Center
(AAMC) in Annapolis.
SOS is an all-volunteer group of breast cancer patients who have successfully
battled the disease. These trained mentors are matched with newly diagnosed
breast cancer patients according to age, stage and interests. During the first
year, more than 50 women were trained as SOS mentors and several patients a
week requested matches. SOS volunteers meet with patients the day of surgery
and deliver Recovery Gift Bags and words of re-assurance. In 2006, the SOS
program is being provided to patients at Frederick Memorial Hospital with a
grant to extend services to three additional hospitals in Maryland pending.
Denise wants women to know that they don't have to make this journey alone. And
the SOS mentor is there to provide the emotional support they need.
Diane Youngblood,
Bedford, TX
Mother of Three Survivors
Six years ago, two of Diane Youngblood's daughters received diagnoses of breast
cancer within a week of each other. Her third daughter decided to take the test
for a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. She tested positive for the
marker and joined her sisters in electing to have prophylactic surgery to
reduce the chances of breast cancer or recurrence.
Her daughters were lucky enough to have access to committed health care
providers, pioneering research and genetic testing. After her daughters'
experiences, Diane decided to commit her efforts to the needs of those that are
less fortunate. In honor of her efforts, friends founded the Diane Youngblood
Endowment Fund for Breast Cancer Services. The Fund provides opportunities for
early breast cancer detection through screening, diagnostic services and
treatment referrals to individuals without the necessary financial resources.
Diane organizes fundraising events to raise money for the new endowment. She
hosted a Color Me Pink Luncheon to talk about awareness. She created the Color
Me Pink Store, selling pink ribbon items and other gifts. She inspired the
formation of the Sole Sistuhs, a group of women who do 60 mile walks to raise
money for breast cancer awareness. She even developed a hotline
(1-800-922-PINK) for those in need of immediate information.
Diane is tireless in her search for every nickel and dime she can raise. And,
through her endowment, people living with breast cancer can finally get the
access to healthcare they couldn't afford otherwise.
Dorothy Slator Paterson,
Houston, TX
Merit Badge for Awareness
Dorothy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1998. Since then, she's made it her
mission to unify people and organizations in the fight against the disease.
Dorothy has come up with some innovative approaches to educating young women
about breast health. As a Girl Scout Troop Leader and Breast Cancer Awareness
Coordinator for the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, Dorothy created the
"Heart Pillow Project." This one-time project developed into a year-round
campaign in which Girl Scouts sewed more than 7,000 heart-shaped pillows for
women living with breast cancer. Dorothy spends each Tuesday morning at the M.
D. Anderson Cancer Center counseling breast cancer patients and enjoys
presenting these special pillows to them.
Dorothy chaired the Girl Scout Council's Breast Cancer Awareness initiative
which, in partnership with M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, instituted a breast
cancer awareness merit badge called "In the Pink." She set up several annual
events to give Girl Scouts opportunities to earn the badge while teaching the
girls and their mothers about breast cancer and how to reduce one's risks. This
merit badge is now available to Girl Scouts nationwide.
Dorothy has served in various leadership roles for the Komen Houston Race for
the Cure® which benefits the Houston Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation. Under her supervision as the Race Chair in 2005, the Race
went on as planned and broke financial records in spite of significant
challenges from two major hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast during the month
beforehand. Her redesign of the Pledge Program helped increase its overall
fundraising success by over 550% between 2002 and 2005.
Dorothy has been recognized numerous times for her contribution to the cause.
Most recently, by President George W. Bush awarded the President's Call to
Service Award.
Ethel Kessler,
Bethesda, MD
Stamp for the Cause
In 1994, Ethel Kessler's graphic design business was thriving, with a staff and
a large client list. Then she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She knew the
diagnosis would alter her life. What she could not have known was how it would
change the direction of her career and set her on a journey toward improving
women's health.
Ethel decided to downsize her business while she was healing from her surgery
and radiation treatments. As she was reconsidering her professional future, she
received an unusual invitation from a client, the U.S. Postal Service. They
requested that she be one of six art directors in the nation to design
commemorative stamps.
It would be another eight months before Congress would pass the bill and the
President would sign into law the legislation to produce America's first
semi-postal stamp: one that would cover the cost of postage and raise money for
breast cancer research.
Since its launch in 1998, the breast cancer stamp has raised over $50 million
in support of breast cancer research programs funded through the National
Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Defense. It remains on sale today,
seven years later, in post offices around the country, well beyond the stamp's
initial two-year authorization period. In addition, Hungary has adopted the
stamp design for its semi-postal program and Ethel's art is now international.
The stamp's staying power illustrates the hope and inspiration it has provided
to those touched by breast cancer.
In addition to Ethel's volunteer efforts and stamp design work, she now focuses
her business on public health education projects, particularly those that
advance women's health. Ethel and her colleagues researched, wrote and designed
a guide for a free breast and cervical cancer screening program for
underinsured women, a diabetes control brochure for adult patients at public
health clinics and a toolkit on obesity prevention for adolescent girls.
Faye Dietiker,
Cypress, CA
Breast Cancer Angel
In 1999, Faye Dietiker, her sisters and some friends put together about $2,000
in Christmas presents to give to women in the chemotherapy room where Faye
received her treatments. The following March, she founded Breast Cancer Angels,
a group of volunteers that provides financial and emotional assistance to
breast cancer patients and survivors. The Angels help with groceries, housing,
clothing, transportation and medical expenses and gives women an opportunity to
help other women.
Just six years after its founding, Breast Cancer Angels has given more than
$650,000 in financial assistance. The group has more than 200 individual
contributors and a long list of corporate sponsors. A corporate sponsor meets
the overhead so that 100% of all other donations can go out to assist women in
treatment. Currently there are 76 families throughout Orange County, San Diego
and Long Beach receiving some type of financial support from Breast Cancer
Angels.
A Stage IV survivor, Faye has made a lifetime commitment to dedicating herself
to the cause and continues to be a champion in the fight against breast cancer.
Her innovative monthly donation structure, beginning at $20, enables women at
all income levels to participate in the fight against breast cancer. Faye has
not only affected the lives of the Angels' clients and their families, but also
of the Angels themselves, by giving them an opportunity to participate in this
fight.
Fran Robinson,
La Plata (Farmington), NM
The Navajo Community
Fran's history with breast cancer education started back in 1986 when she was
hired to open the nursing department at the San Juan Regional Cancer Center in
Farmington, New Mexico. She was the only nurse at the time and took care of all
of the women in the community diagnosed with breast cancer.
The large Navajo population in her area suffers a high mortality rate from
breast cancer. Because of typically late detection their limited access to
care, Navajo women have a lower rate of survival. Fran partnered with a local
Navajo breast cancer survivor and together they obtained a grant from the San
Juan Medical Foundation to develop a video in Navajo about early breast cancer
detection. They later received a second grant from the National Cancer
Institute for a second video about treatment options.
Fran continues to work with the Navajo Nation as a breast health specialist.
She works with the Department of Health, coordinating the New Mexico Breast and
Cervical Cancer Detection program for San Juan County in New Mexico. This
program helps low-income women get the screening necessary for early detection.
She is also a certified MammaCare Trainer and has developed a three-tiered
program teaching breast self-exams and clinical exams.
Fran has been a nurse for 32 years and has dedicated the last 18 years to
Oncology. She facilitates the Women's Cancer Support Group and sits on the
Cancer Committee as outreach coordinator.
Gennè McDonald,
Gainesville, FL
Rehabilitating Survivors' Spirits
Gennè McDonald's support of breast cancer programs and education began
decades before she was diagnosed with the disease herself. After her
grandmothers and great aunts had radical mastectomies, Gennè got
involved in the cause through her career in physical therapy.
For 16 years Gennè has worked with breast cancer survivors to regain
full or improved physical function. She has provided exercise programs to
breast cancer patients recovering from surgery and opened the Women's Center
for Rehabilitation in Colorado for women with breast cancer and other women's
health diagnoses. She educated the medical community and the community at large
about the psychological and physical needs of breast cancer patients and
survivors.
More recently, Gennè founded Team Survivor North Florida, a group
dedicated to helping women living with cancer to support each other as they
become more physically active. Team members compete in triathlons, half
marathons, yoga, bike events and other sporting events.
In addition to her work for the many breast cancer organizations she is
involved with, she continues to make daily connections with breast cancer
patients as their dedicated physical therapist. She makes a positive impact on
her patients through physical therapy and exercise by inspiring them to become
more involved, vocal and physically active themselves.
In 2001, Gennè received the Volunteer of the Year Award from her local
American Cancer Society chapter and won Lifetime Television's Hero award for
her work with breast cancer survivors.
Heather Pick,
Columbus, OH
News Anchor Tells Her Story
Most people in Columbus know Heather Pick as the news anchor who comes into
their homes each day via the local CBS affiliate. But recently, Heather
revealed to hundreds of thousands of viewers that she is battling breast cancer
for the second time in her life, aggressively tackling the disease that has now
spread to her bones and lungs. She shared her story to let her viewers know
that this is a disease that can affect anyone.
Heather's first bout with cancer came when she was just 28 years old and
working as anchorwoman in Illinois. When she was first diagnosed with cancer,
she took her fight to the airwaves in Illinois, producing the first in-person
series on her encounter with breast cancer.
Heather beat the odds once and was clear for five years. She came to Columbus
to further her career in broadcast journalism. Last year she learned that she
has breast cancer for the second time in her life. Heather is once again using
her celebrity to raise awareness about breast cancer. She is open with her
viewers about the process of fighting the disease, sharing details of her
battle.
Heather remains positive and active, continuing to push herself physically and
emotionally. Her example is proof that a breast cancer diagnosis is not the end
of your life. In fact, she recently completed the Columbus marathon and ran the
Phoenix 1/2 marathon.
Jana Peters,
San Francisco, CA
Educating Young Women
Jana Peters was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after she became engaged
to be married. At 27, in the midst of planning her wedding, she found a lump in
her breast while performing a self-exam. She underwent a mastectomy and
chemotherapy, and walked down the aisle on her original wedding date with a
breast form in her wedding gown and a wig on her head.
When Jana was first diagnosed there were few organizations in her local area
that focused on young women with breast cancer. So Jana founded The Ribbons of
Pink Foundation to promote breast health and support young breast cancer
survivors.
Since its inception, ROP has raised more than $150,000 for research related to
breast cancer in younger women. The Foundation also offers information to young
women about breast cancer and instruction on performing a self-exam.
Jana started a support network with three other young breast cancer survivors
and began monthly luncheons at Nordstrom's Cafè where they could laugh,
cry and educate each other. The women decided to write a book, Nordie's at Noon,
about their personal experiences. They hope it will help it will offer support
for other cancer survivors. But, most importantly, she wants the book to
encourage women to take responsibility for their breast health and to realize
that no one is "too young" for breast cancer.
Jeff Popkin,
Boston, MA
Son Honors Mom's Memory
After the devastating loss of his mother to breast cancer in 1994, Jeff Popkin
dedicated his life to the fight against breast cancer. In memory of his mother,
he and his brother founded the Ellie Fund to help fight breast cancer and ease
its effects on patients and families.
In the early years, the Ellie Fund donated its income to the Dana-Farber Cancer
Institute and the Wellness Community. The money helped provide wigs and scarves
to women undergoing breast cancer treatment in Boston, patient support
services, and a scholarship fund for Boston-area college freshman whose mothers
were undergoing treatment.
Most recently, Jeff created a pilot study to address the underserved needs of
the local breast cancer community. As a result, the Ellie Fund's Care for
Caregiver program provides transportation to medical appointments, meals,
daycare and house cleaning for patients and their families, completely free of
charge. Since its inception, the Care for the Caregiver program has raised
$100,000 and helped more than 50 families.
Because of the Ellie Fund's low overhead, lack of "red tape" and attention to
personal service, social workers are able to provide immediate care for their
patients, often in less than 48 hours. The Ellie Fund is proud of its ability
is to take donations on a Friday and put them to use benefiting patients the
following Monday.
Karen Parker-Chesson,
Chesapeake, VA
Radio Personality Speaks Out
After her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, Karen Parker-Chesson took to
the airways to educate her listeners about breast cancer. Karen uses her
position as a radio personality to talk to the local community about breast
cancer risks specific to the African American community.
Karen finds innovative ways to educate her listeners and get them involved in
the cause. She lets her listeners come along with her for her annual mammogram
by documenting the experience on the air and via the station's Web site. With
the help of a local jeweler, she created and commissioned the design for the
radio stations' signature Breast Cancer awareness pin. 100% of the proceeds
from the sale of the pin go to a local breast cancer charity. Karen also
initiated a local comedy show in 2004 and 2005 for Breast Cancer awareness
called "Comedy for the Cure." Local survivors were treated to a free night of
laughs with VIP treatment at the area's premiere comedy club. Proceeds from the
event went to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
In addition, Karen started a local Breast Cancer survivor's calendar in 2005.
The calendar, "A Celebration of Sisterhood," shows the faces and lives of
survivors, their family members, friends and those living with Breast Cancer.
She also initiated an exercise program called "Lutherobics" which is held in
October and February and encourages women to exercise to decrease their risk of
breast cancer. The program was named after the late singer, Luther Vandross,
who was the one time spokes-voice for her radio station.
Kathy Cawthon,
Hampton, VA
Movie with a Message
Kathy Cawthon was diagnosed with breast cancer six weeks after her husband
Roger was diagnosed with kidney cancer. During an office visit, one oncologist
said of their simultaneous diagnoses, "You had a better chance of winning the
lottery." No doubt, they would rather have taken the lottery. But not so today.
As 10-year survivors, they wouldn't trade all of the experiences they've had,
the people they've met and the lessons they've learned for the chance to go
back.
Kathy completed the Komen Race for the Cure in Virginia four years after her
diagnosis and five months later completed the Marine Corps Marathon with her
husband. Soon after, the couple began receiving invitations to speak at medical
conferences and cancer survivor events throughout the U.S. Today, Kathy travels
extensively, taking her message of hope, healing and humor to cancer survivors,
caregivers and medical professionals around the country.
Most recently, Kathy created a 3 1/2-minute movie, "The Survivor Movie." She
originally made it for her best friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in
2005. Remembering the terror and depression she experienced when she was
diagnosed, Kathy wanted to create something uplifting, life-affirming and
empowering. After presenting "The Survivor Movie" to her friend, Kathy decided
to post it on the internet. The results have been staggering. It's been viewed
300,000 times in at least 40 countries.
What is most rewarding for Kathy is that the movie seems to help viewers "open
up" about their own cancer experiences. Many have written to say that they had
been unable to talk about their diagnoses until they viewed the movie.
In addition to everything else she has done in the fight against breast cancer,
Kathy and her husband founded The Cancer Crusade, an organization dedicated to
"fighting cancer with hope and humor." They publish a free monthly online
newsletter, "The Cancer Connection," as well as weekly affirmations. They also
released a book, Medicine, Marathons and Miracles: Turning a Diagnosis of Cancer
into Personal Victory.
Martha Kaley,
Greensboro, NC
Crusader for Early Detection
Martha is the founder of the nation's only nonprofit organization focused
solely on funding research for a biological earlier detection test for breast
cancer. She hopes that, one day, the organization she created will be able to
close its doors forever, having changed the course of the disease.
Martha discovered her breast cancer by chance. Checking a scratch she got while
playing with her dog, she found a mass in her breast. Because it was of the
same density as her breast tissue, the lump didn't show up in her most recent
mammogram. Only after a needle biopsy and subsequent removal of the growth, was
her doctor able to determine that the lump was malignant.
Martha decided that the "chance" had to be taken out of breast cancer
detection. The technology available to detect this disease was not enough.
Martha discovered that, despite all of the money going toward cancer research,
very little work was directed toward a biological test to detect breast cancer.
She was determined to fund research exclusively for an earlier detection
method, and began a small campaign to raise some money.
In 1995, she established Friends ... You Can Count On®. Its mission: to
raise funding and provide seed grants to researchers and scientists seeking
biological markers for the presence of breast cancer. This biomarker would
identify breast cancer at its earliest stages, possibly before a tumor has even
had the chance to form.
In 2003, the organization's name was changed to express the mission more
clearly – Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test. In the last ten years,
Friends has awarded 40 grants and sent over $1.5 million to medical and
academic institutions and research projects around the world.
As a result of their research from Friends' funding, several scientists have
received extended funding from other sources, and/or published significant work
in scientific journals, leading to further discoveries. Martha speaks every day
of "when we find the test." It is her vision to change the course of breast
cancer as we know it.
Mary Lynn Faunda Donovan,
Greer, SC
Low-income Issues
Ten years ago, Mary Lynn's mother was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer.
Just a few days later, Mary Lynn discovered a lump in her own breast. At 35,
she had breast cancer.
She began volunteering with Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization and joined
the board of the Chicagoland Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation. But it wasn't until her mother's death from breast cancer four
years later, and a friend's death from the disease, that Mary Lynn knew she
needed to become a leader in this fight.
As of July 1, 2005, uninsured, low income women ages 18-64 in South Carolina
now have access to treatment for breast and cervical cancer thanks to Mary
Lynn's leadership in mobilizing South Carolina's Governor and legislators to
allocate one million dollars for treatment. The state funding is matched with
$3.76 million in federal matching funds through the federal Breast and Cervical
Cancer Prevention and Treatment Act of 2000 to fully fund the program.
South Carolina is now only one of 12 states in the nation to adopt this
coverage for treatment to help hundreds of South Carolina women survive the
fight against breast and cervical cancer.
Recognizing the critical role of churches in disseminating health care
information, Mary Lynn launched Pink Sunday during Breast Cancer Awareness
Month as a grassroots effort with churches in 11 Upstate counties to raise
awareness. In 2004, more than 200 churches participated, receiving 30,000
packets of breast cancer educational material. In 2005, Pink Sunday
participation increased 33% when more than 250 churches registered to
participate and 40,000 women received breast cancer educational packets.
These are the highlights of Mary Lynn's three year term as President of the
Board of Directors of the Upstate South Carolina Affiliate of the Komen
Foundation. Under her leadership, the Affiliate was awarded the prestigious
10th Annual Affiliate Award at the Komen Affiliates' Conference in Dallas 2005
and the 2005 South Carolina Cancer Alliance Cancer Control Award in Early
Detection. In 2006, Mary Lynn was awarded the South Carolina Cancer Alliance
Excellence Award in Advocacy and Policy for her leadership in securing the $1
million in state funding for breast and cervical cancer treatment. At the June
2006 Mission Conference of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation in
Dallas, TX, the Pink Sunday program of the Komen Upstate South Carolina
Affiliate was selected for the 2006 Education Outreach Honor Roll for best
outreach program among the 113 Affiliates nationwide.
Nancy Ryan,
Lee, NH
Health Issues are Political Issues
Several months after her first mammogram, Nancy noticed a small lump in her
left breast and went to the doctor. Fourteen months and two mammograms later,
she was diagnosed with Stage III lobular carcinoma. The large tumor had eluded
detection by mammography.
The discrepancy between the "early detection" message and her personal
experience compelled Nancy to learn as much as possible about breast cancer.
She attended a 1991 breast cancer conference in Chicago where she learned about
the newly formed National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC). NBCC taught Nancy
that breast cancer is not only a medical issue, it is also a political one.
In 1992, Nancy recruited ten New Hampshire women to help her form the New
Hampshire Breast Cancer Coalition (NHBCC). Nancy wanted to support the NBCC,
educate New Hampshire citizens and assist New Hampshire women facing breast
cancer. Since 1989, Nancy has donated her time, skills and energy to the cause.
She serves as the New Hampshire Field Coordinator for the National Breast
Cancer Coalition and serves as the Chair of the New Hampshire Breast Cancer
Coalition.
Seeing the need for a comprehensive breast cancer resource guide for New
Hampshire residents, Nancy suggested that NHBCC compile and distribute a book
of detection, treatment and recovery services in each of New Hampshire's ten
counties. Additionally, Nancy also helped produce a 45-minute educational video
about breast cancer for professional, family and volunteer caregivers. The
Emmy®-nominated video, "Caring for Mo," is used in nursing schools and
hospice programs across the country and Canada.
As Field Coordinator for NBCC, Nancy developed a statewide legislative alert
network and coordinates all of the NBCC political and educational initiatives
for New Hampshire. NBCC led the nation in passing the federal Breast and
Cervical Cancer Treatment Act, a state-optional program that guarantees
treatment for low-income, uninsured women diagnosed with breast or cervical
cancer through the free federal screening program. New Hampshire was one of the
first three states to opt in to the program.
Sarah Copeland,
Savannah, GA
Small Business. Big Goals
Sarah Copeland's life changed in June 2001 when her aunt and godmother,
Elizabeth "Libby" Burns, died of breast cancer at the age of 48. Nine months
later, Sarah, and her cousin Amie, formed LibLines, a non-profit organization,
in honor of Aunty Libby and her battle.
Sarah established LibLines with a line of greeting cards designed to facilitate
open communication between individuals with cancer, their family and their
friends. Three lines of greeting cards were created – Lifts, Life and Loves –
which allow everyone to share hope, strength and encouragement with friends and
relatives. All profits from the greeting cards are used to assist in the battle
against breast cancer.
A simple goal of providing targeted greeting cards has blossomed into a
dedicated focus on encouraging communication, facilitating education,
increasing awareness and providing support.
Sarah has also honored her Aunt Libby in other ways. When Sarah's Aunt was
first diagnosed with breast cancer, Sarah and her husband signed up for a
60-mile walk for breast cancer. Instead of writing Libby's name on her T-shirt,
Sarah decided to show her support by dying her hair pink. To this day, Sarah
colors her hair pink to raise breast cancer awareness. At the time, she did not
realize a splash of color would foster communication about breast cancer.
Today, Sarah is known around Savannah, GA for her pink hair – it has become a
trademark and conversation piece.
Sarah's efforts are not limited to LibLines or her pink hair. She has been
involved with fundraisers, such as "Chocoholic Frolic," "Bowling for Boobs,"
"Bowling for Breast Cancer," and the "Pink Hat Extravaganza." In addition,
Sarah has served as the co-chair for Savannah Relay for Life for the past three
years, and is active with The Better Breast Health program, The Junior League
of Savannah and is a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.
Shaney Jo Darden,
San Diego, CA
Creativity for the Cause
Shaney Jo Darden has traveled the globe raising awareness and funds for breast
cancer research, treatment and prevention. She co-founded the Keep A Breast
Foundation in an effort to bring a fresh approach to fundraising for breast
cancer and at the same time be relevant and inspiring to today's youth.
The Keep A Breast Foundation enlists artists to create one-of-a-kind plaster
forms of the female torso and auctions them off to raise awareness and funding
for breast cancer research and treatment. "We are often struck by the absolute
and overwhelming feeling that the work we're doing is important. We can make
the difference by raising awareness, raising people's spirits and helping to
save lives," says Shaney Jo.
Shaney enlists some of today's most progressive artists, athletes and
celebrities to participate in the cause. A number of innovative personalities
have become involved with Keep A Breast events, like Dita Von Tesse, pro
surfers Lisa Anderson and Layne Beachley, and musicians Tom Delonge of
Blink182, Maya Ford of the Donnas and the line-up from the Foo Fighters. These
individuals have been tremendously instrumental in helping Keep A Breast raise
funds and inform young people about breast cancer.
The decorated plaster casts of the female torsos are auctioned at events all
over the world. Over the past five years Keep A Breast benefits have attracted
young and old alike raising many thousands of dollars on behalf of breast
cancer organizations near and far. In 2005, Keep A Breast raised more than
$95,000 and currently has plans to exceed this milestone and spread its unique
brand of fundraising and awareness to communities in need throughout the globe.
Sharon Bassett,
Indianapolis, IN
A Hand to Hold
Sharon was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago and since that time,
she was in remission twice. While with Stage IV cancer, she underwent
experimental treatment.
But rather than focus on her own needs, she realized there are other people
with breast cancer who have neither the support of family and friends, nor the
financial resources to meet their basic needs.
In October 2002, Bassett and her family established the Sharon L. Bassett Fund
to help families in Indiana and Illinois dealing with breast cancer. Sharon's
vision is to provide "a hand to hold onto" for people dealing with breast
cancer and their families.
The fund has supplied wigs for women undergoing chemotherapy, child care costs
during and after treatment, financial assistance for gas, travel for treatment
and often a basket of hand selected items that are unique to the interests of
the man or woman with breast cancer. One of the most extraordinary things has
been to provide special getaways for families at the end of treatment. Sharon
is a believer in having "something to look forward to." Finally, the Fund has
provided $45,000 to support oncology research.
On June 16, 2006 Sharon passed away. Her legacy is the Sharon L. Bassett Fund.
To date, Sharon and her friends and family have raised more than $300,000 to
help families in Indianapolis and across central Indiana and Illinois dealing
with breast cancer.
Tammy S. Greyshock,
Charlotte, NC
Laughing for a Cure
In the late 1980s, Tammy's 39-year-old mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Watching her mother face her own mortality at such a young age had a tremendous
impact on her, and led her to work with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer
Foundation in its mission to eradicate breast cancer as a life-threatening
disease.
In 2002, Tammy founded Laugh for the Cure®. An evening at Laugh for the
Cure features performances from well-known comedians and silent and live
auctions. The organization has just celebrated its fifth anniversary with an
event in Charlotte. In 2005, Tammy organized a Laugh event in Spokane,
Washington.
These events have raised almost $100,000 for local Komen Affiliates and Tammy
plans to build on their success by continuing to expand into other markets
around the country. Additional information about bringing a Laugh for the Cure
to your town is available on their Web site at: www.laughforthecure.com.
Laugh for the Cure has been recognized by the Komen Charlotte Affiliate and the
Komen National Affiliate for its ability to raise awareness and funding for
breast health education, screening and treatment efforts in a community.
Jeanne Fitzmaurice,
Bend, OR
Gal Pals Fight for the Cause
According to "Chief Gal," Jeanne Fitzmaurice, when passion and purpose collide
magical things will happen.
Fitzmaurice is among the lucky few who have reached that magical point in life.
After journeying through her own personal trials and alternate career paths,
Fitzmaurice decided to create and dedicate a Website business and its related
non-profit group— designhergals.com
and the Gal to Gal Foundation—to raising funds and awareness for Stage IV
breast cancer patients.
Stage IV, or metastatic, breast cancer is the most advanced type. A Stage IV
diagnosis means that the cancer has spread outside of the original tumor site.
Many notable and duly credited organizations support breast cancer research,
prevention and early-stage treatment. But the level of resources dedicated to
people living with Stage IV cancer is much lower, in comparison.
It was several years ago that Fitzmaurice’s cousin, Robin, died from breast
cancer. Since then another dear friend of the Board of the Gal to Gal
Foundation, Janis, also died from Stage IV breast cancer. Through their
courageous battles and openness about living with and dying from
cancer—Fitzmaurice came closer to understanding the needs and desires of women
with the Stage IV diagnosis. They allowed her to witness firsthand the
challenges and even opportunities created by this life-altering disease.
Jeanne Fitzmaurice’s business philosophy can be summed up by the phrase
"purpose before personal profitability." In 2005, she launched
designhergals.com, a Website focused on the celebration of women. Her
goal was to make the website a tool that would allow women to express their
individuality and build a community of support, in addition to raising money
and awareness for late-stage breast cancer.
The Website was designed to be fun, interactive and some would even say
addictive. Women (and girls) can create their own virtual likeness (by
selecting skin tone, eye shape, body type, hairstyle and color) and "style" (by
choosing from 100’s of outfits and accessories) and have that "Gal" produced on
an assortment of personalized stationery and gift items. Design-her Gals
presents a world of fashion and fun, where everything in your closet always
fits, and everyday is a good hair day . . . even if you may have lost it all in
chemotherapy. Not to worry, the site also lets you choose a scarf in lieu of a
hairstyle.
Design-her Gals donates 5 percent of its gross sales to the Gal to Gal
Foundation, a non-profit foundation dedicating 100% of its resources to Stage
IV causes. The Foundation identifies and supports organizations that are making
meaningful contributions to the lives of people with Stage IV breast cancer.
In 2006, Design-her Gals pledged $100,000 for the late-stage breast cancer
cause, and Fitzmaurice set a goal of donating $1 million over the next
three-years. Her hope is that money will in part be used to sponsor a
nationwide online resource for people with advanced-stage breast cancer. In
addition, these funds will also be used to help Making Memories Breast Cancer
Foundation grant the wishes of Stage IV breast cancer patients and their
families. In January, the Gal to Gal Foundation gave their first $20,000 to
Making Memories.
By many measures, it would seem that Fitzmaurice has been successful in growing
her business. Through the support of 150,000 community members, Fitzmaurice’s
hope is that her voice and message on behalf of Stage IV patients is heard
throughout the nation.
Andrea Ivory,
Miami, FL
Breast Cancer Buddy
Throughout Andrea Ivory’s recovery from breast cancer, she kept thinking about
those who were losing their fight against the disease because they lacked
awareness and access to health care. This spurred Andrea to establish
The Florida Breast Health Initiative (FBHI) in 2005, to raise breast
health awareness and increase health care access for women who are uninsured
and underserved by the health care system.
By conducting grassroots neighborhood outreach, FBHI targets neighborhoods
likely to have the highest concentrations of medically uninsured women. Due to
Andrea’s leadership, persistence and perseverance, in 2006 FBHI was able to
quickly conduct its outreach in neighborhoods of North Miami-Dade County
reaching 1,800 homes.
Through FBHI and "A Buddie for You", Andrea serves as a mentor to newly
diagnosed breast cancer patients by helping them through the process. Recently,
Andrea participated in the National Breast Cancer Coalition 2006 Advocacy
Conference and traveled to Washington, D.C., to participate in the National
Breast Cancer Coalition 2006 Lobby Day. As a member of the NBCC Florida
Delegation, Andrea met with Florida Senators and Congressmen to gain support
for the NBCC’s issues.
In addition to her role as a mentor and breast health advocate, Andrea has
participated in the Coping and Recovery project at the University of Miami,
which conducts research and offers training in stress reduction techniques and
interpersonal coping skills, as well as support groups for women to share their
experiences with breast cancer.
Through all of her efforts, Andrea strives to eradicate breast cancer as a life
threatening disease, one household at a time.
Beverly Vote,
Lebanon, MO
Breast Cancer Wellness
A 14-year breast cancer survivor, Beverly Vote works tirelessly to empower
women in their fight against breast cancer. Her passion is to help others
experience healing and wellness to the fullest extent, through publishing
stories of hope.
Beverly is creator and publisher of Breast Cancer WELLNESS, a free
magazine distributed quarterly to more than 30,000 survivors and caregivers. Breast
Cancer WELLNESS offers cutting edge advice from leading experts in the
field of healing and wellness and inspirational stories of breast cancer
survival. Beverly knows that sharing stories of courage and hope is critical
for breast cancer survivors, particularly following their diagnosis when they
are in shock and need to know what is available to them in their journey to
healing. The magazine debuted in early 2006 and is receiving rave reviews.
Beverly’s web site,
www.breastcancerwellness.org, also provides timely and important
information to survivors and allows visitors to download her magazine.
In the near future, Beverly will take to the airwaves when her radio show
debuts with more stories of hope.
Beverly is also a contributing writer to Chicken Soup for the Breast Cancer
Survivor's Soul and Dancing With Fear:Tips and Wisdom from Breast
Cancer Survivors. She is completing a book for women on surviving
cancer, Getting Even with the Odds of Cancer: Master Survivors Speak Out,
to be released in 2008.
Prior to being diagnosed with breast cancer, Beverly owned an insurance agency.
She now devotes her time fully to the breast cancer wellness mission and to
ongoing events and causes that empower women, including helping to organize a
breast cancer survivors cruise to Alaska, to benefit the Susan G. Komen for the
Cure.
Cathy Varunok,
Poughkeepsie, NY
Support in the Hudson Valley
Cathy Varunok has been a crusader against the devastating effects of breast
cancer since she lost her 36-year-old younger sister to the disease 15 years
ago.
After participating in countless walks to raise money for breast cancer
support, Cathy decided to start her own foundation with a partner, also a
breast cancer survivor, to fund support programs for people in Hudson Valley,
NY. Three and a half years later, the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
has raised more than $800,000 and helped thousands of women.
As an Occupational Therapist specializing in breast cancer rehabilitation,
Cathy knows what resources are available for people in treatment, finished with
treatment and longer term survivors. She was adamant about starting a program
that would help people with financial emergencies. Soon after, Medical Gap Care
Fund was born. Medical Gap Care provides money for heating bills, car payments,
transportation to treatment and much more.
Cathy handles every request, speaks to the Social Service Agency about the
individual and determines the extent of need. The Foundation takes pride that
there is a maximum 48-hour turnaround for funding and Cathy is available 24/7
to both agencies and individuals who call her directly. Miles of Hope has paid
for back-to-school clothes for children, summer camp, a mortgage payment, a
cell phone bill and countless wigs.
Miles of Hope is a 501(c)3 foundation with a mission to support people affected
by breast cancer in the Hudson Valley. The Foundation accepts all grant
proposals in the area of breast cancer support (not research) and Cathy, as a
co-founder, reads all proposals and discusses their merits with the Executive
Committee.
Cathy was also instrumental in starting a Scholarship Program at the Foundation
for high school seniors whose lives have been affected by breast cancer. She
also started a women's soccer tournament with benefits donated to Miles of
Hope. This year, 50 teams participated and 1,000 spectators watched the
competition involving all different levels of soccer. The Goals for Hope
Women's Soccer Tournament raised $40,000.
Last March, the Hoops for Hope Women's Basketball Tournament was created to
accommodate basketball playing moms. Twenty teams helped raise $20,000. Cathy
played and officiated.
During Breast Cancer Awareness month, Cathy is very active in the community
giving lectures related to exercise after breast cancer and managing lymphedema
after breast cancer. She attends many community functions related to breast
cancer awareness both within and outside the Foundation. She advocates for
people with breast cancer to countless businesses, corporations, community
agencies and medical professionals.
Last year, Cathy single-handedly organized a conference entitled "Reclaiming
Intimacy and Sexuality After Cancer". The conference was timely and relevant.
The findings reverberated in the community for months. In addition she
presented a workshop at the United Nations for the Occupational Therapy
Community on the global issue of Breast Cancer and how to address it on a
community level. Cathy's work and tireless efforts are inspirational.
Colleen Johnson,
Kansas City, MO
Mammograms, Wigs, and Accessories
Seeing the needs in her community for increased access to health care for
women, Colleen Johnson has led the charge to create many programs for breast
cancer support.
Active in women’s healthcare for more than 25 years, Colleen has specialized in
treating breast disease for the past 15 years. As Senior Director of Saint
Luke’s Cancer Institute’s, Center for Breast Care, she develops local
comprehensive cancer programs and has served as a national consultant to other
institutions.
Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute’s Transportable Mammography program was first
implemented in 1999 under Colleen’s direction. The program serves women who
have minimal income and poor access to routine medical care and is the only
transportable mammography program in the Greater Kansas City area. The program
has screened thousands and detected 41 cancers in women who otherwise would not
have been financially eligible to receive this service.
Under Colleen’s direction, the unit affectionately named “Sophie”
(Sophisticated Imaging Equipment) is transported in a compact van bringing
service into the workplace, area health clinics, churches and other nonprofit
organizations. A centralized scheduling line has ensured easy access. Sophie
also serves local businesses, primarily insured and private pay patients, which
offsets costs. This five-year-old program has maintained a healthy financial
operating budget each year. To date, the number of women served has increased
by 388%.
In addition, Colleen obtained philanthropic support for Missys’ Mirror, a one
stop shop for wigs, hats, scarves and breast prosthesis. This non-profit
center, committed to improving the appearance, self-esteem and wellness of area
cancer patients, provides a comfortable setting for choosing clothing, wigs,
accessories and more, with the personal assistance of specially trained, caring
volunteers. Community support for Missys’ Mirror has been outstanding and a
dream come true for Colleen. With an initial $70,000 endowment for patients in
need of support, no one is turned away.
Colleen also developed the Nurse Navigator program and the Newly Diagnosed
Patient class at Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute. The Nurse Navigator is a
consistent resource to patients and their families and is able to meet each
patient in person at the time of their surgical consultation. Colleen designed
the Nurse Navigator to be available throughout the continuum of care assessing
the physical, educational, psychological and social needs of patients.
Additionally, Colleen established a four-hour monthly class covering the gamut
of topics related to breast cancer and made it available for all newly
diagnosed breast cancer patients, whether they're treated at Saint Luke’s
Health System or elsewhere in the community.
Colleen has donated thousands of hours of clinical and educational charity care
and has been on voluntary 24 hour call for the past 7 years. Currently, Colleen
is a member of several breast care committees and is working with two local
Mayors and the Director of Public Health to facilitate breast cancer charity
care for Kansas City residents who are not U.S. citizens. She is also
developing a partnership with Saint Luke’s Cancer Institute and Walter Reed
Army Hospital for research into the cause of breast cancer.
Donna Bruck,
Monroe, MI
You Don't Have to Be Over 40 to Have Breast Cancer
At age 24, Donna Bruck found a three centimeter tumor during a breast self-exam
and was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma. Prior to her diagnosis,
Donna's grandfather survived breast cancer, and a year after Donna's chemo
ended her mother received the same diagnosis. Donna is proud to be from a
family of survivors.
Despite six surgeries for mastectomy, port placement/removal and breast
reconstruction, five months of chemotherapy and losing her trademark long
blonde hair, Donna has kept her loving disposition.
Donna speaks at every opportunity she finds, telling her story of young
diagnosis with hopes that more women will conduct breast self-exams and get
mammograms after hearing her experience. Donna is intensely involved with the
Monroe Cancer Connection in Michigan, an organization that services the needs
of people with cancer. With her hair only one inch long, Donna’s smiling face
could be seen in local public service announcements under the heading: You
Don’t Have to be Over 40 to Have Breast Cancer. Donna served as the 2004
keynote speaker at the Monroe Cancer Connections’ “Cup of Tea for Hope”
fundraiser and shared her “Cancer Scrap Book,” a collection of cards and
letters, photographs and medical paperwork detailing her journey. She has
spoken at schools, churches, cancer fundraisers, youth centers, VFW halls, and
the local cable station.
In between speaking engagements, Donna has driven more than 2,300 miles in 2006
transporting patients to doctors appointments and chemotherapy treatment as a
way to connect with people in need. She remains with patients while they are
injected with their chemotherapy regimens to offer them serenity and
encouragement.
Donna meets, comforts and mentors many women as they start their journey
through breast cancer. She makes phone calls and often visits them in person at
their homes, sharing a personal photo diary of her reconstruction surgeries.
In addition to speaking and mentoring, Donna was the driving force behind her
family’s American Cancer Society Relay for Life team, Fight Like a Girl - Fight
For A Cure! Donna and her sister are co-captains and Donna participates in
fundraising activities year-round. The team raised more than $3,000 in its
first year.
At a time in her life when she could have said "why me?," Donna asked: "How can
I help others?"
Elaine Lustig,
Orlando, FL
Tennis and Golf Help Find a Cure
Elaine Lustig was upset watching many of her closest friends suffer from breast
cancer and sometimes succumbing to the disease. She wanted to do something
about it. So Elaine, a longtime community volunteer, and her golfing buddy
Sheila Solomon formed Women Playing For T.I.M.E. (technology, immediate
diagnosis, mammography and education.)
In 1993, armed with the passion to defeat breast cancer and to educate others
about the disease, more than 700 ladies competed at the prestigious Lake Nona
Club in a two day tennis and golf event. They raised $100,000.
But their fight had just begun. Today, Women Playing For T.I.M.E. raises
$450,000 annually for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Orlando in four other
satellite events. This year, their efforts topped $6 million.
T.I.M.E. supports a world-class breast cancer diagnostic center by providing
educational resources, vehicles that transport low-income patients to and from
treatment and offering support to staff. They have also helped pay for a
Helical Tomotherapy machine which facilitates a new technique for administering
radiation therapy. This year, all of the monies raised will go to research.
Sheila lost her battle in 2000, but in her name Elaine’s group helped generate
funds to start a Breast Care Center and a boutique that offers hard-to-find
items designed especially for women being treated for breast cancer. Products
include scarves, hats, self-help books, post-mastectomy camisoles, sensitive
skin products, handbags, jewelry and feminine sports wear. Most items are free
gifts from T.I.M.E. or provided in exchange for small donations. Their goal is
to help women keep their dignity.
Since Sheila lost her battle in 2000, Elaine has helped recruit influential
members, secure sponsors and educate countless women about cancer. She runs the
steering committee and plans events to support the group’s mission. Event
participants receive a special signature pink V.I.P. card. Though the hope is
that the card will never have to be used, cardholders are assured an
appointment at the cancer center for evaluation of suspicious test results.
This lady in pink motivates hundreds to promote change and awareness.
Ellen Richman,
Jenkintown, PA
Look Good, Feel Better
Think of a way to touch the life of a breast cancer patient and chances are
that Ellen Richman is doing it and thinking of ways to improve it. Ellen has
been referred to as kind, talented, devoted, and inventive, but most
importantly, inspired.
When Ellen received a suspicious mammogram result, she visited a physician at
Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia. Impressed and inspired by the
way she was treated, Ellen trained to become an American Cancer Society Reach to
Recovery® volunteer for the Center’s breast health initiative.
Working directly with three breast surgeons of the Women’s Center, sometimes
starting as early as 5:30 AM, Ellen offers encouraging words to women prepping
for surgery. Once the patient is in surgery, she meets with their family to
offer comfort and answer questions. After surgery, Ellen continues to reassure
patients who have had a lumpectomy and visits mastectomy patients who require
overnight care. Through distribution of post surgery care packages that include
personal care items and educational information, and follow up calls with
patients twice a week throughout their recovery, Ellen provides breast cancer
patients a reliable and stable support system.
In addition to emotional support, Ellen offers recovering patients referrals
for physical therapy, financial assistance and recommendations for places to
find personal products such as post-mastectomy bras and wigs.
Through her volunteer efforts, Ellen built close relationships with many
patients and realized the areas of need within breast cancer recovery care
services. In response, she facilitates American Cancer Society Look Good, Feel
Better®, a quarterly event held at Einstein, where breast cancer patients
receive free make-up kits and beauty instruction. Further, after witnessing
patient discomfort caused by draining after surgery, Ellen consulted physicians
and lawyers about a device she designed to alleviate this discomfort and pain.
Outside of her daily volunteer efforts, Ellen is a fifth year member of the
Breast Cancer Action Group, which focuses its efforts on breast cancer
awareness, advocating for patients’ rights and sponsoring education and
outreach programs for all aspects of breast health. She is a top fundraiser,
organizing the group’s Bloomingdales shopping day and supervising the Susan G.
Komen Race for the Cure® on Mother’s Day.
Elsa Pèrez,
San Antonio, TX
Breast Cancer Talk for Everyone
Elsa Perez was only 16 years old when her mother was diagnosed with breast
cancer and underwent a double mastectomy. At the time, she didn’t know anything
about breast cancer. Due to a lack of available resources and information about
the disease, Elsa and her family had difficulty finding answers and support.
Since then, Elsa has dedicated her time to educating women, in both English and
Spanish, about early detection as well as recruiting her friends, family and
co-workers to support the mission of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Her
tireless volunteer efforts are to honor her mother, a 34-year breast cancer
survivor, and to ensure that her two daughters can live in a world where breast
cancer is no longer a life-altering and threatening disease.
Serving the local Komen Foundation has become Elsa’s part-time job, for which
she gladly volunteers. For seven years, she has assisted the local affiliate in
a multitude of ways such as creating and delivering survivor gift baskets for
women recently diagnosed with breast cancer, conducting awareness and
educational presentations at schools, businesses, and health fairs,
participating in Champions for the Cure® by lobbying for Congressional support,
building volunteer databases, coordinating and creating email blasts, serving
as volunteer co-chair for the San Antonio Race for the Cure®, participating as
a Latinas for a Cure committee member and by speaking at church congregations
during Pink Ribbon Month.
Elsa is a true leader among volunteers. She has a wonderful way of delegating
duties and working relentlessly so that every volunteer feels they play an
important role. Her enthusiasm is contagious and her smile is comforting.
Grace Wright,
Chapel Hill, NC
Teaching Women with Disabilities about Breast Cancer
For Grace, there are no barriers when it comes to communicating the importance
of early detection and breast cancer screening to women with disabilities. At
the North Carolina Office of Disability and Health (NCODH), she has taken a
lead role in developing Women Be Healthy, a program that teaches women with
disabilities about reproductive health, breast cancer screenings and active
participation in their healthcare.
Because women with intellectual disabilities tend to take a more passive role
in their healthcare screening, Grace is determined to explain and demonstrate
how self-screenings can save their lives. Grace’s charisma makes this often
difficult and personal topic a safe and empowering experience for them. Her
ability to explain and demonstrate self-screenings in a basic, yet respectful
manner has made a difference in the lives of many women in her state.
Through the Women Be Healthy program, women with disabilities learn how to do a
breast self-exam and what to expect during a clinical breast exam and
mammogram. Grace co-facilitates the eight-week course with many agencies in
North Carolina. Follow-up interviews with class participants have documented
that these women are speaking up more about their health concerns.
Grace has volunteered for the past 12 years at Save Our Sisters of Rex, a local
lay health advisory group, which focuses on educating and encouraging African
American women to get breast cancer screening (monthly self breast exams,
annual clinical breast exams and age appropriate mammograms). In addition, she
participates every year in the local Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. She
also works with the IWILL (Incarcerated Women
Interested In Living/Learning)
at the North Carolina Correctional Center for Women in Raleigh with the Komen
Foundation Local affiliate.
Janey Shugart,
Granite Bay, CA
Teaching Youngsters
Since 2001, Janey Shugart has served as the guiding force for The Pink Ladies,
a group of high school students dedicated "to enrich and educate young women,
young men and faculty while raising money for breast cancer and cancer research
foundations."
Janey first became involved in the program when six ambitious, devoted female
students, including her daughter, expressed interest in honoring their loved
ones who had battled breast cancer by making a difference in the community.
With Janey’s support, The Pink Ladies has grown into a 150 member, student-run
organization at Granite Bay High School in Granite Bay, California. Janey
volunteers her time researching fundraising opportunities and organizing guest
speakers for the group’s monthly meetings.
The Pink Ladies have participated in the Race for the Cure the past five years.
They have made table decorations for the Kick-Off, dedicated cheerleaders have
performed original chants, they have stuffed thousands of survivor bags and
contributed themed buttons. When staff or students have been diagnosed with
cancer, they have coordinated fundraisers to support them.
Last spring their fashion show, Surviving Beautifully, raised over $3,000 for
the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and American Cancer Society. Through the sale
of pink ribbons on campus, the students were able to give two $500 scholarships
to graduating seniors with an immediate family member affected by cancer
through the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer Fund. This year Granite Bay High School
will host its first Relay for Life benefiting the American Cancer Society.
Janey joined Team in Training last summer and enthusiastically completed the
Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco which benefited the Leukemia Lymphoma
Society.
Through this program, Janey has been able to mentor and guide students through
the sometimes difficult years of high school. She has taught them the true
meaning of charity and giving, a lesson most students will take with them for
the rest of their lives.
Joanne Seneta,
Lynn, MA
Gardening for the Cure
Finding a cure for breast cancer has become a life pursuit for Joanne and her
family. In 2003, three days before her youngest daughter’s wedding shower,
Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was facing the disease that her
Mom had faced 8 years earlier and is now a survivor.
Determined to raise awareness for the disease that has touched her life several
times, Joanne, with the support of her daughters, enrolled in the 2004 Susan G.
Komen for the Cure Breast Cancer 3Day walk. The 3Day is a journey of 60 miles
that takes place in 12 cities every year in the United States. This first step
was the beginning of an amazing, continuing journey that has evolved out of
determination, friendship, leadership and love.
In 2005, she participated again and formed a team called The Pink Angels. As a
result of her leadership, the team steadily grew to more than 30 members
raising $112,000. In 2006, the team grew to 90 members and raised more than
$250,000 for breast cancer research. At the time of the 3-Day walk in Boston,
they were the number one fundraising team in the country.
In addition, Joanne began The Bow Ridge Garden Tour, a summer tour of her
neighbor’s gardens, which in 2006 included 12 homes, with all the proceeds
going to the cause. Since 2004, the gardens have received recognition from
several formal flower garden judges in Massachusetts and involved the entire
neighborhood. To date the tour has raised more than $16,000.
Her latest project was her participation on a calendar featuring breast cancer
survivors created by a member of The Pink Angels. Nearly 2,000 calendars have
been sold to date. In The Pink Angels, Joanne has found long-lasting
friendships and the strength she needs to continue fighting against breast
cancer.
LaTondria Carter,
Tallahassee, FL
Student "SuperWoman"
A 23 year-old graduating biology student, LaTondria learned firsthand about
breast cancer three days short of her 21st birthday, when her mother was
diagnosed with Stage 1 of a rare form of breast cancer. Surprisingly, this
unfortunate situation has been a blessing in her life. It has shown her how
breast cancer is survivable and taught her to embrace knowledge, faith and
support.
LaTondria demonstrates her passion for fighting breast cancer by volunteering
for and coordinating fundraising events, and educating others on pertinent
initiatives about the disease. Since 2003, she has served on the FAMU Relay For
Life Planning Committee and, thanks to her work and dedication the event has
raised more than $90,000 in the past three years.
Last fall, she used Yoplait’s Save Lids to Save Lives™ program to
raise money for FAMU’s Relay For Life. In the past, she has organized events
such as Bank Night and Relay For Life Week. She has also participated in
numerous events hosted by the American Cancer Society (ACS) such as Making
Strides Against Breast Cancer, FAMILIES Reaching Out to Cancer Kids (R.O.C.K.),
ACS summits and ACS regional workshops. In addition, she serves as the writer
and editor for The Relay Newsletter.
Her determination to raise awareness for breast cancer is contagious. Every
day, LaTondria motivates students at her university to get involved and make a
difference. Her fellow students and volunteers have nick-named her “Super
Woman,” for her ability to help everyone. She is a future public health
professional with aspirations to pursue her Ph.D. in cancer biology.
Lillie Shockney,
Baltimore, MD
Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer
A two-time breast cancer survivor diagnosed in 1992 at age 38 and again at age
40, Lillie Shockney has triumphed over both obstacles with courage and
determination. After reflecting on her experiences, Lillie decided to devote
her life to raising awareness and providing support for breast cancer patients.
Lillie first joined the John Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center in 1997,
where she is responsible for the quality of care programs, patient education
programs, survivor volunteer team, community outreach, website construction and
patient advocacy. Today, as an administrative director of the John Hopkins Avon
Foundation Breast Center and instructor in the department of surgery at John
Hopkins, Lillie is educated in the medical and emotional needs of breast cancer
patients. She has utilized her personal experience and expertise to offer
support to women battling the disease and their respective families.
Acting as a patient advocate, Lillie shares her experiences through speaking
opportunities and fundraisers. She is an established author and has published
four books and more than fifty articles related to breast cancer, serves as
"Ask the Expert" for Yahoo.com, and created the John Hopkins Avon Foundation
website, through which she responds to more than 120 e-mails a day about breast
cancer.
Lillie further serves as vice president and co-founder of a national nonprofit
organization, "Mothers Supporting Daughters with Breast Cancer" and is a member
of multiple breast cancer organizations’ medical advisory boards. She reaches
out to survivors through the annual "Breastival" which she created to promote
breast health among young women and the annual breast cancer survivor retreat
that focuses on setting new life goals, stress management and spirituality.
Lillie successfully convinced Congress in 1998 to have reconstructive surgery
covered by health insurance and she has now set a new goal to foster the
development and implementation of national quality standards for the diagnosis
and treatment of breast cancer across the United States.
Marc Silver,
Chevy Chase, MD
Leader for Breast Cancer Husbands
Marc understands how difficult it is to go through long months of treatment
with someone you love. When his wife, Marsha, was diagnosed with breast cancer
in 2001, he felt at a loss and wished for a book that would guide him through
the adversity. When he could not find it, he wrote it.
Marc is the author of Breast Cancer Husband: How to Help Your Wife (and
Yourself) Through Treatment, Diagnosis and Beyond. While writing the book,
Marc interviewed more than one hundred couples about their experience and spoke
to doctors, nurses and therapists. The result was a comprehensive guide for
husbands (and boyfriends) who are trying to give the best support to the woman
they love as she fights breast cancer.
Today, Marc is well-known in this country and internationally. His book has
been published in England and Hungary and he has spoken at breast cancer
seminars in South America. Through his book and talks, he has helped couples
thrive. In addition, many hospitals in the U.S. have even developed programs
for husbands based on the book.
Marc’s dedication to helping his fellow breast cancer husbands, both by writing
and by speaking about his experience, shows the love of a husband who wants to
make it easier on others encountering his situation. Marc is a true believer
that a caregiver’s help can make a tremendous difference for a breast cancer
patient.
For more information about Breast Cancer Husband, visit Marc's Web site: www.breastcancerhusband.com.
Marìa Antonia (Toña) Sànchez,
Hood River, OR
Beating Cultural Taboos
Maria Antonia (Toña), originally from Mexico, has worked as a Health Promoter
for La Clinica del Cariño and Nuestra Comunidad Sana in Hood River since 1988.
At the clinics, she provides health outreach and education to the
Latino/Hispanic community on breast and cervical cancer, maternal and child
health, domestic violence prevention and diabetes. Her goal is to break the
breast cancer taboo among the Hispanic community and raise awareness of the
disease. Breast cancer is the most frequently-diagnosed cancer among Latinas
and is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the population.
Her program, Mensajeras de Esperanza (Messengers of Hope), teaches Hispanics in
the Mid-Columbia region about breast cancer and the importance of early
detection through screening (self-exams, clinical exams and mammograms). In
2004, Toña changed directions when she began visiting and directing breast
cancer awareness presentations to men. Understanding that Hispanic men hold the
decision-making power in their families, she wanted to help them understand the
consequences of not being well-informed.
Thanks to Toña’s dedication and determination, Latin/Hispanic women and men in
her community are aware and talking about breast cancer. So far, 733 women and
606 men participated in one-on-one education, 306 women were referred for
screening - 42 of whom received clinical exams and 42 received clinical exams
and mammograms - and 5 breast cancer survivors participated in the clinic’s
monthly support group. Toña’s life-saving work has been supported by the Susan
G. Komen for the Cure of Oregon and SW Washington.
Peter Flierl,
Greenwich, CT
"Prayer, Laughter & Broccoli"
Peter, a writer and motivational speaker with 25 years experience in community
health education and social work, has become a voice for thousands of men
helping their wives battle breast cancer. His wife, Shirley, was diagnosed with
a Stage 3 aggressive breast cancer with extensive lymph node involvement when
she was only 37 years old. Despite the devastating diagnosis, Peter was
determined to help his wife battle against such terrible odds, so that she
could live to see their three-year-old daughter, Alison, grow up. Nowadays,
Shirley also serves her community as a source of inspiration and support as a
24-year survivor.
In 2004, using both personal and professional experience, Peter put his
knowledge and wisdom to paper and published "Prayer, Laughter & Broccoli,” a
survival guide for men whose partners are facing breast cancer. The book
received the 2006 Book of the Year Award from the Association for Applied &
Therapeutic Humor (AATH), and is recommended by numerous breast cancer
organizations, including: Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Y-ME National Breast
Cancer Organization, and Reach to Recovery International.
Peter is of the strong belief that breast cancer is a shared family experience
that affects each member profoundly. And that by offering assistance and
providing physical, emotional and spiritual support, the family can help their
loved one fight breast cancer. Peter speaks at a variety of forums to help
people, especially men, understand their feelings and ways they can offer their
support.
Randi Passoff,
Atlanta, GA
Helping Her Community Help Others
Passion, drive and a commitment to improving lives defines Randi Passoff, a
two-time breast cancer survivor and the founder and executive director of It’s
the Journey, Inc. and the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer.
Randi gained a passion for raising awareness and funds for breast cancer in her
community after she was first diagnosed with breast cancer 11 years ago. While
going through treatment, Randi learned about the diverse breast cancer
organizations in Atlanta and wanted to spread the word and support the existing
organizations in her community.
In 2002, Randi founded the Atlanta 2-Day Walk for Breast Cancer, out of which
at least 70 percent of funds raised each year are granted directly to local
breast cancer organizations. Now in its fifth year, the 2-Day Walk has awarded
45 grants to Atlanta’s breast cancer organizations, attracted thousands of
walkers, mobilized hundreds of volunteers from the local community, just had
its first ever $1 million walk event (Sept. 16-17, 2006), and have raised over
$2.6 million since the 2-Day began.
As a result of "2-Day" funding, local organizations have provided services such
as mammograms for the poor and underserved, diagnosis and treatment education,
genetic research, translation services, support groups, transportation to
medical appointments and wigs, gowns and turbans for women undergoing
chemotherapy and financial help and much, much more.
Randi’s efforts go beyond her past and current work with different
organizations. To raise more money for unmet needs in her community, she is
working to add a new annual event starting in 2007– The Atlanta Breast Cancer
Challenge – in which she will challenge businesses across Atlanta to hold
fund-raising events for breast cancer throughout October.
Though Randi is currently fighting her second battle with breast cancer, and at
the present time, she has been undergoing treatment as part of an experimental
clinical trial for her Stage 4, metastatic cancer, she isn’t slowing down. She
is part of a multi part feature special that WXIA television is filming of her
cancer and treatment. She has gained the friendship and support of Atlanta
Mayor Shirley Franklin and First Lady Mary Perdue, who have both participated
in the 2-Day Walk as walkers and key note speakers at the organization’s events
over these past four years.
Before starting It’s The Journey, Inc., Randi held board positions on many non
profits, including Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® board, made weekly visits
to cancer patients at St. Joseph Medical Center, was also a four-year past
participant of the Avon 3-Day. She operated Can You Imagine a World Without
Breast Cancer.com, an Internet site used to raise money for breast cancer. She
has been nominated for and won several awards, such as the third annual
"Magnolia Award," presented by Breast Friends for her "unwavering dedication
and friendship". She was also a finalist for the National Association of Women
Business Owners Icon Awards in 2005 and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s
Healthcare for Heroes Award in 2006 and was a finalist for the City of Sandy
Springs Martin Luther King Jr. Award. She is currently serving on the Henry
Grady Board of Visitors.
Sandra Walters,
Denver, CO
Helping Others Make Informed Medical Decisions
RN Breast Specialist and founder of the
Andre Center, Sandra Walters, has worked in the field of breast health
and breast cancer education since 1999.
Driven by the desire to help patients facing breast cancer, Sandra gave up the
security of a regular paycheck and started a non-profit community outreach
program called the Andre Center for Breast Cancer Education and Navigation.
Established in May 2006, the Andre Center provides quality educational
resources, one-on-one coaching to sort through the overwhelming amount of
information that a breast cancer patient receives and navigation support for
women and men faced with a confusing and fragmented health care system. These
resources are currently available at no cost. In addition, the Andre Center
promotes informed medical decision-making and offers assistance through the
treatment process.
The center assists in coordinating communication and services between the
patient and medical providers, helping to decrease anxiety for the patient and
their families. Recently, the Andre Center program launched a website under
Sandra’s direction. The website offers a step-by-step approach to the education
process by identifying the probable next steps after diagnosis, and also
provides information on genetic counseling, lymphedema, nutrition, integrative
therapy and prayer resources.
Sandra’s personal mission is to provide a personal touch through one-on-one
education to breast cancer patients regardless of where they are diagnosed or
treated. This approach has proven to decrease anxiety and promote peace of
mind. She has counseled hundreds of women and men over the years and believes
that what happens within the first few days of a breast cancer diagnosis is
critical in setting the stage for emotional well-being during treatment and
integrating back into the home and work environment when treatment ends.
Sandra is currently a clinical advisor for educational materials developed by
the Foundation for Informed Medical Decision Making in Boston and the National
Center for Clinical Research for Women and Families in Washington, D.C. She
serves as a committee chairwoman for the National Consortium of Breast Centers
and is participating in a national effort to credential nurses who specialize
in breast cancer education. In addition, Sandra serves on the education
committee for the Denver affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and
actively participates on their speaker’s bureau, along with serving as a member
of the Colorado Breast Cancer Task Force. In addition, the Andre Center was
just chosen by the State of Colorado to provide treatment navigation services
to underserved women diagnosed with breast cancer through their Colorado
Women’s Cancer Control Initiative, CWCCI, program.
Sandy Clauser,
South Bend, IN
Women's Task Force
At age 34, Sandy Clauser had four reasons to overcome her aggressive breast
cancer diagnosis: each of her three children, the youngest of which was 14
months-old and her husband, Brian. With the desire to see each one of her
babies through their first steps, first days of school, and first loves, Sandy
underwent a fairly new stem cell procedure in 1997. The support of her husband,
her personal strength and courage, and her faith in God enabled her to beat the
disease which has shaped who she is today, an active and loving mother and a
dedicated breast cancer advocate and volunteer.
Sandy is a founding member of the Women’s Task Force and a key worker and
organizer of its Secret Sister Society mammography fund. The fund raises money
for resources for screening mammograms for underserved and underinsured women
between the ages of 40 and 49. Although screening is recognized in health
guidelines for women age 40 and over, women in Indiana are not eligible until
they are 50 years old. The Secret Sister Society has raised more than $500,000
through annual luncheons and fashion shows; as a result the program has covered
the cost of mammograms for 1,300 women since 2003.
Sandy’s personal contributions are extraordinary. Giving her time to the
Women’s Task Force, she has served on the Steering Committee for each event, as
well as the co-chair for the 2005 fund, and as the membership drive, retail and
model co-coordinator for the most recent fashion show event. Clauser further
donates money to the organization by covering all printing costs for events and
fundraisers; this ensures that all funds raised through each event go toward
paying for mammograms, rather than covering functional costs.
As a stay at home mom, Sandy is fortunate to have time to devote to other women
with breast cancer. She shares her experiences in hopes of helping women who
turn to her for advice by showing them that they can also have the strength to
beat this disease.
Sara Williams,
Mebane, NC
Survivor Lends Hand to Sister Study
In December of 1997, Sara Williams was diagnosed with infiltrating ductal
carcinoma. The most common form of breast cancer; it starts in the milk ducts,
breaks through the duct wall, and eventually infects the fatty tissue within
the breast. At age 47, Sara underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation
treatment while enrolled in a Phase III clinical trial at the University of
North Carolina. Turned breast cancer survivor and advocate, Sara walked away
from her academic career and devoted her time to supporting others affected by
the disease. She truly believes that “healing comes from helping other people.”
Williams currently works as a recruitment coordinator for the Sister Study, the
only long-term study of women aged 35 to 74, whose sisters have had breast
cancer. It is one of the first long-term studies created to understand how
women's genes and their environment (i.e. homes, workplaces, and communities)
influence their risk of breast cancer. It is also the first study to collect
extensive information about environmental exposures, while also including a
variety of generations, racial and ethnic groups and geographic regions. Sara’s
own sister participates in the study; in the next year, 20,000 more women whose
sisters have had breast cancer, but do not have breast cancer themselves, will
be asked to join to reach the goal of 50,000 enrolled women.
Sara twice served as the President of the North Carolina Breast Cancer
Coalition – from 2000 to 2002. It was during her tenure that the Coalition
published their first Resource Directory, which provided critical contact
information and resources for breast cancer patients. The directory, currently
in its third edition, is provided free-of-charge to resource libraries,
patients and doctor’s offices.
Outside of her professional career Sara remains a visible advocate for breast
cancer awareness, volunteering her time and expertise to the Department of
Defense Breast Cancer Research Program, the American Cancer Society Stakeholder
Program, the Avon Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the California Breast
Cancer Research Program and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Sara is a graduate
of Project LEAD, the National Breast Cancer Coalition’s science program for
breast cancer activists.
Additionally, Sara has been nationally recognized by multiple awards and
scholarships, including two Alamo Breast Cancer Foundation Patient Advocacy
Awards in 1999 and 2003, the National Breast Cancer Coalition Scholarship to
attend the 1999 International Breast Cancer Advocacy Conference in Brussels,
Belgium and a Consumer Stipend Award to attend the Eighth Cochrane Colloquium
in Cape Town, South Africa.
Saranne Rothberg,
Tenafly, NJ
Healing Through Laughter
Laughter and a positive outlook truly are the best medicines. That’s what early
stage four breast cancer survivor Saranne Rothberg had in mind when she
launched the non-profit ComedyCures Foundation in 1999. ComedyCures® is an
organization that brings joy, hope, laughter and therapeutic entertainment to
those going through breast cancer treatment.
Saranne threw her first "Chemo Comedy Party" during her first chemo treatment
in 1999. Armed with comedy, party favors, sparkling cider, mini sandwiches and
dessert, Saranne jumped up from her chemo chair, walked over to each patient
and offered an invitation to a "Celebration of Life Chemo Comedy Party".
After witnessing the impact her therapeutic celebration had on her fellow
breast cancer patients, their friends, family members and medical staff,
Saranne knew she had just redefined what it meant to go through breast cancer
treatment.
After three surgeries, 44 radiation treatments and more than two years of
chemo, Saranne continues her journey cancer-free, motivating patients and
caregivers through live ComedyCures® events. Up to 4,000 people call her free
ComedyCures LaughLine® every month for a dose of humor, and she receives
between 250 and 1,000 emails a day, mostly from breast cancer patients and
their caregivers. Saranne has touched the lives of more than 132,000 people at
184 events around the world since she was diagnosed.
Saranne has developed many programs, including the ComedyCures LaughingLunch®,
a free two-hour educational and entertaining, catered, therapeutic comedy
event. She also piloted developmentally appropriate breast cancer awareness
programs using therapeutic comedy and laughter with Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts,
pre-K thru grade 12 and university students, programs in churches, synagogues
and community centers. She inspires children across America to get involved in
community service while dispelling myths about breast cancer. Saranne is a
breast cancer mentor for many patients, survivors and several innovative breast
cancer initiatives.
With the support of her daughter and many ComedyCures® entertainers, Saranne
has helped to raise several millions of dollars for breast cancer research,
education, advocacy and support programs on both local and national levels.
www.comedycures.org
Tenille Oderwald,
East Peoria, IL
Daughter Works with Breast Cancer Patients in Memory of Mother
After watching her mother undergo a mastectomy and receive several treatments
for breast cancer, Tenille knew she wanted to be a nurse and give back. After
graduating from a nursing program, she accepted a RN position on a hospital
oncology floor. Since then Tenille feels she has truly found her passion.
In 2000, her mother passed away from breast cancer. Days before her mother’s
death, Tenille promised her mother that she would continue the fight against
breast cancer. Soon after, she was approached for a case coordinator position
to work with women with breast cancer. Knowing what a patient and family
endures, she started work at the breast center and has dedicated her profession
to giving patients the most comprehensive care with education, services, and
support.
In her work, Tenille is paired with a patient and coordinates their care,
serving as a patient advocate and assisting the patient through multiple
systems to obtain services and information. She meets with patients alongside a
radiologist post-biopsy to give the results, spending time with the patient to
explain the type of cancer, typical surgical options and treatments. She offers
support and encouragement and guides them through the process - all with a
positive attitude.
In addition, Tenille began a family education program, providing
age-appropriate books to children and the significant other. The program has
been a huge success and makes explaining and talking about breast cancer
easier. Tenille also conducts Pre-Operative Breast Classes and maintains the
Prophylactic Lymphedema Grant for women who have had axillary node dissection,
which provides a medical alert bracelet, education and prophylactic sleeve to
wear during exercise and flying.
She developed the Comprehensive Breast Center program in 2003, which is a
program that provides patients with a multidisciplinary team approach of
one-stop, face to face consultation with a panel of physician specialists in
breast cancer care. The multidisciplinary team consists of radiologists,
surgeons, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, plastic surgeons,
registered nurses, and psychologists all of which meet with the patient
individually then gather at the same table at that same time and develop a plan
of care for the patient that day. This program has decreased the number of
appointments needed for patients, “sleepless nights”, and wait time for
surgery.
She has worked on the Breast Cancer Survivor Retreat, a unique day-long
program, held annually to help survivors refocus, set new life goals, improve
lifestyle habits and deal with fears through educational presentations and
interactions. Tenille has dedicated this program to her mother and created the
Survivor Celebration, a night dedicated to survivors and their friends and
families. Tenille also supervises the Survivor For Life program that matches a
newly-diagnosed patient with a woman who has undergone diagnosis and treatment
already.
Tenille has also developed the High Risk Screening Program for women, beginning
in 2007. The program is designed to provide screening, counseling and
surveillance for women who are at increased risk, in addition to their annual
exams with their primary care physician and/or gynecologist.
Vicky Cooke,
Wilmington, DE
Teaching Young Women through LEAD
It was a shock to Vicky Cooke when she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age
44, fourteen years ago. Even more shocking was her mother’s diagnosis shortly
after her own treatment.
Vicky found an outlet for her energy and passion with the Delaware Breast
Cancer Coalition, Inc. (DBCC). She made her way from volunteer to Executive
Director, using her experience in nonprofit management and program development
to grow the organization.
Because of her own young diagnosis, one of Vicky’s first initiatives as
Executive Director was the Young Survivors in Action, a program that provides
information, support, and fellowship for young women with breast cancer in
Delaware and the surrounding areas. She also embraced proactive, creative
ideas, working to break down barriers in accessing health care, reaching
underserved women with breast health information, providing free or low-cost
cancer screenings, and offering support. Under her guidance, the DBCC now
offers programs for lesbians and women who partner with women, African American
women, Hispanic women, and women with inadequate health insurance.
After a local hospital did not renew their contract with the state to operate
the state’s only mobile mammography van, Vicky quickly mobilized the DBCC to
ensure that the program wouldn’t be abandoned. The organization has now been
successfully managing the Women’s Mobile Health Screening van for more than a
year and a half, completing over 1,000 screenings within the first year.
Vicky hasn’t confined her influence to local initiatives; she has graduated
from the National Breast Cancer Coalition Fund’s Project LEAD, attends their
national advocacy conference each year, and works diligently to ensure
continual federal funding for breast cancer research. She was recently elected
to the board of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and participates in the
Governor’s cancer task force and regional health coalitions. She has been
instrumental in building the agency’s annual Breast Cancer Update into an
extraordinary event with nationally known guest speakers.
In spite of some health problems likely caused by her cancer treatment, Vicky
is still working hard to reduce the high rate of breast cancer diagnosis by
advocating for, educating about, and providing services for early detection and
treatment.
Vicky’s dedication to the cause extends to other breast cancer activists. She
nurtures and provides opportunities for others to realize their potential to
ease the breast cancer journey for others, including supporting Project LEAD
applications and nominating volunteers for local and regional awards.
Always looking to the next challenge ahead of her, Vicky empowers others around
her and is an inspiration to those affected by the disease.
Wendy Chioji,
Winter Park, FL
Battling Breast Cancer to the Finish Line
A news anchor at WESH-TV, in Orlando, Florida, Wendy knew she could reach many
people with the story of her struggle and survival of Stage 2 breast cancer.
Her diagnosis came four days after completing the Boston Marathon at age 39.
Wendy announced her diagnosis on air and set up a weekly journal on the
station’s website to document her experience.
One of Wendy’s new challenges is integrating breast cancer education into her
active lifestyle. As a marathon runner, former triathlete, and half-Ironman
participant, Wendy shows no fear when taking on new physical challenges. To
address the lack of participation in clinical trials—only five percent of
cancer patients participate in clinical trials—Wendy cycled 500 miles across
the country, from Los Angeles, to Phoenix, Dallas, Indianapolis, St. Louis,
Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington D.C. with the Lance Armstrong
Foundation and Bristol Myers Squibb, speaking at hospitals and pediatric cancer
centers, and sharing her story with media.
She has completed numerous century bike rides and parts of several stages of
the Tour de France. Wendy also cycled across America with 25 other riders and
Lance Armstrong for the Tour of Hope in 2003 to raise awareness for cancer
research and clinical trials. The team covered 3,200 miles in seven days. Wendy
personally rode 550 miles.
Since her recovery, Wendy has dedicated her time and talent to a variety of
initiatives designed to raise breast cancer awareness, such as speaking to
cancer patients and leading the 2004 Tour of Hope ride for cancer awareness
across America.
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