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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