Pink Ribbon of the Month, December: Len Weinstein

This month, we are proud to honor Len Weinstein - activist, breast cancer co-survivor, and "Mr. Sports" in the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate volunteer family - with our "Pink Ribbon of the Month." In his devoted breast cancer activism, Len exemplifies LIVING THE PROMISE to the utmost degree, demonstrating outstanding ingenuity, initiative, resourcefulness and love for his community. His clear passion for the Komen vision of a world without breast cancer, as well as outstanding ability to embrace all generations in the breast cancer movement, is an inspiration for us all.


Len's work as a volunteer for the Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure began more than three years ago, when his wife, Sherry, was diagnosed with breast cancer - it is important to know this, for this is where his passion is rooted and explains the drive behind his volunteerism. Len has served The Affiliate for about 3-1/2 years and has become our "power male," serving as the launching point for The Affiliate's entry into the male community and remaining our critical link to this community - not only keeping The Affiliate and our mission top-of-mind among men, but building their involvement as volunteers, fundraisers and communicators of breast health awareness messages. Although it is not possible to account for all the new males Len embraced over the past several years, we can offer the names of new partnerships he has nurtured, including: Temple University Football, Gilda's Club of South Jersey, City of Philadelphia Police Department; Philadelphia Flyers and the Philadelphia 76ers.

 

However, Len does not closet himself to men and sports, and is the first to volunteer with any event, ranging from our very formal Pink Tie Ball to our Dietz & Watson Pretty In Pig program. And while he is always willing to help with the smallest of tasks - stuffing envelopes, organizing paperwork, etc. - his activism extends far beyond the typical volunteer capacity, possessing an amazing level of leadership and intensity of work. Beyond the crucial fundraising, Len will never hesitate to share his enthusiasm for the Komen mission with anyone he meets, and in doing so, he has introduced dozens of people to the Komen volunteer experience.

 

"A get-it-done type of person, one look at the hours Len sends e-mails and attends events, as well as his travel log, is also a clear demonstration of his steadfast dedication," said Elaine I. Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. "His hours range from 6 AM to after midnight and anywhere in between, and his travel takes him throughout eastern PA, to NJ and parts of Delaware. Simply put, Len Weinstein's volunteer work has helped - and continues to help - The Affiliate save lives. The results of his activism are improved quality of life for women with breast cancer and their families in our community and beyond."


Pictured above: Len Weinstein (left) celebrates at the 2009 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Kick-Off Party with Al Golden, Head Coach of Temple University Football and his wife, Kelly Golden.