Pink Ribbon of the Month, June: Philadelphia Federation of Teachers

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."

 

This well known quote by Henry Adams is a perfect lead for our June Pink Ribbon story... ALMOST! For, certainly, in the case of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers (PFT) and their dedication to the Komen Promise, we need to include SHE and HER when honoring our local teacher-activists in the cause.


Now, we are fairly certain Mr. Adams never dreamed the influence and effect on eternity of which he spoke would include revolutionizing the face of breast cancer. But that is exactly what the teachers in the PFT family are doing through their work with the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. From day one, PFT has shown our breast cancer community they are not afraid to dream big, and - as their 2011 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure team showed us -  'Walk the Walk!' 

 

Under the leadership of Race Team Captain, and PFT Staff Representative, Joan McGowan, "PFT Walks the Walk" did, indeed, walk on Race day, doing the 5K at more than 50 members strong! Plus, their current team fundraising total is just a few dollars shy of $17,000 - putting them in the lead (by far) as the highest fundraising team in the Community Groups category.

 

While these two achievements are truly impressive, PFT's 2011 Race involvement is just a fraction of the impact they make on our community's fight against breast cancer - not to mention the global breast cancer movement. Like many of our Pink Ribbon honorees, PFT's actions take root in personal breast cancer missions. A few words about the key players help demonstrate why their passion for the cause runs so deeply:

 

  • Jerry T. Jordan, PFT President, lost his mother to breast cancer
  • Joan McGowan is Chair of the PFT Women's Rights Committee (among other roles); lost her mother to breast cancer; her aunt is a 2x survivor
  • Sally Rotenberg is a 5-year breast cancer survivor, 10+ year Race participant, and loyal Affiliate volunteer for over a decade
  • Susan Hyman is a 12-year breast cancer survivor, 20+ year Race participant and loyal Affiliate volunteer

 

And again, the tie that bonds them and distinguishes their support of The Affiliate is that they are TEACHERS (Sally and Susan, having retired from the School District in recent years).  Their passion for education and empowering the future is one they integrate beautifully with their passion for ending breast cancer forever.

 

To that end, PFT has not only embraced the Dietz & Watson Pretty In Pig program, they have empowered it by focusing on the Philadelphia School district - from faculty, staff and administrators, to students, parents and siblings. Thanks to the PFT team, hundreds of our piglets have take up residence in classrooms, offices, desks and even at the PFT annual conference - and returned home to The Affiliate full of cash for the cures! 

 

But, as we've been emphasizing, Jerry, Joan, Sally and Susan have dedicated their lives to education - and that dedication is thriving in their Pretty In Pig activities. Far beyond just 'collecting money for the cause,' the PFT team takes responsibility for sharing all the messages that bring that fundraising to life.  You shouldn't be surprised to see Sally in front of a 4th grade classroom helping youngsters realize there are many organizations ready to help if a loved one is diagnosed with breast cancer.... or Joan organizing an awareness event for women teachers... or Susan distributing Komen literature and Race registrations at the PFT Health & Welfare conference... as just a few examples.

 

"The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers haven't only brought thousands of people into awareness about the work of Komen, they are making breast health awareness, education and practices a normal part of a quality education - for all generations," said Elaine I. Grobman, Executive Director of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. "PFT is changing the face of breast cancer one student, one parent, one class room, and one community at a time... and empowering a future where this disease is no more a threat to any person than the common cold. The Komen Philadelphia Affiliate could not be more grateful or fortunate to have such a powerful, devoted group of supporters helping to advance our mission."

 

And so, The Affiliate thanks the members of our own volunteer and survivor families, Sally Rotenberg and Susan Hyman, along with the entire PFT family who has gotten behind the Komen Promise with extraordinary fundraising, passion, and a perpetual influence on our futures.

 

The Affiliate and PFT thank everyone on the Dietz & Watson Pretty In Pig School Fundraising Honor Roll. Click here to recognize the top achievers.

 

Pictured: The Philadelphia Federation of Teachers Team 'PFT Walks the Walk' puts their minds & hearts into action at the 2011 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure, making a symbolic donation to the "BIG PIG" for the nearly $17,000 they raised in support of the Race.