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2012 Survivor Fundraising Chairperson Shares 'Her Little Secret'

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:23:45 -0400

... my little secret made me wonder if I was the right woman for the job: Although I have contributed financially over the years, I have never physically participated in the Komen Race for the Cure.

So why share my secret now? Why not just accept the honor, wake up on Mother's Day, head to Eakins Oval, join the hundreds of other breast cancer survivors on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and smile for the Survivor's photo at 7:30 AM as if I've been doing it for years? Because my guess is that there are many other women and men out there who are just like me. I want to share my story so that they know they are not alone, and it's okay if they choose not to walk or run but there are many other ways to become involved in the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure.

For some people it may be difficult to understand why a breast cancer survivor would choose to stay as far away from "Race Day" as possible. So let me shed some light on my experience. In the beginning, after the 14 hr. surgery, the eight rounds of chemotherapy and the return of a full head of hair, I needed some distance from the whole "breast cancer thing." I wanted to go back to my regular life with my husband and five children and not be reminded that I was a survivor. I had participated in a breast cancer race through Central Park in New York City when I was in treatment and that is what my connection was to any type of breast cancer race.

Six years ago, my mother, Soni Tick, died after battling breast cancer and when Mother's Day came around, the last place that I wanted to be was with a bunch of women who still had their mothers and were joining forces in the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. It has taken me this long to get past the grief, to embrace my title as "two-time survivor" and to declare to the world that I am indeed going to participate in my first Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 13, 2012. So now that I am free of my secret, I am proud to say that I am the 2012 Survivor Fundraising Chairperson for the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. Thanks for asking, Elaine. Watch out Philly, here we come!

~ Missy Stein

Missy Stein is writer, radio personality, and mother of five. You can read this piece and more by Missy about her breast cancer journey on virtuawoman.org.

Loyal Volunteer Shares What Inspired Her to Get Involved 14 Years Ago

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 16:41:00 -0400

Well, 14 years ago, I was sitting in my home office when I heard a commercial on KYW about the upcoming Mother's Day Race for the Cure. At the time, I was a 36-year-old single mom with two young daughters, Devin who was just about 7 and Jessica, who was almost 5. The commercial noted that ONE of every EIGHT women will get breast cancer. I'm not sure exactly why that affected me as it did, but I kept thinking about it. ONE in EIGHT! That means, between me and my two daughters, we had a THREE in EIGHT chance it could affect one of us. I felt I needed to do something, but as a single mom, I didn't have the financial means to make a large contribution so I decided to do what I could ... I registered for the Mother's Day Race for the Cure.

Each year that I volunteer at the Race for the Cure, I am moved immeasurably ... by thousands of people who come out ... by the love, the hope, the endurance and strength I feel amongst those people. I am humbled by the people who come up to the registration table and thank me for volunteering, when it is I who admire them ... the people who have battled breast cancer, whether personally or by supporting a love one. And each year, it never ceases to amaze me when, I take a moment to look around. And everywhere I look, I see pink... and the thousands and thousands of people all connected for a few hours in a special bond of camaraderie, all supporting the same cause.

- Jamie Krakow, Volunteer

Click here to read more of Jamie's inspiring speech.

Honoring the Memory of a Woman Who Opened the Dialogue On Breast Cancer

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:32:45 -0400

Upon the death of former First Lady of the United States, Betty Ford, on July 8, 2011, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Founder & CEO, Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker, shared the following sentiments with all those united in the fight to end breast cancer forever.

On behalf of the entire Susan G. Komen for the Cure family, we mourn the passing of Betty Ford, widow of President Gerald Ford. Betty Ford opened the door for millions of women when she candidly acknowledged her breast cancer diagnosis at a time when we didn't talk about this disease and untold numbers of women suffered in silence. She showed the world that breast cancer could be faced with courage, with humor and with great dignity. Like so many, I relied on her advice and wisdom, and I will be forever grateful that she gave life, hope and voice to this movement and to generations of women to come. She was a mentor, a friend and a woman whose example we all strive to follow.

Diagnosed with breast cancer in 1978, Mrs. Ford was widely praised for publicly acknowledging her diagnosis and was an early supporter of Komen for the Cure's work to raise awareness about breast cancer.

- Ambassador Nancy G. Brinker

Founder & CEO

Susan G. Komen for the Cure

After All, it IS Mother's Day

Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:32:55 -0400

May 8 was the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. Even though it was Mother's Day, it was definitely worth the 5K... the walk of my life. It was the first time for me to do the walk being a cancer survivor of three years. Is was the most touching walk to do with my group, the Lehigh Valley Sole Sistas, and all of the other people.

I will give up Mother's Day again next year and hoping this time my daughter, Tracy, will be walking by my side. I'm sure there are a lot more people who feel the same as I do that the Race is a wonderful thing to do, no matter what you have to give up. It gave me a feeling of hope for everybody suffering from breast cancer.

- Rita Yob

(The above was shared with the Lehigh Valley community via the Morning Call)

Defining a Survivor

Fri, 27 May 2011 18:20:57 -0400

To my sister survivor:

I had this question myself not long after I was diagnosed. I was shopping online for a pink ribbon magnet. The site I was on had two to chose from... one said "Survivor", and the other was plain. They were out of stock of the plain. I was still 'in treatment' and didn't think I should get the one that said survivor. My 14-year-old daughter saw what I was doing and told me to buy the survivor one. She said I was. I couldn't really get that... so I actually looked up "survivor". Here is the definition I found:

sur·vi·vor (sər vī′vər) noun: a person or thing that survives; specif., a person who has survived an ordeal or great misfortune a person regarded as resilient or courageous enough to be able to overcome hardship, misfortune, etc.

I now have come to see myself as a survivor, from the day my husband found my lump. From that day, my life changed and I continue to overcome - therefore I am... and you are... a survivor.

- Carla

Signs of Winning

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:02:39 -0400

Dear Friends in this Fight,

My family and I walk each year in memory of my mother Dorothy Pearson, who died from breast cancer in 1990 and for those who are now "fighting the fight". By doing my part in fundraising, I feel that I am helping to find a cure, so that another mother, daughter, granddaughter and sister will not have to hear those frightening words "you have breast cancer". Every year there are more and more survivors in pink on the steps of the Art Museum...So I know We ARE Winning!

In hope and celebration,

Pat Greager

Gracias!

Sat, 02 Apr 2011 18:25:20 -0400

To our Friends at the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate.

The Latinas United for the Cure event was inspiring, informational and enjoyable. We all learned something new about breast health. Thank you again for reaching out to the North Philadelphia Latina community. The results I'm sure will last for years to come.

Congratulations again on an event well done!

Melissa
Taller Puertorriuqueno

Special Thanks from 800 Miles Away

Sat, 26 Feb 2011 14:24:06 -0500

We also thank you for doing the same for the two of us. Although we live 800 miles away, through our daughter sharing with us her stories of working with you and the fulfillment she gets from doing so, we, too, are blessed to experience what it means to be part of your mission.

As a cancer survivor, your work in the community to help support people through the trying journey of cancer is especially valuable to me. We are honored to continue support your cause and, again, thank you for your dedicated work to eradicating breast cancer forever.

Sincerely,

Fran Romano

Past Race Co-Chair Finds Strength in her Komen Family

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:48:26 -0500

This year, Aunt Elisa will not be by my side... I will walk in her memory, honoring her fight to survive breast cancer, taken away this past fall by a cancer recurrence.

This year, my mother will not be waiting to embrace me at the bottom of the steps. I hope and pray she will be walking with me as a breast cancer survivor. As I write this, my mother and I are fighting. We are fighting for her life. We are fighting for my daughter's lives. We are fighting for the lives of all women present and future. We are fighting to stop the disease that takes one life every 69 seconds.

It is because of Komen that we have the courage to do this... and the conviction that we will come out winners. On behalf of my mother and myself, and in the spirit of my dear Aunt Elisa, I thank you for taking every step of the journey with us - for your compassion, support and friendship.

Sincerely yours,

Lorelei McGlade

Co-Chairperson

2009-2010 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure

Seven-year-old Activist Wishes for Every Child to have a Mom on Christmas

Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:39:00 -0500

But if it wasn't for you rasing monny for moms

and helping breast cancer research, there would

be more kids without their moms and this would be sad.

I promise to help fight breast cancer in meny ways

like continuing my fundraising efforts in 2011.

Thank you for helping moms like mine.

Your friend,

Skylar Clemens

Fuego Dance Company Honors Elaine Grobman

Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:01:56 -0500

Dear Elaine:

Congratulations! Fuego Dance Company and the 2011 Board Members are pleased to award you with the esteemed Lifetime Achievement Award. Over 50 Executive Directors, City Officials and Advocate were nominated for the Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors five leaders within the City of Philadelphia who exemplify the award. Also, one organization will be recognized for their dedication to the Latino Community and The Greater Philadelphia Region.

You were chosen to be this year's recipient as a result of your contribution to the success in educating women at the Latinas United for the Cure event. Your generosity in unconditionally allowing our dance company to perform at the Latinas United for the Cure event and Pink Tie Ball is without a doubt one of the major factors that led to our recent drive to more community service throughout the city.

We look forward to seeing you at the awards banquet, Fuego's 15th Annual Black, White & Pink gala, where each year 500 people celebrate and recognize the achievements of our recipients.

Gracias,

Hector Serrano, Director/Founder

Laiza Santos, Assistant Director

Remembering Karen Dwyer Jones

Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:55:33 -0400

To Our Friends at the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate,

It is with great sadness that I share with you that my sister, Karen passed away Sunday morning. Since July, she had really been having some rough days and difficult times. We found out in mid-August that the cancer had spread to many of her organs and more into her bones. She was in bed most of the time, with a lot of pain and exhaustion. Over Labor Day weekend, she had difficulty walking and lost feeling in her legs, had incontinence, etc. At first doctors thought it might be a side effect from the pain meds, but we found out later that week, after a spinal tap, that the cancer had spread to her spinal fluid and the lining of her brain. She spent 10 days in the hospital, but she wanted to come home. So she came home two weeks ago. She was still at this point determined to continue her fight and go for treatments, but last week, the doctors and she realized that the treatments were not helping, and she was not strong enough to endure them. She was on hospice care for 10 days and died Sunday morning.

She was such a wonderful person and her grace, faith and courage have inspired so many. The Penn State Breast Center at Hershey has set up a fund in her name to benefit patients who cannot afford breast care, it is called the Karen Dwyer-Jones Patient Fund.

I wanted to thank you and your staff for all you do for people like my sister, and for the hospitality you all showed to us during the Call for the Cure and Race for the Cure. She has left us with many gifts, and the courage and grace with which she fought this battle. Most importantly, she has taught my children the gifts of compassion and being supportive of others during difficult times.

Take care,
Kate Fantaskey

Grantee Shares Inspiring Stories of Hope and Help

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:16:54 -0400

The first was a call with a woman who doesn't have insurance due to both she and her husband having part-time positions. She has put off having a mammogram for almost 5 years. However, she read about our program in one of the local papers and decided since she hadn't had this for such a long time she needed to ask for assistance. She called and I started her in the process. When I called with her appointment today, she was almost crying and couldn't stop thanking me. She said that she never thought she would be in this position but that she was so grateful for the program and for the kindness that she was shown. She wanted me to pass on this information to all involved, certainly The Affiliate is included.

Which brings to my second encounter. We are working very well with our new general/ breast surgeon and his office staff with the HealthyWoman Program. But, this week they had a referral not captured by any program because she is a 38-year old that recently had breast implants done. She developed an ulcerated cyst. Her surgeon referred her to ours who did a biopsy - all these were out-of-pocket - and she was found to have cancer. The extent, I don't know. They came to us to find out the best course of action. We were able to schedule her for the follow-up mammogram and additional testing pending. I was also able to direct them to call the assistance office in Altoona, PA to facilitate the obtaining of insurance for the treatment piece. When I called the office manager back, she was ecstatic because we are collaborating so well for our patients.

See what the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate has enabled us to do?! Although I hate the fact that this young woman has breast cancer, I pray that with this coordination we are able to nip this in the bud - and quickly.

Again, thanks for your part in all of this.

Deborah Gilbert
Coordinator of Parish Nursing, Department of Parish Nursing/Community Outreach Executive Director of the Parish Nurse Coalition of the Greater Lehigh Valley

Remembering a mother, celebrating a marriage, empowering the fight

Fri, 27 Aug 2010 11:53:58 -0400

Next week (June 25) David and I are getting married. Though he never got to know my mom, he honors her all the time thinking of me. I'm truly blessed. As part of our wedding, we've chosen to donate money in lieu of favors -- and we want to give this to the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. Looking forward to working with you more in the future.

Love,

Danielle Gibson

Young activist celebrates her 10th birthday by giving back.

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:46:20 -0400

Grace chose to have a "carnival for the cure" in our backyard on June 19th, and it was a huge success! She was even featured in two newspapers, the Valley Item (entitled, "Caring Grace") and the Collegeville Way, which is coming out this month. At the time the articles were written, we hadn't gotten our final donation totals... however, now, we are proud to say that Grace raised over $1800.

I am sending you the $1150 as a way to say thank you for believing in Grace and for sending her the gifts for the raffle baskets. We donated the remaining $700 to our friend, who will be participating in the Race for the Cure. I wanted to give you an update and will send along some pictures of the day so you can see what a 10 year old was able to pull off with a little help from family and friends.

Karen Mazzio

Local family joins The Affiliate’s in thanking Wawa for empowering an end to breast cancer.

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:21:52 -0400

My wife works at the Women's Center at Doylestown hospital. She has performed countless mammograms on women over the years. We often talk over dinner about her work and that another patient she saw today might have breast cancer. Our two children - both teenagers - decided for this Mother's Day we'd participate in the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure as a family. I have to say, we were humbled by the amount of people that participated. The reason I am writing is that we were just as amazed at the amount of money, time and effort put in by Wawa. My son works for Wawa in our hometown, Skippack, PA. I have to say that I am proud that our son is associated with such a class act as Wawa. The amount of Wawa employees volunteering at the event was amazing. The amount of coffee served and food given out was also amazing. Kudos to Wawa for putting on such a great effort at the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure!

- The DeLuca family

Executive Director Says Thank You By Sharing One Woman’s Hope

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 17:21:26 -0400

Four days later, I saw Karen again, having just walked the entire 5K at the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure... same ceaseless smile, same joy, full of pride at her achievement as her sister told us that Karen insisted they leave the wheelchair in the car. Among the dozens of events going on that day, having worked her way through crowds of 120,000+, Karen, her sister and nephew sought me out to say thank you.

For nineteen years, I've felt I have fallen short in finding a way to sufficiently thank our Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure family for your amazing passion, generosity and support. But, appropriately, on our milestone 20th anniversary, Karen showed me the way - for when Karen and her family thanked me, they were really thanking all of you.

If you ever need to be reminded of how much the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate and the communities we serve appreciate your support and participation - how valued and critical you are to our mission - think of Karen's story. Here is a woman fighting for her life, yet at our Race, that life to her was better than anyone else's.

I am sure many of you have similar stories to share of loved ones touched by the Race for the Cure. Through the Race, you filled all these people with hope. You allowed them to be embraced in the compassion of thousands. You empowered them to take that victory walk. And most importantly, you assured them that, their 11-year old nephews, 6-year old daughters, or whoever's future they are dedicating to nurturing, will survive this disease... that we will look out for their generation, and keep fighting until all generations are living in a world without breast cancer.

And so, like Karen, on behalf of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate and the millions of men, women and children relying on us for hope, compassion and empowerment, I simply say thank you for helping to end breast cancer forever.

Warmest regards,

Elaine I. Grobman

Executive Director

Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure

A Young Woman Makes a Promise after Finding Hope Through Komen

Tue, 04 May 2010 11:55:13 -0400

At eighteen years old, I'm into rock music and go to many local concerts. In January, I heard about a cancer benefit concert, and immediately the idea clicked in my head. I decided at that point to do what I knew - I knew that I loved rock music, I knew a lot of local bands, and I knew I wanted to raise money and awareness to uphold my promise to my grandmother. So the outcome of all this "knowledge" is a fundraiser called "Music is the Remedy," being held on May 15 and organized by me with the help of my sister, Brianna.

I am so thankful for all that the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate has done - and continues to do - to help and support me! I was feeling very overwhelmed with all the tasks of this undertaking and was close to cancelling it. However, thanks to your guidance, support and care, I found the confidence to plow ahead. This is the first event I've ever organized, but I feel so humbled by all of this. I'm doing what I can in search of closure in my Granny's death. I felt helpless while she was ill, and felt as though I'd done nothing to help her, but doing this makes me feel like she's smiling down on me proudly. I hope that a lot of people come out to support me in this effort, or donate to the cause, because, as I said, this event means the world to me... just as I know ending breast cancer means so much to so many.

I feel so empowered by what I am able to do... to see it all come together... and it's all because of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. I contacted numerous general cancer organizations, as well as cervical cancer ones, but the calls went unanswered. A few months later, a Komen Philadelphia Affiliate Mentor, Lynn Reber, was introduced to me and right away jumped in to help me. Doing this event means everything to me, and the help I'm receiving means even more.

Thank you.

Brittany B.

11-year-old BAT-Ls Breast Cancer

Wed, 07 Apr 2010 09:37:05 -0400

To Our Friends at the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate:

My sister, Karen is battling Stage IV breast cancer. My four children are very close with her, as she doesn't have children of her own. My oldest son in particular, is having a very difficult time knowing that his aunt is battling this disease. Having said that, here is a little story to that might warm your hearts and inspire others.

A few weeks ago, I was sitting on the couch with my oldest son, Andrew, age 11, as he was reading a book, "Travel Team" by Mike Lupica. Andrew looked up from his book, and said, "Mom, I want to make a difference."

Caught off guard and not knowing what he was talking about, I said to him, "What do you mean?"

He told me he would like to do something to raise money for breast cancer research and awareness. He started to brainstorm ideas, like a baseball clinic or basketball clinic. I told him I would be happy to support him in whatever he would like to do. Andrew talked about this idea with his friend, Joseph Piacine, and by the next day, when I arrived home from work, Andrew and Joseph had made signs and flyers and posted them on the trees throughout our neighborhood.

The two boys came up with the idea to host a baseball clinic for tee ball and coach-pitch players (ages 5-7). As parents, we were truly touched by these two 11-year-old boys and their desire and dedication to help others. At this point, the boys' dads, Rod and Bob, became involved to help embrace Andrew's and Joseph's desire to make a difference. Within a few days, a gym was secured, and the boys made detailed plans. As a result, on Sunday, March 28th from 1-4 PM, "Team Up to BAT-L Breast Cancer," a spring training clinic was held at the Quakertown Christian School, for boys and girls, ages 5-7. The children rotated through 5 stations, led by Pennridge Little League Majors players, along with adult supervision.

All proceeds from the event ($1,500 and counting!) will benefit the Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure on Mother's Day.

The boys will be taking part in the Race, as members of "Team Teeney" in honor of Andrew's aunt, and my sister, Karen Dwyer-Jones.   These boys have done an amazing job at organizing this event to raise money for the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure. We are so proud of them!! I am sure you hear many stories about fundraising, and this is just another way that we are "Teaming Up to BAT-L Breast Cancer."

Sincerely,

Kate Fantaskey

7-year-old Supporter Inspires All Generations by Exemplifying “Tzedakah”

Mon, 01 Mar 2010 16:10:57 -0500

Dear Susan G. Komen for the Cure,

My name is Jonah Katz and I am seven years old. Each month, someone in my house decides where our Tzedakah (Jewish word for "charity") money will go. This month, I wanted to send our money to you in memory of my grandmom, Judy Pincus, who died of breast cancer in 2009. Our team is called "Hearts for Judy." My dad wrote the check, but the money comes from me.

Thank you,

Jonah Katz

Very First Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure Chairperson Recalls an Historic Time

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 16:30:31 -0500

Oh, how we've grown!

Just as surviving breast cancer has changed my life, so did that very first, and all subsequent, Komen Race for the Cure events in Philadelphia. They have enriched my life, as well as the lives of hundreds-of-thousands of others - and, in fact, helped saved the lives of potentially millions.

At last year's Race, we greeted more than 100,000 people on Eakins Oval and held a parade for 6,500+ breast cancer survivors, thanks to the generosity of 1,000 volunteers and over 100 sponsors.

Some people ask, "The Race has grown so big, why the need to aim even higher?"
The answer is simple: until every life - of this generation and the next, and the next - can live free from the fear of this disease, we have to.

Your support of the 2010 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure is essential for the continued growth that will empower us to save more lives and bring into reality our vision of a world without breast cancer... not just "at some far-off future time," but quite possibly for your children and grandchildren.

I am still a very active member of the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, and we all look forward to embracing you in the excitement and special opportunities of our milestone 20th Anniversary celebration. And, as a breast cancer survivor, I thank you for your support, dedication and passion for the cure.

With sincerest appreciation,

Phyllis Roseman

Survivor, Activist, Original Race Participant - Smelling the Roses Every Day.

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 14:17:20 -0500

Then in 1998 the unspeakable happened. I, too, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation followed. I stayed in bed that Mother's Day morning and prayed for a cure.

Each Mother's Day since then, my family and I have participated in Race. Each Mother's Day I watch the crowd of walkers multiply. Each Mother's Day I watch the throng of pink survivors on the steps of The Art Museum increase. As I descend the steps each year, my eyes fill with tears because I am a survivor. Each Mother's Day we come closer to finding a cure for this horrendous disease that took the life of my beautiful sister so many years ago.

Last year I became actively involved with the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate. I am co-chair of the “Pretty In Pig” project which raises money to support the breast cancer movement. I suppose, for me this is a way to give back and a way to continue to fight until a cure for breast cancer is found.

For me, I now live my life by one single motto, “Don't forget to smell the roses every day...”

Susan E. Hyman

A young breast cancer survivor reacts to recent U.S.P.S.T.F screening recommendations.

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 13:21:25 -0500

If I would have waited to get a mammography, I might not be alive. I had breast cancer at 31 and I followed my instincts to find out what was wrong with me. I am now 32 and every given day is a blessing. I want to make it to 50 and beyond; therefore, I have to do what can led me to longevity. Early detection is vital for survivorship and waiting is detrimental to health. It is easier for people who never had cancer to suggest when people should get checked for cancer because they have not experienced life with cancer.

Again, thank you for your support,

Lydia Smith

A young woman in need finds hope

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:39:09 -0500

You're organization got in touch with me and helped me to schedule an appointment with a doctor who will help me - and for that I am eternally grateful. In addition to my thanks, I am writing you in hopes that you will keep me in mind anytime you need anything I can help you with: whether it be to spread the word about how this situation changed - and will continue to change - my life, or to raise money or awareness for your amazing organization.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you so much for your outpouring of compassion and concern for me. I hope that you keep me in mind if, like me, you ever need a favor from a stranger. Thank you again so much for all you have done for me.

Casey Spiwak

Empowering the Indonesian Community

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 17:09:13 -0400

I appreciate very much your assistance, and hope that you can continue your supports for the Indonesian community in the USA.

Once again, thank you very much, and may God always bless your loving social works.

Yours sincerely,
Maria Budihardjo

Grantee Shares Sucess Stories

Wed, 09 Sep 2009 15:58:43 -0400

At one breast health workshop, we had four men who attended. At first we were suspicious of their participation, but they were very interested in the information. We found out at the end of the workshop that the men were there to learn enough so that they would be able to demonstrate to others (men and women) how to examine themselves.

At one of our workshops, one newly diagnosed African-American woman was very upset and shared that she would not go forward with the treatment that was recommended by her doctor. Women in that group shared their stories, offered her hope and encouraged her to get treatment. Two days later we found out that she began her treatment at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Christiana. She gives The Wellness Community of Delaware the credit for saving her life, by giving her hope and some directions.

Thank you for the funding that helps make this possible,

Barbara P. Lowery

Community Based Program Coordinator

The Wellness Community of Delaware

More information on the Wellness Community of Delaware is available at www.wellnessdelaware.org

Special Thanks in Memory of a Dear Breast Cancer Activist

Wed, 05 Aug 2009 16:44:15 -0400

As you know, Megan was a huge supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure because she knew people, dear to her heart affected by breast cancer. Although Megan is no longer with us, our family will continue Megan's support of your organization as long as we live. The Race for the Cure is a beautiful event on a beautiful day, and we will be honored to perpetuate Megan's legacy of caring through our Race participation.

Now that Megan is gone, The Megan Ashley Perry Foundation is our way of sharing Megan's spirit with the world. What an amazing, kind, beautiful, smart, silly, giving, young woman. I will always think of her as my sister, and hope that through our support of Komen, the women you touch may in some way experience a similar empowerment of sisterhood in the fight against breast cancer.

Again, thank you for your support in our time of tragedy, as well as in our journey ahead. I am looking forward to developing a good friendship on behalf of Megan and her family.

All the best,
Devon Segel

Click here to learn about an upcoming event for the Megan Ashley Perry Foundation, August 8

Reflections from 2009 Race 1st-Place Finisher

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:21:53 -0400

Breast cancer is near and dear to my heart. My sister at the age of thirty-six with six children passed away from this horrible disease. My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer and survived.

My family and I have been participating in this event for the past eighteen years and most recently I have recruited my neighbors. This very well organized event is for a great cause. I will continue to run this event until my legs tell me otherwise.

Thank you so much.

Gert Freas

This May, the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate proudly awarded Gert with the 2009 Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure 1st-place female finisher prize. We applaud Gert for her courageous fight as a co-survivor in her mother's fight against breast cancer, as well as for her ongoing determination to end this disease for all women.

New Jersey Boutiques Touch the Hearts of Komen Philadelphia Volunteer

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:27:09 -0400

I embrace your support of this health issue and am happy that you chose me to serve that night in an effort to raise awareness. I must comment on your member, Norma, who did everything in her power to make me welcome and comfortable. Candy and Crystal, you each worked hard and your commitment was very evident by the way you presented the show. “Pretty In Pink” was right on point. I have heard many, many positive comments as I run into your guests in my travels.

Thank you for the contribution of $575.00 to sponsor me in the Race for the Cure this year for 2010 I am currently at a fundraising level of more than $6,000. We need more people like you to continue the fight for a cure. Many will be blessed by your support. The Philadelphia Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is happy to have you on board.

God’s Blessings and stay well. Thank you sincerely.

Joy,

June C. White
Education Outreach
Susan G. Komen, Philadelphia Affiliate

My first time walking down the steps as a Survivor

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 11:50:32 -0500

Next year I plan on bringing another old friend of mine with me because she just started her treatment last week. It is sad that we had to all be reconnected this way. But now we will have our own little support group.

A 2 year survivor, 1 year survivor and a newbie! We have to look at the bright side we are all here to tell our story! Things could be worse right? Well, anyway thank you so much for the photo. It is great! I will posted it here at work proudly!

Thank you. I hope you get some rest after all your hard work on the Race. Great job!! Take care. We will be participating next year. We are going to raise our goal for next year!

Beth Strain Berry, Constituent Service Representative
Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown

Jane Lopoten's Dance Group Celebrates Life on Race Day

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 12:27:04 -0500

For the past five Mother's Days, Jane, the Owner/Director of Jane Lopoten's School of Dance in Lansdale, has been prepping her dance students at 5 AM on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where they inspire a crowd of more than 100,000 Race for the Cure attendees.

Their "celebrate life" performance has become a much cherished tradition at the Race. The dancers (ranging in age from 14-18 years) are particularly excited to perform this May 11, having just raised $13,000 in one month to support the Race for the Cure.

With one woman dying from breast cancer every 13 minutes in the U.S., sadly every girl in Jane's school has been touched by the disease in her young life. More than just dancing on Race day, Jane embraces the Komen mission to end breast cancer by integrating it into her dance school-encouraging the girls to be aware, to be comfortable with the topic, and to teach their mothers, too.

Some may ask, why start at such a young age? The answer lies in the story of one of Jane's 16-year old students who had a lump in her breast. For quite some time, she told no one, until the lessons learned at the School of Dance convinced her not to be embarrassed. She then found the courage to talk to her parents, seek treatment and now lives to "dance again."