Dear friends and family,
I have decided to participate in the Pink & Teal Challenge - an event taking place Mother's Day Weekend. I have decided to join in on the fun for a number of reasons, including my own breast cancer history, but this year I’m dedicating this to my mom, Patricia Battaglia, because she would have given anything to participate in one more Pink & Teal Challenge. She poured her whole heart into the Coalition and she wasn’t ready to leave it when she did.
In case you don’t already know, the Breast Cancer Coalition changes the lives of those touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis through their 4 pillars: Research, Education, Support and Advocacy.
They have committed more than $1.1 million to researching causes, prevention, and a cure for breast cancer since 2003. They provide almost 900 hours of support and educational groups for breast and gyn survivors annually, at no cost to them.* They advocate for legislation that benefit survivors at all levels of government.
I could go on and on about the specific challenges our community's survivors face, but instead, I’d like to share a quote from a survivor the Coalition has recently assisted:
Shortly before my surgery last month, I sent a request to talk with others for some support and guidance. How lucky am I to speak with these amazing women before my surgery and THEN to receive an amazing gift to help me in my journey!... Each day as I face my surgical scars, the post-op complication, the change in my treatment plan and the uncertainty of the future, I think back to one of the conversations with your staff… and I find a nugget of advice to keep me going. Thank you, again, from my heart.
Thank you for your consideration - I personally appreciate it, and our survivors do, too.
Sincerely,
Me
P.S. If you'd like to learn more about the great work the Breast Cancer Coalition does, check out their website, give them a follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
*If you or someone you know has been touched by a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis, and is in need of Coalition services, please contact the Breast Cancer Coalition here.
