The coolest news around

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."