With four little ones you wonder what will happen. You never know what’s going through their minds. My oldest daughter was distant for a while and we talked about it. It turns out she thought maybe she could catch it. People sometimes ask how do you do it with four kids, but I say that’s why I do it … FOR the four kids. . I love herbs and flowers and these four are my own little garden, Rose, Lily, Sage and Dill.

I’ve been through radiation and chemotherapy and some surgeries and I have just learned that the cancer has come back and is in the bones. It’s a whole different ball game now because now I’ll have a different treatment plan. It’s scary but at the same time it’s just another chapter of life. My faith has not wavered and I know that God will get us through this. You play the hand you are dealt and with God’s help, you succeed. I know I didn’t go through this without a reason.  I want to show other people that this is not the end; it’s a new beginning.

Best,

Pat Halpin-Murphy
PBCC President and Founder

Hospitals and non-profits across the country compile videos every year in hopes of raising money for local and national breast cancer organizations.  Penn State Hershey used a strong social media and online presence to promote its 2012 video submission for the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.  Each hospital department choreographed its own routine to Katy Perry’s “Part of Me” with featured guests like the Penn State Nittany Lion and patients of all ages.  Hundreds of thousands of votes were tallied and we are thrilled to announce that Penn State Hershey was awarded second place in the contest with a prize of $5,000!  The Medical Center has generously offered to donate all of that money to the PBCC.

“This may be the most creative and enthusiastic show of support the PBCC has ever seen.  It’s incredible,” said PBCC President and Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy.  “The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is truly grateful for the time, dedication and generosity of the Penn State Hershey staff.

Each day, 32 women in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with breast cancer.  Each year, more than 2,000 of those women will lose their lives to the disease.  With the help of the Penn State’s contribution, the PBCC aims to improve the quality of breast cancer education, research, programming and outreach in the state.   Thank you Penn State Hershey!

In case you didn’t get a chance to watch Penn State’s Pink Glove Dance video, you can watch it here:  Pink Glove Dance 2012
You can read more about Penn State Hershey’s Cancer Institute and the competition here:  Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute

So, what is this whole Extraordinary Give thing, anyway?  It’s a 24-hour online giving marathon hosted by the Lancaster County Community Foundation during which the PA Breast Cancer Coalition has an opportunity to raise thousands of dollars to support women and families in Pennsylvania.  Beginning at midnight, November 30, anyone in the world can log on to ExtraGive.org, search for the PBCC and give a donation of $25 or more.  During that time, the Community Foundation will choose donors for special incentives.  For example, during the “Midnight Madness” hours of 12am – 3am, the Foundation will select a donor at random and throw in a little “Extra” to whichever organization that person chose to support.  Click Here for more information on prizes or head to ExtraGive.org.
Find out why many PBCC supporters have chosen to donate:

Will YOU Give to the PBCC?

If you’re undecided, we’ve chosen the Top 5 Reasons why you should consider it:

1.  All of the money will stay right here in Pennsylvania.   $.83 of every dollar we receive goes to support our programs and services.

2.  The need is great.  32 women in Pennsylvania will be diagnosed with breast cancer TODAY and more than 12,000 will be diagnosed this year.

3.  Research.  Scientists and doctors in PA are breaking ground on possible new treatments every day, but they cannot continue their work without funding from nonprofits like the PBCC.

4.  Advocacy.  There are no questions too big or too small.  The PBCC staff works to find the answers, treatments and resources for women every day.

5.  Because we need to find a cure now.  Each one of our programs at the PBCC supports that mission. From our Friends Like Me Care Packages to our Refunds for Research program, the PBCC relies strongly on contributions from the community to continue our work.

For 20 years, we have been fortunate to have generous donors, volunteers and Grassroots Partners.  The PBCC has set an Extraordinary Give goal of $3,200 – $100 for each woman in PA diagnosed with breast cancer every day.  Help us continue our mission for the next 20 years by setting aside a little “Extra” and participating in this year’s Extraordinary Give on November 30!

#PBCCgive
ExtraGive.org
pbcc.me/Give

What donors may not realize is, while their gifts are always appreciated by the PBCC, the effect their generosity has on grant and scholarship recipients is what truly makes the difference.  In the week following this year’s conference, letters of thanks and appreciation starting pouring in to our Ephrata office.  Here are just a few of the responses we received:

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition would like to thank everyone who has provided these recipients with the experience of attending our Conference over the past several years.  We could not do what we do, without you!

Remember, together we can “find a cure for breast cancer now… so our daughters won’t have to.”