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Derby finale at the Reading Phillies

Posted By on August 9th, 2010 at 12:50 pm | 2 comments.

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Reading PhilliesThe home run derby crew rolled into FirstEnergy Stadium for the last event on Friday, July 30th.  Pink bats have been awarded around the state to teams who knocked one out of the park, and one team would be lucky enough to get the last set in Reading.  It was a fierce competition on the sunny Friday, so check out how the teams stacked up!

Team Scores:

Single Batter Scores:

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Reading PhilliesThe day was full of fun and batters of all ages came out to support the PBCC.  The team representing Fleetwood Bank brought their own pitcher to throw softballs to the batters.  While the softballs didn’t fly as far as a normal baseball, the team still finished with a great score!  Congratulations ladies!

Our winning team from Chesapeake Energy had two batters that each took 30 swings.  During his time at bat, Nick Aspromonte hit two home runs!  And single batter John Furlong also knocked one out of the park during his time at the plate!  And a homer by Dante Cutrona from the Berks Bar Association.  Congratulations fellas!

With the end in sight, the derby crew looks forward to compiling all of the scores to create the statewide team leaderboard in addition to the statewide winner for our single batters.  In the meantime, check out the pictures from the 11th and final stop of the 2010 derby!

PA Fair Care to begin accepting applications on Wednesday

Posted By on August 2nd, 2010 at 5:26 pm | 0 comments.

The PA Insurance Department is offering a new program called PA Fair Care – Pennsylvania’s health plan for uninsured adults with pre-existing conditions.

PA Fair Care will be administered statewide through a contract with Highmark Blue Shield. Benefits will include preventive care, physician services, diagnostic testing, hospitalization, mental health services and prescriptions. The cost to enrollees is a subsidized premium of $283.20 monthly.

To be eligible for PA Fair Care, applicants must:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or lawful resident
  • Be a Pennsylvania resident
  • Have a pre-existing health condition
  • Be uninsured for the previous six months

PA Fair Care will begin taking applications on Wednesday, August 4, after 8:30 a.m. To apply, applications can be completed online at www.PAFairCare.com, or those without internet access may apply with assistance from the toll free helpline – 1-888-767-7015 (TTY 1-888-767-7018) Monday thru Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Anyone with questions, please call the toll free helpline at 1-888-767-7015.

Derby on the Move with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs

Posted By on July 27th, 2010 at 10:05 am | 0 comments.

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Lehigh Valley IronPigsNow that we are over the half-way point, derby events just seem to happen.  The great staff at the PBCC & PACB in addition to support from all of the participating stadiums, these derby events make the month of July seem like only a few days.  To kick off a week of derby events, the pink van was in Allentown at the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Monday, July 19th.  The great staff and volunteers at the IronPigs made the day run smoothly.  So smooth, in fact, check out how high our team scores were for the day!

Team Scores:

Even though we had very high team scores, no one was able to knock one out of the park!  Our batters knew where to hit the ball to the outfield, but they were just shy of the fence!  WFMZ Channel 69 was out at the ballpark to support the cause.  Check out the story! 

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Lehigh Valley IronPigsThe Harleysville Savings Bank teams were sporting specially made bracelets for the derby.  ‘Barb’s Batters’ stepped up to the plate to support our volunteer Barb Eyrich from Harleysville Savings Bank.  Lookin’ good fellas!

Thanks to everyone for another great day at Coca-Cola Park!  Head on over to Flickr to check out all of the great photos from the beautiful Monday!

The War Moves to the Red Rose City

Posted By on July 23rd, 2010 at 10:26 am | 0 comments.

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Lancaster BarnstormersAnother derby event in a back-TWO-back competition was held in Lancaster at Clipper Magazine Stadium on Saturday, July 17th.  The heat was on and all watched in anticipation of the second day of the War of the Roses.  Of course all of our teams were up against tough stats from the first half of the derby season: single-digit home runs.  We’ll check out those figures in a little bit.  But first, let’s see our team scores!

Team Scores:

Single Batter Scores:

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the Lancaster BarnstormersIt was a tough race for the War of the Roses, but Team Rep. Scott Boyd pulled out another win to take the 2010 War of the Roses title.  Although Team Boyd fell second to Team Sen. Mike Brubaker’s squad.  The battle for first was tough, but in the end both teams came together for a friendly photo with the pink bat!

Our dryspell of home runs gave way to a list of hitters who knocked on out of the park!  Jordan Stoltzfus, Matt Waleuski, Mike Wilson, & Greg Gunter all were able to hit one out of the park!  Hopefully this momentum will keep the derby home runs coming!  Take a look at the great pictures from the Lancaster Barnstormers Home Run Derby!

War of the Roses kicks off in York

Posted By on July 23rd, 2010 at 8:20 am | 0 comments.

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the York RevolutionThe topic of heat and humidity were on the minds of our batters and volunteers, but the weather did not deter from a great time at Sovereign Bank Stadium, the home of the York Revolution!  This event kicked off the War of the Roses between Rep. Eugene DePasquale of York and Rep. Scott Boyd of Lancaster.  Both teams came prepared for battle on the diamond.  Check out how they did below!

Team Scores:

2010 PA Home Run Derby at the York RevolutionLooks like Team Boyd won on the York turf for a second consecutive year.  This didn’t deter Team DePasquale from looking forward to Lancaster for another challenge!

Early in the day, WPMT Fox 43 went LIVE from Sovereign Bank Stadium to help promote the derby to south-central PA.  A special thanks to Mike Gorsegner and the entire Fox 43 staff for that wonderful opportunity! 

Stay Classy, York made an appearance on Friday.  On his trip around the Commonwealth to six derby events, Bob Hauer helped to lead his team to fourth place with 1,170 points.  Not a bad showing out on field!

With a mini-Green Monster in left field and the possibility of weather affecting our batters, we did not have any home runs in the White Rose city!  We look to Lancaster to help boost our home run tally for 2010.  In the meantime, check out photos from the derby event at the York Revolution!

The Derby isn’t only about teams…are you a single batter?

Posted By on June 25th, 2010 at 2:00 pm | 0 comments.

Previously I have written about our need for Home Run Derby sponsors and volunteers.  And we still do need both!  If you’re interested, click here to learn more or sign up. 

The Home Run Derby events are major fundraisers for the PBCC.  Funds are raised through sponsorships, team fees, single batter fees, and donations.  Today, I am focusing on single batters.

For the low, low price of just $125 you can have an experience of a lifetime!  Imagine the scene.  You put on a batting helmet, grasp a baseball bat and step out onto home plate on your local minor league baseball field.  You sling the bat over your shoulder and take a few warm up swings.  The pitching machine whirs to life as you eye the outfield fence and wonder….could I?  Could I really hit a home run?  Well why not give it a try? 

For the price of $125, you receive:

  • 15 swings at the minor league baseball stadium of your choice
    • commemorative batter’s jersey
    • program
    • souvenir photo
    • goody bag
    • a great time!

Batters are scored on a scale ranging from 10 points for a fair ball hit in the infield to 100 points for a home run. The individual batter at each stadium with the highest point score is awarded a prize.  You will be given a batting time slot when your registration and payment is submitted to the PBCC.  All money raised through the Home Run Derby stays in Pennsylvania and allows the PBCC to continue supporting and serving breast cancer survivors and their families in this state.

Please consider becoming a Home Run Derby batter today!  We can’t help the thousands of women in PA who are dealing with breast cancer without your help!

Because Brecknock Cares

Posted By on June 4th, 2010 at 9:30 am | 0 comments.

The students at Brecknock Elementary School in Eastern Lancaster County School District collected and donated over 560 items for the PBCC, including gardening tools, books, handmade cards, silk scarves, and even feather boas!

In honor of Lisa Horning, a third-grade teacher at Brecknock for 18 years who died after a long battle with breast cancer on September 20th, students at the school participated in their first “Day of Service,” which benefitted three causes, including the PBCC.

The idea to support the PBCC during the “Day of Service” actually came from Madison, the daughter of one of Brecknock’s teachers.  She saw our pink van (check out the video of its creation) driving around town and asked her mom about it.  The rest is history.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdGuszIQ1BM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0xcc2550&color2=0xe87a9f]

We especially LOVED the homemade ornamental angel keychains and “Get Well” cards.  Each item carried the message, “Because Brecknock Cares,” which Lisa Horning came up with several years ago.

What a wonderful way to honor a loved one AND support a noble cause.  Thanks, Brecknock Elementary School!

Pink Friends Like Me Packages Continue to Make a Difference

Posted By on June 3rd, 2010 at 10:45 am | 0 comments.

Here at the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, we believe in reaching those diagnosed in the state individually.  The Friends Like Me Care Packages do just that every day.  These pink boxes, which contain valuable information, books, and donated gifts, make it to Philadelphia, Erie, Pittsburgh, Scranton, and everywhere in between.  To date, over 3,400 Friends Like Me Care Packages have made it into the hands of newly diagnosed men and women in PA. 

Included in each package is a quick survey that we ask recipients to complete.  The last question is “What did receiving this Friends Like Me Care Package mean to you?”  Below a quick note that was sent back recently.

My “Friends Like Me” package arrived a few days after meeting with my surgeon and scheduling my surgery.

I cried when I opened the box.  It was a tangible representation of my cancer and a powerful gift.  Filled with information, it empowered me to ask and learn more.  I wanted to be actively involved in my treatment plan.  Along with my surgeon and her staff at Penn State Hershey Breast Center, my family and friends; you too became part of my support team.  Kim Eubanks’ note personalized my package.  I remembered her from church and thought it remarkable that she remembered me.  I’m sure many packages are sent weekly – to remember me and take the time to send a note meant the world to me.  Thanks Kim!

I read Navigating Breast Cancer by Lillie Shockney shortly after receiving it with my cancer information at Hershey.  It dealt with many of the issues I was dealing with like how to tell others and what lies ahead.  Reading the book gave me a sense of normalcy.  Others had gone through the same emotional rollercoaster I was living.  I read her Breast Cancer Survivor’s Club from my Friends Like Me package as a sequel.  The Breast Cancer: Covered or Not by Dr. Linda Rhodes and Pat Halpin-Murphy provided easy to read information on health insurance.  I have insurance through my employer but had only ever used it for wellness and routine family doctor visits.  I read the book right away and called the insurance company just to “double-check” what I thought I knew.  I needed to focus on getting better, not fighting with insurance.

I laughed when I saw the knit hat.  Made from bright, fuzzy yarn, it wasn’t my “style” and chemo wasn’t in my treatment plan, but I will wear it proudly.  It reminds me to laugh each day.  It also serves to remind me that my cancer was found early and with radiation, my outlook is good.  Not everyone is as fortunate.

I read all the books and pamphlets in my package.  My husband wears the pink ribbon sticker.  I wear the “survivor” bracelet and pink ribbon pin.  The angel made by the Girl Scout Troop hangs from the rearview mirror of my car.  All reminders of where I’ve been and how far I’ve come.

In February I had a lumpectomy at Penn State Hershey Medical Center.  I learned that my lymph nodes were clear.  I will have radiation.  I have been blessed.

Thank you,

Cindy

These personal stories are behind the PBCC’s driving force to find a cure now!  Do you know someone who was recently diagnosed?  Visit the PBCC’s Friends Like Me page to request a Care Package be sent FREE of charge!

Can Your Business Help Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer?

Posted By on June 1st, 2010 at 10:14 am | 2 comments.

Last week I wrote about our need for Home Run Derby volunteers.  And we still do need volunteers!  If you’re interested, click here to learn more or sign up.

The Home Run Derbies are major fundraisers for the PBCC.  Funds are raised through sponsorships, team fees, single batter fees, and donations.  Today, my focus is on sponsors.

Home Run Derby sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with wonderful benefits given at each level. 

For example, at the $1000 level, your company or group receives:

  • Two teams of four batters at local event of your choosing
  • The opportunity to display your company banner at local event
  • A mention in event advertising specific to local event
  • A listing on the official Home Run Derby website
  • A listing in all event programs
  • The opportunity to provide a promotional item in participant tote bags at local event

Just imagine what a $5,000 or $10,000 sponsor receives!  The promotional and marketing opportunities are well worth the cost!  Plus, your company will be seen in a positive light by linking with the PBCC, a statewide non-profit breast cancer organization.  To see all the sponsorship levels and benefits, click here. 

Please consider becoming a Home Run Derby sponsor today!  We can’t fulfill our mission, to find a cure for breast cancer now…so our daughters won’t have to, without your help!

We Get By With A Little Help From Our Friends

Posted By on April 7th, 2010 at 10:46 am | 0 comments.

“It made me feel good to know that there are others out there just like me. I’m not alone.”

“It was profoundly heartening and I cried when I opened this knowing that others cared.”

“I felt that I wasn’t alone in this frightful journey and it gave me comfort and hope to know that others care.”

What are all these women raving about? The PBCC’s Friends Like Me care package, that’s what! Every week we send about a dozen Friends Like Me care packages to women who live in Pennsylvania and have been recently diagnosed with breast cancer. (Click here to request one for yourself or someone you know.) The package is filled to the brim with important information about breast cancer surgery and treatment.

We know the women who receive these care packages appreciate the educational stuff. They tell us so in every survey they send back. But my heart tells me that the best parts of the care package, the things that make these women feel like they are not alone, are the “soft touches”…the hand-knit scarves and chemo caps, the sweet construction paper “thinking of you” cards crafted by children, the paper clip angel ornaments made by Girl Scouts, the pink pins to wear proudly as a symbol of strength. These are the things that warm the hearts of the women who receive a care package. And these are the things the PBCC relies on you to donate!

Are you crafty like Kathleen Markley and Pauline Kring? Please consider knitting or crocheting some pink scarves or making needlepoint bookmarks. Do you sell Avon, Mary Kay or Longaberger like Rosanne Bair and Agnes White? Why not donate some samples of lotions, make-up or other small items? Do you own or frequent a gift shop or other business like Patty Platts and Mia Morrison? Perhaps you could send us small “feel-good” items that the store has on hand! (Click here to see a list of some recent donors and what they gave.)

The possibilities are endless, the benefits, immeasurable. And the ripples of your kindness will linger long after that pink box has been emptied and tossed in the trash.