When I was first diagnosed, Pat Halpin-Murphy hadn’t created the PA Breast Cancer Coalition yet. But once it got started, the PBCC invited me to represent Carbon County in the traveling photo exhibit. I agreed right away. I’m always willing to help with anything. I know that Pat and the PBCC have been working tirelessly and will always keep going to help other women.

Through surgery and radiation treatments, I had faith. And I kept my sense of humor and kept busy. That will get you through difficult times. I love to crochet and have made many bride dolls, and I wanted to do something special for the PBCC. So I made a pink doll and attached 67 roses to the train to represent the women in the 67 counties from the exhibit, and I added pink beads in memory of those we have lost. I was happy to be able to present the doll to Pat at the recent exhibit opening at the Hazelton Health & Wellness Center. Quite a few friends have asked me to make one for them but I won’t make another one like it. It’s one of a kind, just like Pat is.

Over the years I’ve seen a lot of changes, like digital mammograms and other advances. I see many more women getting mammograms now and talking openly about their breast cancer. It’s really good to see that.

Joining Pat Halpin-Murphy in speaking at the exhibit were Jim Edwards, CEO of the Greater Hazleton Health Alliance, Joanne Grossi, regional Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; State Senator John Yudichak, State Representative Tarah Toohil, and breast cancer survivor and Luzerne County exhibit participant Beverly Hernandez.

All locations held opening receptions where local leaders, doctors, breast cancer survivors and exhibit participants spoke about the importance of the exhibit and its message of early detection and awareness. If you are in the Hazleton area, stop in and see this educational work of art that focuses on each woman’s personal perspective on battling breast cancer.

Take a read through our online edition and share it with your friends!

Over 60 women were assisted by our patient advocacy efforts.  Nearly 1,000 breast cancer survivors, advocates, health care professionals, and community and corporate leaders attended the PA Breast Cancer Coalition Conference in October. $100,000 was given to Dr. Craig Meyers at the Penn State College of Medicine to further his promising research into a virus that kills breast cancer cells that could potentially lead us to a cure. Grassroots Partners raised over $425,000 to enable us to continue our efforts on behalf of women and their families.

In 2012, we remain committed to representing, supporting and serving breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania. We renew our commitment to the goal of finding a cure for breast cancer now…so our daughters won’t have to.  Please join us!

Sharon Willison, Chief of Staff to PA State Senator Timothy J. Solobay, pictured with Heather Hibshman, PBCC Executive Director at the Greene County reception.

The busy fall schedule for the 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania traveling photo exhibit brought the display to Southwest Regional Medical Center (SRMC) in Greene County in early November. Heather Hibshman, the PBCC’s Executive Director, spoke at the event along with Carolyn Wissenbach, Penn State County Extension Director and Greene County Cancer Coalition Chair; Cynthia J. Cowie, CEO of SRMC; H. Adam Patton, D.O., Diagnostic Radiology of SRMC; and Valerie Cole, a breast cancer survivor and SRMC volunteer.

The exhibit, which features photos and quotes from women from each county in Pennsylvania, brings the message of breast cancer awareness and the importance of early detection to every community it visits. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Department of Health for their continued support of the traveling photo exhibit.

Breast cancer survivor and Philadelphia County exhibit participant Judi Blue shared her story with the audience. PBCC President & Founder Pat Halpin-Murphy invited all survivors to join her and Judi to celebrate the courage, hope and dignity with which they have faced breast cancer in a powerful ceremony at the podium.

The 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania traveling photo exhibit is funded by the PA Department of Health.

Some duties may include, but not be limited to:

• Work on the PBCC’s statewide educational and outreach programs:
  • Traveling Photo Exhibit
  • Take A Swing Against Breast Cancer home run derby
  • PBCC Annual Conference
• Interact with local event committees, state agencies, legislative contacts and media
• Write press releases, blog posts and articles as needed
• Coordinate volunteers for PBCC events and health fairs

The PA Breast Cancer Coalition is located at 344 North Reading Road in Ephrata, Lancaster County. It was founded in 1993 and is the only statewide grassroots organization in Pennsylvania that speaks to and for breast cancer survivors.

Applicants should possess:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience using Microsoft Office (Adobe Photoshop and InDesign experience preferred, but not required)
• Ability to work independently and in a team setting
• Excellent project management and organizational skills

Take a look around our website to learn more about our organization.

Interested applicants should contact Sarah Lightman, Community Outreach Director, at Sarah@PABreastCancer.org or 717-721-2580 x107

This position is unpaid, and can be full or part time from September to December, 2011 with the potential to be extended into the Spring semester.