Finding a cure now...so our daughters won't have to.

Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Pennsylvania Mastectomies – PA Health Care Cost Containment Council Report

Posted By on November 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

A recent report from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council showed that the number of women in Pennsylvania undergoing preventative mastectomies rose from 94 in 2002 to 455 in 2011. Have you or someone you know made the decision to get a preventative mastectomy? We would like to hear from you on what factors influenced your decision. Email Amy at amy@pabreastcancer.org.

Refunds for Research: Every Penny Counts!

Posted By on November 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

With 2013 just around the corner, we are getting to work on launching the PBCC’s Refunds for Breast and Cervical Cancer Research program. As always, we ask that you donate all or part of your state income tax return to help fund important research happening right here in Pennsylvania! Look for the announcement of those talented researchers who were selected to receive our 2013 Refunds for Research grants early next year!

President’s Corner: Giving Thanks

Posted By on November 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

Giving thanks comes easily to us at the PBCC. When you work with those who have been touched by breast cancer, gratitude is never far from your mind. As Thanksgiving approaches, I’d like to offer thanks on behalf of the PBCC for all that you do. Whether it is being a Grassroots Partner and holding a fundraiser, serving as an advocate for those needing free treatment, driving around with a pink ribbon license plate, participating in the PBCC Conference, or donating your state income tax return to Refunds for Research, you are making a difference.

Best,

Pat Halpin-Murphy
PBCC President and Founder

2012 PBCC Conference: Turning Awareness into Action

Posted By on November 15th, 2012 at 9:00 am | 0 comments.

The 2012 PBCC Conference was a tremendous success. Nearly 1,000 participants joined us in celebrating the achievements of our award recipients and sharing in a day full of workshops and speakers on a wide variety of topics, from the latest in breast cancer research to cutting edge treatment and from survivorship to advocacy. Check out the photos from the event. We are already looking forward to our 20th Anniversary Celebration at the next year.  SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2013 PBCC CONFERENCE – TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15!


Survivor Spotlight: Cindy Holobusky

Posted By on May 16th, 2011 at 12:58 pm | 2 comments.

Cindy Holobusky has had three heart surgeries, at the ages of eight, 40 and 42. Then at age 46 she came out of the shower one day and found a lump in her breast. With two artificial heart valves, her doctors needed to be especially careful preparing her for a lumpectomy. Cindy was hospitalized for several days to monitor the effects of being taken off the blood thinner Coumadin.

That was five years ago and Cindy was glad to hear at her recent check-up that she was “A-OK.” When she was diagnosed Cindy ordered a Friends Like Me care package and says that the things in it helped her to feel like she was not alone. Now she likes to pay it forward by ordering Friends Like Me care packages for other newly-diagnosed women.

Two years ago her insurer denied coverage of her annual mammogram, so her physician’s office contacted the PBCC. We were able to step in and unravel the red tape that was blocking her access. Recently Cindy traveled to State College to attend the Penn State Lady Lions WBCA Pink Zone at Penn State, which benefited the PBCC. She says it was a great feeling to be among the 352 breast cancer survivors honored on the basketball court, especially with those women diagnosed over 20 years ago!

Breast Cancer Survivor, Family, Friend, Health Care Provider? Share Your Story

Posted By on April 15th, 2011 at 9:09 am | 6 comments.

Tammy Miller is collecting your stories for her book, Pink Ribbon Stories: A Celebration of Life. Not sure what to say?  Tammy or a team member will interview you and write your story. The publication is due out this Summer with proceeds going to the PBCC.

We are looking for your stories, thoughts, and poems to encourage, inspire, and make you smile, from anyone whose life has been touched by breast cancer.  Since some people are not sure where to begin with their story, we are offering some questions you may consider:

  1. What did you learn through this process?
  2. What words of encouragement would you offer others?
  3. Is there anything you wish you knew before going through this?
  4. Is there anything you wish your doctor would have told you?
  5. Can you identify anything humorous that happened on this path to recovery?

These specific questions do not have to be in your story, but are being offered for consideration.

Submit your information to Tammy at: pinkribbonstories@tammyspeaks.com. You can send it as a Word document (1,200 word max) or in the body of an e-mail. If you need assistance with the typing/telling of your story, please let Tammy know and someone will assist you with your submission.

Deadline for all submissions is June 1, 2011. All stories are subject to editing for space. Any questions, please contact Tammy at: tammy@tammyspeaks.com or call (814) 360-4031.

Survivor Spotlight: Barbara Eyrich

Posted By on April 15th, 2011 at 9:02 am | 12 comments.

When Barbara Eyrich volunteered at the PBCC’s 2008 Home Run Derby in Reading, she couldn’t anticipate she would be diagnosed with breast cancer two years later in May 2010. Barb originally heard about the PBCC through a women’s group she belonged to and was excited to read about the Derby. The following year she learned that Harleysville Savings Bank, where she is a loan officer, had teams participating in the Home Run Derby in Allentown.

So she and her daughter switched their volunteer efforts to the 2009 Lehigh Valley Home Run Derby. Last summer, Barb returned to the Home Run Derby just one month after having breast cancer surgery. She loves being involved in the event, lining up batters for their photos and helping to keep the day running smoothly.

She is just about finished with radiation now and says that having a positive attitude throughout has allowed her to focus on the end result. Her husband and children have been her biggest supporters and she is very grateful to them. Join Barb at the Home Run Derby at Coca-Cola Park on July 6th!

2011 Refunds for Research Awardees Announced

Posted By on April 15th, 2011 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

Through the generosity of Pennsylvania taxpayers, the PBCC’s Refunds for Breast Cancer Research program awarded grants to three PA based cancer researchers to further their study. Melanie Flint, Ph.D., Steffi Oesterreich, Ph.D., and Azadeh Stark, Ph.D. each received $50,000 to continue their respective research endeavors to unlock more of the mysteries of breast cancer.

Dr. Flint and Dr. Oesterreich are both researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute. Dr. Stark is employed by the Center for Health Service Research at Geisinger Medical Center. This is the first PBCC Refunds for Research grant award for all of the three recipients.

Many thanks to each Pennsylvania taxpayer who has contributed all or part of his or her state income tax refund to support the Refunds for Research program to help bring us closer to our goal of finding a cure for breast cancer now…so our daughters won’t have to.

Looking for a support group? Look no further!

Posted By on April 27th, 2010 at 11:00 am | 0 comments.

Have you recently been diagnosed with breast cancer and are looking for a support group?  Do you need to talk to others who have been where you are?  Is someone you love in this situation?  Are you at a loss for where to find groups in your area?  Well, the PBCC has the answer!

We have compiled a list of over 100 support groups across Pennsylvania, listing the group name, location, meeting days and times, and facilitators’ information if known.  Most of the groups are specifically for breast cancer support, but some are for anyone dealing with any type of cancer.  Some are geared toward a specific population such as African-American women, Latinas, young women, or those dealing with Stage IV or metastatic cancer.  Some groups focus on a specific facet of recovery such as exercise or spirituality.  Many are open to family members and loved ones.  Some meet in hospitals, some in women’s homes, and others in community centers or restaurants.  Many provide refreshments.  All are free of charge.  Check the notes for specifics on the particular group you are interested in.

We recommend you call the number on the listing to verify the group’s information.  Support groups sometimes change their meeting days or times without our knowledge so please call the facilitators before you decide to attend a meeting!

Finally, if you are a breast cancer (or general cancer) support group facilitator, or even just a regular attendee of one of these groups, we need your help!  Please visit our website and see if your group is listed.  If it is, do we have all the details correct?  If you see errors or if you know of a group not on our list, please email Kim at kim@pabreastcancer.org with the details and we’ll add them right away.

Battle of the Cities; Representatives Call for YOUR Support

Posted By on June 15th, 2009 at 5:18 pm | 0 comments.

On Friday, June 12th, State Representatives Scott Boyd, of Lancaster County, and Eugene DePasquale, of York County called on their respective cities to step up and “take a swing against breast cancer!”

Playing off of their friendly rivalry, Boyd and DePasquale presented PA Breast Cancer Coalition Executive Director Heather Hibshman with a bouquet of pink roses to show the uniting force Lancaster and York can have against breast cancer.

Boyd and DePasquale poked fun at their differences in Harrisburg and how legislators and all PA residents can unite for this deserving cause.

We were really excited about our coverage by WGAL Channel 8 and Fox 43! Hopefully I can get the videos posted soon!

This event was the first test of the Kevin the Intern website and live posting! Hopefully I can post the link soon so you can follow easily! In the mean time, check out the Twitter and Facebook pages!