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

Posts Tagged ‘breast cancer’

PBCC Board Member Dr. Andrea Mastro Receives $500,000 Grant

Posted By on June 15th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

Congratulations to Dr. Andrea Mastro of Pennsylvania State University for her continuous work in searching for a cure! After submitting a proposal to the Department of Defense, Dr. Mastro was awarded the Breast Cancer Research Program’s Idea Award along with a $500,000 grant. The award emphasizes innovation and high-impact research that not only challenges the scientific community, but addresses the primary goal to end breast cancer.

Dr. Mastro also received a PBCC Refunds for Research Award in 2003 and has been an active member of the PBCC Board since 2005.

67 Women, 67 Counties Visits Cumberland, Bradford, and Luzerne Counties

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

PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit, 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania, continued its spring tour at Central Penn College in Cumberland County and Guthrie Clinic in Bradford County. Check out this video highlighting the exhibit. Currently, the photo exhibit can be seen at the Hazleton Health & Wellness Center in Luzerne County through June 24th.

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.

Announcing 2012 PBCC Conference Awardees

Posted By on June 15th, 2012 at 8:58 am | 0 comments.

There are many people who work tirelessly in the fight against breast cancer. Some work in suits, some in lab coats. Others wear pink boas. We are pleased to recognize four of these individuals at the 2012 PBCC Conference, and we’d love for you to join us in celebrating their achievements. Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz, Alicia Richards, Nancy Davidson, M.D., and Tammy Miller will be honored for their contributions to the cause at the Harrisburg Hilton on Tuesday, October 9. Register now for the early bird discount.

Congresswoman Allyson Schwartz and abc27 news anchor Alicia Richards will each be presented with the Pink Ribbon Award at the Pink Ribbon luncheon. Nancy Davidson, M.D. will receive the Potamkin Award for Research. Breast cancer survivor, author, and speaker Tammy Miller will be recognized with the Shining Light Award.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available to fit every budget. Also new this year is an opportunity for you to help the PBCC make a bigger impact. Pledge to raise additional money beyond the conference registration fee, and you can earn additional PBCC merchandise. Your help will allow us to continue working on behalf of breast cancer survivors here in Pennsylvania.

Register now and use the promo code EARLY to save $20 off of the registration fee. For those who need some financial assistance to be able to attend the conference, scholarships are available. Please complete the online application to determine your eligibility. Learn more here.

2012 Conference Scholarships & Sponsorships Available; Registration Open

Posted By on May 15th, 2012 at 11:19 am | 0 comments.

We need YOU! We’re looking for businesses and other organizations to support the 2012 Conference, a premiere event for the breast cancer community. There are a number of ways that you can come on board to make the 2012 event the best yet! Online registration is now open! Visit pbcc.me/Conference to save your spot for the Tuesday, October 9th conference. Use promo code EARLY to save $20 off your registration!

This year, you have two options for registering for the Conference. You may simply register and attend the inspiring event in October. OR you can register and raise awareness of the PA Breast Cancer Coalition through online fundraising. If you fundraise $75, you will receive a FREE pink PBCC umbrella. If you fundraise $150, you will receive a FREE pink PBCC umbrella and an exclusive PBCC totebag. *Please note: in order to receive the free products, you must raise $75 or $150 in addition to being registered for the Conference at the registration rate. If you have any questions, please contact Kevin Smith at Info@PABreastCancer.org or 800-377-8828 x109.

Scholarship applications for the Cary Massa Memorial Scholarship Fund are also available online now. These scholarships cover all or part of the Conference registration cost and are available through the generosity of many donors. Separate travel grants are also available to those who meet certain criteria.

Register and save the date for the 2012 Conference! And be sure to share this exciting opportunity with your friends on Facebook or Twitter. We will see you in Harrisburg on October 9th!

Cambridge Study Could Lead to Tailored Treatment

Posted By on May 15th, 2012 at 10:32 am | 0 comments.

Using data gathered through analysis of the genetic makeup of a tumor, a new study could lead to tailored treatment for those battling breast cancer. This groundbreaking study would reclassify the disease into 10 new categories or subtypes, giving doctors information to make better treatment recommendations and helping patients avoid unnecessary treatment. This is exciting news for the PBCC and all those we serve, as it could revolutionize treatment of breast cancer and give many women better outcomes with fewer side effects.

The Cambridge study, which is the largest genetic study of breast cancer to date, has been heralded as a step toward individualizing treatment for patients, allowing many to avoid treatment that would be less likely to benefit them. The next step in the process is establishing clinical trials. Within three to five years, doctors may be able to start development of more accurate diagnostic tests.

The PBCC is impressed with the results of the study and encouraged that tailored, more individualized breast cancer therapy may become a reality but, of course, clinical trials must be conducted first.

Survivor Spotlight – Heather Vail

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 9:02 am | 0 comments.

I attended my first PBCC conference in 2001 when my good friend Helen Harshbarger was honored with the Shining Light award. Through Helen, I also became involved with the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit. Then in 2006 my routine mammogram uncovered a density. I had a biopsy, just to be sure it was nothing to be concerned about but as it turned out, it was breast cancer. I had surgery, radiation, and was on tamoxifen for the next five years.

I had worked in the women’s center at Guthrie Hospital for quite some time, but until you’ve walked in those shoes yourself you really don’t know what it’s like. I was always supportive of patients and friends but being on the receiving end of that support showed me how important that is.

One of my two sons was in Iraq at the time of my diagnosis and I didn’t tell him about it. I didn’t want him worrying about me while I was worrying about him. My other son, my husband, my daughter-in-law, friends and neighbors were wonderful! Faith in God helped me get through surgery and recovery.

Now I work in the breast center at Guthrie, and one of the things I enjoy most is stepping in for Karen Cartwright, the nurse navigator, when she’s not available. I take the patient’s history, ask them how they are doing, and let them know that I’ve been through it too.

I like to read, walk my two rescue dogs, and work in my garden. My husband Red and I also have a 12 year-old cat that dislikes everyone and tolerates the dogs. I follow professional football and am an avid Penn State fan. I also watch “Dancing with the Stars,” and I actually vote!

Heather is featured in the PBCC’s traveling photo exhibit 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania.  See Heather’s photo and quote at any of our Spring opening receptions.

Breast Cancer Risks Associated With Lynch Syndrome

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 9:01 am | 0 comments.

A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology on cancer risks associated with Lynch syndrome yielded some unexpected results about increased risk of breast cancer. Lynch syndrome, an inherited condition, is caused by mutations in particular genes that are involved in repairing DNA damage, and had previously been linked to increased risk of colon, uterus, ovary, kidney, stomach, and bladder cancer. This study showed a significant increase in breast and pancreatic cancer as well.

Findings after five years showed that individuals with Lynch syndrome had a four-fold greater risk of developing breast cancer than those in the general population. The study also showed those with Lynch syndrome had a tendency to be diagnosed with these cancers at an earlier age than those diagnosed with these cancers in the general population. The findings on breast cancer suggest a need for further study to determine the optimal age for mammography for patients with Lynch syndrome and whether other tests such as breast MRI should be recommended.

York Kia Ladies Month

Posted By on April 5th, 2012 at 3:39 pm | 0 comments.

During the month of March, York Kia was honoring all of the women in our lives. They chose to donate $50 from each new car sold to the PBCC to raise awareness of breast cancer in the state. Thanks to the efforts of the entire staff, York Kia donated $2,000!! Thanks for sharing the importance of early detection and education!

York Kia Ladies Month

Pictured are Debbie Simon, breast cancer survivor; JoAnn Graham, breast cancer survivor; Heather Hibshman, Executive Director of the PBCC; Don Meluzio, Owner of York Kia; and Jeff Staub, New Car Sales Manager of York Kia.

Spring 2012 edition of FrontLine

Posted By on March 28th, 2012 at 11:56 am | 0 comments.

By now, if you’re on our mailing list, you should have received the latest edition of FrontLine. The PBCC sends out this print newsletter every quarter to let you know what we’re up to across the state and how YOU can get involved!

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

We Take Our Mission Seriously

Posted By on February 7th, 2012 at 2:54 pm | 0 comments.


It’s the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s mission to give breast cancer survivors a voice within our Commonwealth. We believe we are that voice in the medical, legislative, insurance and corporate communities.

Since 1993, we have dedicated ourselves to finding a cure for breast cancer. Our many acclaimed statewide outreach efforts, along with our grassroots partners raise thousands of dollars for research each year. The money raised goes to people like Dr. Craig Meyers, a researcher at the Penn State College of Medicine. Dr. Meyers recently discovered a nondisease-causing virus that successfully kills breast cancer cells in the laboratory. With the help of our outreach efforts and grassroots partners we can give him the funding he needs to one day conduct human trials that will hopefully lead to a cure to breast cancer.

We believe that anyone can help make a difference in the lives of those fighting breast cancer and their families. It’s the creativity and talents of people like you that can truly make a difference. We know that the only way to end breast cancer is to find a cure and believe with your help we can do so.

My battle with breast cancer ignites my resolve to make certain that our generation is the last to ever fear breast cancer. As a mother and grandmother, I thank you for joining the PBCC’s efforts to find a cure now… so our daughters and granddaughters won’t have to.