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

Posts Tagged ‘survivors’

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.

Online Free Treatment Course Now Available!

Posted By on April 13th, 2012 at 8:58 am | 0 comments.

Since the launch of the PBCC’s online course on Pennsylvania’s FREE Treatment for Breast and Cervical Cancer program on March 7, more than 110 people have learned how to help uninsured and underinsured women get the treatment and care they need to fight a breast cancer diagnosis. You too can take the course and learn how this program saves lives! The free online course is open to all and the continuing education credits for nurses and social workers are free.

Here is some of the feedback the PBCC has received from those who took the online course:

“This was exceptional!! Thanks so much for providing this valuable info – I hope many people take advantage of the learning opportunity.”

“Thank you so much for offering this course. I am currently enrolled in the program and quite honestly it has been a true lifesaver. I would hate to think where I would be if this program did not exist. I wanted to learn more about the program so I could educate others.”

“I found this course to be very helpful. I work as an ER social worker and occasionally have women – especially young women with families – who would qualify for this program.”

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!

Contest: Share Your Survivor Story!

Posted By on February 17th, 2012 at 9:03 am | 0 comments.

Are you a breast cancer survivor living in Pennsylvania with a story to share? The PBCC is seeking your survivor stories to possibly be featured in an upcoming Pink Link or Front Line. Those selected to be featured can choose from a complementary registration for the PBCC Conference in Harrisburg on October 9, 2012 OR a complementary single batter registration for a 2012 Home Run Derby event (for you to use or for you to give as a gift).

Please limit your story to between 300 and 350 words, and send a photo of yourself along with your submission in the event your story is chosen for publication. If your story is selected, you will be contacted to confirm your details and your choice of a prize. Email Amy at amy@pabreastcancer.org with your story.

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.

Patient Advocacy: 2011 in Review

Posted By on January 16th, 2012 at 9:02 am | 0 comments.

The PBCC is committed to being the voice for women who might otherwise fall through the cracks in the health care system. Whenever we pick up the phone we know that on the other end of the line there might be a woman whose insurance company doesn’t want to cover the procedure that her doctor wants her to have. Or maybe her job is in jeopardy if she has to take time off from work for treatment. Or she has no health insurance and doesn’t know there are programs for which she might qualify.

In 2011, our patient advocate worked with over 60 women to help find the answers they needed. Some were easy referrals to the organization or program to fit her needs. Many were more complicated and involved lengthy follow-ups.

If you, or someone you know, need help please visit the “Needs Help” section of our website. If you don’t find the answer there, contact Dolores Magro at Dolores@PABreastCancer.org.

Dorothy from Lititz, PA wrote us, “My insurance company was refusing to cover a portion of the bill from my reconstructive surgery. They said it was cosmetic. Once I shared with them the information you gave me, they reversed the denial of my 3rd appeal. I never wanted something for nothing. I just wanted what was fair.”

67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania in Greene County

Posted By on December 16th, 2011 at 8:59 am | 0 comments.

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.

Westmoreland Walks Celebrates 10th Year of Success

Posted By on November 17th, 2011 at 9:03 am | 0 comments.

The rain was not enough to dampen the spirits of those taking part in the 10th Annual Westmoreland Walks: Taking Steps Against Breast Cancer this year. The PBCC has been fortunate to have been selected as the beneficiary of this yearly tradition in Western Pennsylvania, and counts Westmoreland Walks among its very first Grassroots Partners community fundraisers. Nearly $225,000 has been donated to the PBCC in the 10 years since this annual walk began.

A community walk is an enormous undertaking. To coordinate Westmoreland Walks each year and keep everything running smoothly, it takes a dedicated group of individuals. The Westmoreland Walks Board of Directors is such a group, and their support of the PBCC throughout the years has been much appreciated. Many thanks to Cheryl McMullen, Kathy Brown and to the entire Westmoreland Walks Board of Directors, as well as the event sponsors and all those who braved the rain to take steps against breast cancer this year.

New book a compilation of stories about life and hope with breast cancer

Posted By on November 8th, 2011 at 9:54 am | 0 comments.

2011 PA Breast Cancer Coalition ConferenceHARRISBURG, Pa. – “Pink Ribbon Stories: A Celebration of Life” (ISBN 978-0-9701379-7-5) by 10-year breast cancer survivor Tammy Miller offers hope and laughter from personal stories of battling breast cancer. Miller compiled over 120 entries from women and men whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.

Throughout her own diagnosis, Miller used her sense of humor on her journey. She went through her first breast cancer surgery wearing a clown nose and shoes while carrying a kazoo. For her second, she wore a pink feather boa. Miller’s sense of humor and optimism made her journey a memorable one for those around her.

Referencing “Pink Ribbon Stories,” Miller says “there are stories that will warm your heart; make you laugh; cause you to pause for reflection; and others that simply tell a story of a courageous journey through life. There are words and stories to encourage, inspire and make you smile. This book is one way I can show those who are battling breast cancer that they are not alone.”

“Pink Ribbon Stories: A Celebration of Life” is available online at http://pbcc.me/PinkRibbonStories or through your favorite e-reader’s store. Proceeds benefit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition.

About the Author:

Tammy Miller is an international speaker, author and speech coach. Her speaking topics include humor and healing, presentation and communication skills, brain aerobics, motivation and achieving goals. She is the owner of Tammy Speaks, LLC of Port Matilda, PA, and she enjoys helping others build their communication skills and achieve their goals in life. As an author, Tammy has written, “The Lighter Side of Breast Cancer Recovery,” about her personal journey of using humor to deal with her cancer diagnosis. And, “My Life is Just Speech Material… And, So is Yours,” is a valuable guide to discovering what to say and how to say it with your next presentation. She can be reached at www.tammyspeaks.com.

The PBCC represents, supports and serves breast cancer survivors and their families in Pennsylvania through educational programming, legislative advocacy and breast cancer research grants. The PBCC is a statewide non-profit organization dedicated to finding a cure now…so our daughters won’t have to. For more information, please call 800-377-8828 or visit www.PABreastCancer.org.

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Media Contact: Kevin Smith
717-721-2580 x109
Kevin@PABreastCancer.org