Team Velvac- More than a Corporate Team

As co-captain of Velvac Inc.’s corporate team, Sandi Grages was a nervous first-time participant in the Southeast Wisconsin Race for the Cure back in 2007.

The reason for her nerves had nothing to do with that day’s race but with an appointment, scheduled for the very next day, to have her mammogram redone at the request of her physician.

“That very week – the first year I was in the Race -- I was diagnosed with breast cancer,” Sandi says.

Sandi is the human resources assistant at Velvac, a New Berlin manufacturer of parts and accessories for trucks and RVs. The company, which employs about 68 people in Wisconsin, entered its first team in the Komen race in 2006 at the suggestion of Velvac President and CEO Jeff Porter.

Because of the company’s history of support for the Komen cause, Sandi decided to share the news of her diagnosis with Velvac employees. She used her situation as an opportunity to drive home the message that mammograms can save lives. In her case, the cancer was detected “in the very early stages” and found as a result of her mammogram.

“I couldn’t even feel the lump, it was so small,” Sandi says. “I got on my high horse and said in e-mails to Velvac employees, ‘Hey! Get your spouses, sisters and other family members of the right age in for their mammograms because you can’t always detect the cancer yourself.’”

Sandi underwent a lumpectomy in mid-December 2007 followed by radiation, which was completed in mid-February 2008. Throughout the process, she kept her coworkers informed of her status.

Today, Sandi says her health is good. Having an employer active in the Komen cause meant a lot to her when she went through her treatment. As a breast cancer survivor, she continues to raise awareness among Velvac employees about the importance of yearly mammograms.

Sandi is captain of this year’s Velvac team, which had 44 participants signed up as of Sept. 15. She is looking forward to joining her fellow teammates at Milwaukee’s lakefront on Sunday, Sept. 26.

2010 Honorary New Balance Chair

Congratulations to Sally Miller, our 2010 Honorary New Balance Chair! Thank you to Sally for sharing her incredible story with us.



In late January 2004 I got an insulin pump and was planning to go for my two week follow-up appointment so I decided to schedule my six month checkup at the Breast Care Center at Froedtert for the same day. After examining under my left arm the nurse practitioner found something of concern and I was quickly scheduled for a mammogram and an ultrasound - both showing nothing. It wasn’t until I had a fine needle biopsy of the enlarged lymph nodes under my left arm that the area of concern came back positive for breast cancer. I didn’t even make it home from the MRI appointment when they called and told me they found the mass - deep by the chest wall at 8 o’clock.
My breast cancer was already in several lymph nodes, stage 3a, and my medical team at Froedert determined the best course of action would be to have chemotherapy first, then surgery, followed by radiation. Since my cancer had already gotten into my lymph nodes, I underwent aggressive chemotherapy - all three chemo drugs together for six treatments, three weeks apart. Two days after my chemo I went back for an injection of Neulasta® which was terribly painful and caused me to miss work the day after every injection.
On July 12th, 2004 I had surgery. After weighing all the options with my husband, I decided to just have a lumpectomy and the lymph node dissection. Since my cancer was estrogen receptor positive, I also opted to have an oophorectomy, the removal of both ovaries, while I was under anesthesia. The day after I got out of the hospital, I learned there were no signs of cancer in any of the tissue they removed, including the mass itself and the 26 lymph nodes that were removed.
During the course of my treatment one of the hardest things to deal with was losing my hair. I had two different wigs – one I would wear to work and one for the weekends if we went somewhere. Eventually I came to terms with my hair loss and I was so sick of wearing a wig that I made a decision that come Labor Day I was done with them.
On August 31st, 2004, I started my radiation treatments - five days a week for six weeks. A few weeks into my treatments I suffered from tremendous back pain, raising concerns with my radiation oncologist. With my cancer being stage 3a, the concern was that it had moved to the bone in my back. Fortunately, I had bulged a disk in my lower back, which forced me to attend physical therapy in conjunction with my radiation treatments. I finished my radiation treatments just before our 20th wedding anniversary, a tremendous blessing and a testament to what our love can bring us through together.
My husband and I have been through a great deal together. My husband, Vince, has had three primary cancers - squamish cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, the base of his tongue in 2002, a melanoma on his back in 2003, then in 2004 another melanoma on his inner upper thigh. The melanoma on his thigh had some lymph node involvement, so he received high dose interferon treatments (a form of chemo). While he was still getting those treatments, in late 2004 they found another melanoma on his back which after a biopsy came back as renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer). In early 2005 he had surgery to have part of his kidney removed.
Just when we thought the worst was over, in October 2006 I started having some chest discomfort and shortness of breath. I had two places in my LAD (Left Anterior Descending Coronary Artery) that were blocked. One spot that was 80% blocked, the other a short distance away that was 90% blocked. I had a heart catheterization where they placed two stents to open the artery. My radiation oncologist feels that the blockage could have been caused from my radiation treatments, because my radiation field “kissed” my LAD.
While I was going through my treatments I had seen some “Pink Ribbon” items and found amazing items and a sense of hope in at the Susan G. Komen office. I loved the custom made beaded bracelets and other items so much that I wanted to help sell them to my co-workers, friends and family to help “The Cause”, and together my husband and I sold over $3000 worth of items during our battles with cancer.
My husband and I have been through so much, and any time we hear of someone we know, or their family members or friends going through cancer we try to encourage them to never give up the fight as we are proof that “YOU CAN BEAT THIS”! I had a saying when I was going through my treatments, “I am going to kick the cancer’s butt, and take names later!” and that is what my husband and I have both done.
Now here we are six years after my breast cancer and I feel so honored to be the New Balance Honorary Chair for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.
Sally Miller
Honorary New Balance Chair

Komen Affiliate Changes Name and Logo to Reflect Expanded Service Area

The Komen Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure® will now be known as Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Southeast Wisconsin® to better reflect the actual geographic breadth of communities we serve.

The purpose of our name and branding change is to communicate our full scope of services to the community. A full 75% of funds raised goes to local grants with programs addressing the needs of underserved women with breast cancer education, screening and access to treatment in Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Kenosha, Walworth, Washington, Waukesha and Jefferson Counties. Twenty-five percent of funds raised goes to breast cancer research at the national level.

"Our Affiliate has had a longstanding commitment to serve women in the eight-county area of Southeast Wisconsin,” says Sally Sheperdson, executive director of the Komen Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate. “We think our new name more accurately reflects who we are and where we provide support and other services.”

As part of the brand change, visitors to the current website, www.komenmilwaukee.org will be redirected to www.komensoutheastwi.org and the new logo will reflect the Southeast Wisconsin name.

One Race. One Promise. Eight Counties Please join us for the 2010 Komen Southeast Wisconsin Race for the Cure® and help us continue the fight against breast cancer. We will e-mail Save-the- Date information to all 2009 participants to formally announce our Race date - Sunday, September 26, 2010.
Last year was another record-breaking year with 13,050 participants, 242 corporate and community teams and nearly 1,000 survivors. Thanks to the generosity of the corporate sponsors, donors and participants, the 2009 Race raised $1,000,000.00. Seventy-five percent of these funds stay in Southeast Wisconsin to fight breast cancer through breast health education, screening and access to treatment. The remaining 25% helps to support the Komen Foundation Research Grant Program, which funds groundbreaking breast cancer research. We encourage all 2009 participants to sign up for this year’s Race and encourage friends, family and co-workers to do the same. Please visit www.komensoutheastwi.org, for more information regarding the 2010 Komen Southeast Wisconsin Race for the Cure. The Southeast Wisconsin Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure is honored to announce that Kohl’s Department Stores will be the Local Presenting Sponsor of the 2010 Race. Komen is excited to have the support of Kohl’s Department Stores, recognizing that the retailer‘s business platform and associate base is largely women, making this partnership so powerful. “At a time when many companies are cutting philanthropic giving, we are in a financial position that allows us to expand our community relations programs with a new focus on women’s causes,” said Kevin Mansell, Kohl’s president, chief executive officer and chairman of the board. “As a company, we are passionate about supporting the cause and making a difference in the lives of our customers.” Kohl’s will also sponsor the new Kids for the Cure® program at the Race this year. Watch your email for details about how you can receive a Kids for the Cure t-shirt!

PRESS RELEASE: Milwaukee Art Museum to Light Calatrava-Designed Wings Pink!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact:
Maggie Baum, 608-438-2814
mbaum@100monkeyspr.com


Milwaukee Art Museum to Light Iconic Calatrava-Designed Wings Pink
Milwaukee’s cultural icon shows support for breast cancer awareness
in conjunction with premiere of Andy Warhol: The Last Decade
Milwaukee, Wis. – September 23, 2009 – Beginning this evening, the Milwaukee Art Museum, for the first time ever, will glow pink against the stunning backdrop of the September evening sky. The 10-day lighting project celebrates the opening of the Museum's major fall exhibition, Andy Warhol: The Last Decade with a nod to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at the Milwaukee lakefront on Sunday, September 27. With a 217-foot wingspan that opens and closes twice daily, the illuminated wings of the Quadracci Pavilion will offer an extraordinary spectacle along the city's skyline.

“It’s wonderful timing that we’re unveiling the work of an iconic Pop artist as the 2009 Komen Race for the Cure winds around the Milwaukee Art Museum,” said Dan Keegan, the Museum’s director. “For the first time ever, we’ll fully light the Museum in color – bright pink – to show our support for the race and breast cancer awareness. The lighting project will offer a beautiful visual representation of art as a catalyst for healing and hope, and underscores the Museum’s importance as a community gathering place.”

In a continuing effort to collaborate with and support an array of community organizations, the Museum exterior will be lit in pink each evening from approximately 7:00 p.m. until 10:30 p.m., starting today through the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month on Friday, October 2. The end time will be extended until midnight on Friday, September 25; Saturday, September 26; and Friday,
October 2. For added visual excitement, the Museum’s outdoor fountains will also take on a bright pink hue starting today.

“We hope the community, and families, will take the opportunity to drive or walk by the Milwaukee Art Museum to see this spectacular sight,” added Keegan.

In an additional show of support, the Milwaukee Art Museum will offer free admission on race day to all cancer survivors participating in the Komen Race for the Care. Survivors will be presented with a certificate for admission in the Survivor’s Tent after the race, or can gain admission on race day by wearing their signature pink t-shirt. All other participants will receive a special offer for $2 off admission. The Komen Race for the Cure, the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world, raises significant funds and awareness for the fight against breast cancer, celebrates breast cancer survivorship, and honors those who have lost their battle with the disease.

The lighting is made possible with the support of the Pellmann Center for Medical Imaging.

ABOUT ANDY WARHOL: THE LAST DECADE
Organized by the Milwaukee Art Museum, Andy Warhol: The Last Decade, the first U.S. museum exhibition to explore the work Warhol produced during his late years, premieres in Milwaukee September 26, 2009 – January 3, 2010 before heading on a national tour. Created amidst the bustle of Warhol’s Pop celebrity, the works on view illustrate as never before the artist’s vitality, energy, and renewed spirit of experimentation during the final years of his life.

Two concurrent special presentations in the Milwaukee Art Museum’s Collection Galleries round out the Warhol experience. In Andy Warhol: Pop Star, prints from the Marilyn and Mao portfolios make a rare appearance, alongside works on loan to the Museum from local collectors; and Figurative Prints: 1980s Rewind, (through November 29, 2009) features more than 30 works by contemporaries of Warhol, including Eric Fischl, Susan Rothenberg, and Julian Schnabel.

ABOUT THE MUSEUM
The Milwaukee Art Museum’s far-reaching holdings include more than 20,000 works spanning antiquity to the present day. With a history dating back to 1888, the Museum houses a Collection with strengths in 19th- and 20th-century American and European art, contemporary art, American decorative arts, and folk and self-taught art. The Museum includes the Santiago Calatrava–designed Quadracci Pavilion, named by Time magazine “Best Design of 2001.” For more information, visit http://www.mam.org/.

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Also contact the Milwaukee Affiliate of Susan G. Komen at mkerftc.prchair@gmail.com. Or visit www.komenmilwaukee.org!

It's Count Down Time

Hello fellow fund-raisers and contributors -

I am in the midst of wrapping up my day, surrounded by muffins, cookies and brownies. Delicious piles of 'em! No.... I am not in the midst of binge eating, no intervention necessary here. Instead, I am busy fund-raising.

That's right - we have hit count down time to race day, September 27th. So, next Monday we kick off a bake sale sponsored by two Susan G Komen teams - Pink Cosmos and J. K. Lee Black Belt Academy. So we are loading up with sweets and opening our doors to members of the community and co-workers to join in for some treats and help to support this great cause.

As I wrap up my last set of treats here I invite you to share your creative fund-raising strategies or lend your support to this great cause through a donation to Susan G Komen. Every little bit helps...

Cheers to Survivorship!

Tara Jensen

For more information, visit my race team page: http://milwaukee.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/MKE_MilwaukeeAffiliate?pg=team&fr_id=1210&team_id=113659

A speech written by breast cancer survivor, Dawn Panfil

Step up to the Plate for Breast Cancer 2009

I am so very grateful for your attendance tonight.
My name is Dawn Panfil. I have been a professional hair stylist for over 30 years, salon/spa owner for 16 years currently w/ 32 wonderful employees at H&BS in NB Moorland Commons by Target.

When asked to speak before you I knew I needed to share a message from all BC Survivors. This is a message of HOPE.
He who has health has HOPE, and he who has HOPE has everything.

During my personal BC journey last year I journaled as many BC Warriors do. I want to share with you a few excerpts…they’re not all about me…these are words and ideas many BC Warriors have lived.
__________________________________________________________________
I faithfully had my annual mammograms since age 40 because that’s what you’re supposed to do. After a suspicious mammogram – a redo- then a biopsy – my life was changed forever by the 2 words …..“IT’S CANCER”.

A breast cancer diagnosis completely turns your world upside down. I have been through shock, PTSD, denial, woe-is-me and strangely enough…………..gratitude. What a roller coaster ride! I have always lived my life sunny side up, the eternal optimist and this is no time to change.
Newly diagnosed with an aggressive form of BC cancer all I heard my Dr. say was… “Blah, blah, AGGRESSIVE Cancer, blah, blah, blah, aggressive Chemo, blah, blah, blah followed by 6 weeks of radiation blah, blah, blah, expect to loose about 1 year of your life.…”

Yesterday I was a normal civilian, had everything going for me and today I’m working hard to become a cancer survivor. There’s no sugar-coating this crap. I felt great, healthy and full of energy. I could not sink my teeth into this diagnosis (But 2 BC surgeries made it real).
I understand that my life is no longer in my control, but in the hands of God.
My focus is no longer on being sick, but on getting well. I want to get well enough to have fun again, to go outside, get out of my pajamas, go back to work…I miss my “Tribe” very much.

Cancer thrives on chaos.

I’ve taken a deep breath and narrowed my focus on what really matters.
I am a survivor and someone that goes the distance; this is not about the sprint---it’s about the long haul. As we dance our way through life we sometimes fall down, the most important thing is that we get up and keep on dancing!

It is known that lemons can make the most delicious lemonade. Since a dumpster of whoop-ass lemons has been unloaded at my dock I’m making lemonade and you all are going to help me! I am inspired by the prayers, cards, hugs, flowers & food that you have gifted to Bill & I, we are so very grateful.

The thought of chemo is my nastiest vision. I understand the chemo room can be dismal and sad. How can I make that a better place for me??? How can I keep my spirits uplifted while sitting there for hours?

Redken, this huge icon in my beauty world has also come to my side. As I laid in bed last night an incredible idea came to me! Redken gave me a big white fluffy bathrobe a while back with their logo on it.

Together you and I will customize it with the greatest embellishments!
Here’s your part…it’s a treasure hunt! Go out and find me something I can sew or iron-on to this robe that is totally symbolic of the relationship that you and I have together as you have touched my life in sooo many ways!

Maybe a trip we took together, may a little sunshine, a HD emblem, a button from your favorite coat, a piece of fabric that represents something special ( a tie dye swatch from my favorite old hippie). An appliqué from your business, your favorite pet, whatever! Are you getting it?!
My personal contribution will be long fringe streaming down off the sleeves like my favorite Harley jacket years ago when I was born to be wild! This cowgirl is back in the saddle! Ye Haaaaa! Now put some thought into this, it has to come with a short story or description that I will share with all my new chemo buddies clamoring to sit down and plug in at the medi-port station next to me each session! I can hardly wait to share the story of you & me with someone when they ask me about your special token. Stop wasting time and start having fun with this. Joseph’s Technicolor Dream Coat will have nothing on this Robe! It MUST be washable in case I’m singing to the porcelain God in it. When I slip this robe on one arm at a time I will feel your embrace wrapped all around me. I will wear this Robe of Armor proudly knowing you are with me in spirit while I’m doing battle. …I will feel your love wrapped all around me.

Why does it take a challenge to our survival for us to give ourselves permission to really live? I’ve been so wrapped up in my life/business for so many years that I’ve forgotten the crazier sassy & fun side of me. That crazy-ass humor will pull me thru this. As a woman with cancer we can live every day with an incredible weight on our shoulders, one hand touching heaven, the other grabbing onto earth. Cancer has given me opportunity to trade in the “excuses” for the “why-the-hell-nots!”

When I showered today I gently washed my hair, thinking this may be the last time I have hair to shampoo till Halloween. I watched as a river of brunette slowly made their way down to the drain, circle around …..and quietly slip away. Hair tangled onto my eyelashes, over my lips and over my body. I was afraid to pull back the curtain to see in the mirror what was left on my head. Surprisingly enough, I still had enough to comb and wear into the salon. Maybe tomorrows shampoo will hijack the rest of it. Maybe it’s just a big tease and it will take days of wondering when I’ll be bald. Maybe I should just shave my head and get it over with. Maybe I’m just not ready for ‘Wig World’ yet. I set up all my wigs in the bedroom yesterday. For some reason I’m not excited about it. I’ll hang on to what little I have left for now. As I am about to embrace my new chemo-induced baldness in the next few days, again I have made peace with it. I have been so overwhelmed with fear and anxiety about loosing my hair, like that’s even worse than the cancer diagnosis itself.

There will be no running from this, my self image of being bald has scared me, but now I am ready to move on. Fearlessly. I do have control to make myself feel better in so many other ways. I have come to the conclusion that not hair, nor body parts, or the lack there of…make us the person we are. Internal beauty can be far more breathtaking than external beauty any day.
Inner beauty can be another weapon in my Warrior toolbox in the fight against cancer.
I do know that the strength, courage and love that cancer has brought into my life will make me feel more beautiful than ever. Hair or no hair I’m still in touch with my inner Diva….
I’ve also been struggling with myself in the positive attitude department. I have always been strong, positive and a risk taker. But cancer has brought me to my knees. The past two weeks I have struggle with sadness, depression, low or no energy, feelings of worthlessness and that I feel I’m letting others down because I cannot find the strength to perform on a higher level to serve them.

As much as I fight it, cancer sometimes sucks me into a very dark place, like nothing I’ve experienced before. It’s like those nightmares where we’re running and running and we can’t get away from the monster. Cancer takes so much from me mentally, physically and spiritually and many days, there’s nothing left. It scares me. I look into the mirror and I cannot recognize that bald headed person looking back at me. I’ve had to reach out to other BC survivors to help me cope, warriors I’ve never met in my life, but they’ve had their journey and they’re here to help me with mine.

Yesterday I unexpectantly ran into a man I have loved, admired and respected for many years. It was one of those moments that you were really hoping not to see anyone you know because you’re dressed your worst, no make-up on, I was having a bad day feeling very sad, I had only a dude rag on my head, seldom do I go out in public looking like this. I stepped closer to him to apologize that I would not be able to cut his hair next week and grab a quick hug. The moment of embrace I was overwhelmed with emotions and I could not hold back my tears. I was so embarrassed. As I walked away he hollered out to me “Keep up the fight!”

Wow! Keep up the fight. It was at that moment I realized what it means to be a Cancer Survivor. Let me take you back 2 months ago…I noticed that other women that had breast cancer would always introduce themselves to me as a “___-year Survivor”. No matter what or where I was when others found out I had breast cancer they always introduced themselves using “I’m a 6-year survivor”, “2-year survivor”, etc, etc.

I wondered why that always came up and if someday I would too be introducing myself to old friends and new acquaintances in this same manor. It came to me that from the moment of diagnosis, you are fighting like hell to survive.

You’re fighting to live, to be healthy, to have and conserve your energy.
You’re fighting to stay positive, be happy, to hold back the tears.
Fighting to maintain your self confidence. You’re fighting depression, to be normal again, and to forget you’re sick.
You’re fighting side-effects of chemotherapy as you have given your doctor permission to poison you on a weekly basis.
You’re fighting “Chemo Brain” where you cannot focus enough to read, think or process simple information.
You’re fighting for two good nights sleep in a row.
You’re fighting the stupid stories others are compelled to share with you about horrible cancer stories or the deaths of their loved ones.
You’re fighting with your mind to stop planning your own funeral and to stop reading the obituaries with lists of young women like you that bravely fought the fight of their lives and lost.
Cancer sucks, chemo sucks, but you must fight to stay focused on how precious life is, each day is a gift. I am a Warrior!

Today I couldn’t have been in a better mood-it was my last day of radiation. As I started driving to the hospital my emotions got away from me. I began to weep and the closer I got to the hospital the harder I cried. I surprised myself; I am not a cry baby. It became difficult to continue the route and even harder to find a parking space in the concrete structure on the grounds. When I’d blink the tears shot out of my eyes like sprinklers. I finally got into the changing room, sat down and got a grip on my emotions. All decked out in my fancy hospital gown, the nurse came to call on me and shared her excitement for me celebrating my last day.
We high-fived and I followed her to the treatment room. I could feel another wave of overwhelming emotion coming my way as they aligned my body and set up the BIG machine for the last time. My body started to quiver as I tried to hold back my tears in front of the 2 nurses that I’ve grown to adore every single day over the last 7 weeks. I cried as I thanked them for their kindness and compassion they’ve shown me and ALL the others like me they treat each and every day. As they turned to leave the room and the 18” thick lead door closed behind them for the last time I sobbed uncontrollably. I tried to hold my breath so I wouldn’t jiggle while the machine was warming up for my final Electron Blast. We are not supposed to move at all.
Tears ran down my cheeks and filled my ears as the last 8 months of my life flashed in my head.
From that 2nd mammogram that looked suspicious to “Don’t worry, this is such a treatable type of cancer, you won’t need chemo, you’ll be back to work in 6-8 weeks”; to the surgeon leaning over my bed in the recovery room informing me he had to remove 19 lymph nodes because it was now invasive breast cancer.

It is hard to describe but it was like a movie of my life in fast motion. There were faces of doctors, snippets of the chemo day infusions, and friends that made the journey easier.
Telling my family. CAT scans, multitudes of blood tests, white cell counts, guided imagery.
I revisited the sickest days I endured and the happiest moments dancing to the song “I Will Survive” (disco, Gloria Gaynor).

Compassionate visits and grateful meals that folks brought when I couldn’t lift my head off the pillow, my husband’s tender care, devoting his life to making me comfortable at all times.
I flashed back to the months on end I stared at the ceiling because I was too sick and paralyzed to move, napping with my kitty’s, listening to Indian flute music, watching pretty white snowfalls on the lake. I felt the pain and agony of wanting my damn life back, my career and time with my Tribe at H&BS. Every emotion you can imagine-fear, anxiety, stress, agony, faith, hope, love, trust, gratitude, etc, etc. All this and much more in about 7 minutes in that treatment room. By the time the nurses pushed open the BIG lead door to free me I was a total mess. ……………. …..I was finished. Treatment was done, so to speak. They had to help me off the table as I was so weak in the knees. It was as if nearly 9 months of insanity was released through my river of tears. I could barely breathe. It was a cleansing of sorts. It was time to celebrate a new life, a blessed life.
___________________________________________________________________
I have learned of the Blessings Cancer brings:

Unconditional love of my family & friends, as they are life’s most precious jewels.
Reality of what a blessed life I’ve had over the years.
Knowing others are praying for me, some people of which I have not had the pleasure to meet yet.
I learned to rely on my faith in God. The moment I completely turned it over to Him, life was good and everything became easier.
I have learned to be more patient than I have ever been in my entire life. My innate need to control situations was stopped dead in it’s tracks.
I’ve learned to accept help from others. It helps heal both of us at the same time.
I am far more compassionate to others needs, cares and troubles in their lives than ever before. I am saddened to hear of anyone experiencing cancer, chemo, pain and loss in their lives.
Everyday is a gift, accept them one day at a time and don’t sweat the small stuff.
I count my blessings every day with gratitude, no matter how great or how small.
See the beauty in nature.
See the Angels on Earth; they walk among us constantly going good deeds for others.
I say “I love you” with greater conviction than ever before.
I’ve accomplished a goal I’d never set out to achieve, the passage from invincibility to vulnerability to courage to strength.
I’ve learned illness does not equal frailty, that courage does not come without tears, that compassion is not the same as pity.
Priority’s shift and become the center stone of our lives.
Breast cancer is every woman’s nightmare, but it comes with great rewards.

I want to inspire and serve others as I move forward in my life with an even greater sense of purpose..
Today I am here with gratitude for your attendance.
You came here to help support Ellen and her conviction to BC awareness….
Today YOU give HOPE to BC Warriors fighting for their lives by the money you donate to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
You see…to me it’s not just money…it’s HOPE!
Hope for a Cure-in OUR lifetime!
Hope it won’t be you, your daughter, your mother, your best friend.
1 out of 8 women will be diagnosed with BC in her lifetime. Younger & younger…
Hope we can help women in today’s economic climate that have lost their jobs and are uninsured or underinsured and cannot afford treatment. High deductibles, high co pays, age restrictions or cannot afford time off work.
BC diagnosis can be catastrophic-physically, emotionally and financially.
Hope to continue to honor those that have lost their battle with BC.
Milwaukee & Waukesha counties have the highest mortality rates in SE Wisconsin.
Every 75 seconds someone dies of BC somewhere in the world.
Hope that funds raised here tonight will save lives with increased screenings and mammograms. Early detection is key to greater survival rates.
Hope that today your donations will help BC Warriors reach the finish line in the Race for the Cure.

The local community programs and services, research initiatives and global projects supported by YOUR money have already resulted incredible and important breakthroughs.
I am one of the lucky recipients of newer technology HERCEPTIN. It’s a treatment when your BC is diagnosed as HER-2 positive. There are more breakthroughs on the way as we move closer to a day we image BC no longer exists.

Where does your money go?

25% of the funds are distributed to support groundbreaking international research. Research Grants have pioneered the development of new drugs credited with delaying tumor growth and preventing recurrences in millions of BC Survivors.
75% of the funds go to programs for medically underserved women in 8 SE WI counties. Community grants have made education, screening and treatment accessible to millions of women who otherwise would have gone without.

Many organizations raise money for BC.
Know that YOUR money is serving people and saving lives.

If there was ever a time that we need your commitment, now is that time. It may be your donation that pushes us past a major turning point in discovering and developing cures.
On behalf of those women that will be diagnosed this year, next year and a decade from now, I urge you to do as much as you can as soon as you can.

You can rest assure that YOUR contribution will be put to good use.
October is BC awareness month. H&BS (Aurora & Panera Bread) are doing fun pink hair extensions all of Oct. $ raised goes to help women that are in great need. Come with your friends -show your true colors- and flaunt pink hair for the month in support of BC.
2008-$10,000
2009 - $50,000

Thank you, Dawn for sharing your story with us. The Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure is just days away and we still need your help. Register to particpate and come see a survivor celebration, where we celebrate fighters like Dawn and much more. Or you can donate a general donation to the Race as well. Just visit http://www.komenmilwaukee.org/komen-race-for-the-cure/

A Tribute to Melodie Wilson

Melodie Wilson is a former TV anchorwoman who was diagnosed with breast cancer about 15 years ago. At the time, she was frustrated that there wasn’t an organization around that would provide women support when they were going through such an ordeal. Because of that, she founded ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. It is now 10 years old and primarily provides free one-on-one mentoring of a breast cancer survivor to a patient. Check it out at http://www.abcdmentor.org/.

In addition, Melodie was very involved in getting the Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure®started. She was on the Komen Milwaukee Affiliate Board of Directors for several years. About two years ago, after a long remission, Melodie was told that her breast cancer had returned and had metastasized to her lungs (and then eventually to her brain). Melodie is also a member of both Professional Dimensions and Tempo Milwaukee. Because of the terrific impact she has made in advancing awareness of breast cancer in our community, as well as her work to provide free one-on-one support for those diagnosed with breast cancer, Professional Dimensions and Tempo Milwaukee joined to form a single team in her honor for this year’s Race. Melodie played such a significant leadership role in each of these organizations. She has been an active member of both of these women's membership organizations and often committed her talent and time to support the growth and development of each. She was on the Board of both and has been a member of both for a number of years. Professional Dimensions and Tempo Milwaukee thought that she would really like it if they came together to honor her for another passion of hers - tying womens' organizations together in her honor. She often would seek opportunities to collaborate with others and their joint team is a way to honor her desire to see both organizations work together to celebrate the leadership of women.

Melodie has been an inspiration to others to be open and confident in facing this disease. She’s been valiant in her fight and her desire to truly make an impact in our community. For years she has lead the fight in increasing awareness so that this does not happen to other women in the future. Please join us in the Komen MilwaukeeRace for the Cure and start making a difference!

There are just days left to register to participate in the Race visit www.komenmilwaukee.org to register or to make a donation to our cause! Thank you for your support!