Pink Lily partners with National Breast Cancer Foundation
About NBCF
The Foundation was founded by breast cancer survivor, Janelle Hail in 1991. At the age of 34, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time of her diagnosis in 1980 there was little knowledge about the disease. As a result, Janelle was forced to make a decision about her health with few options. Janelle made a commitment to help women around the world by educating them about breast cancer and the importance of early detection. This year, NCBF celebrates their 30th anniversary!
RISE Campaign
RISE stands for Rally in Screening Everyone. NCBF is raising awareness about life-saving screenings and providing support for women in need in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Hope Kits
NCBF puts together Hope Kits filled with thoughtful items to comfort and encourage those undergoing breast cancer treatment. Pink Lily is donating slippers and socks to send in Hope Kits for the month of October.
Stories of those Affected by Breast Cancer
Meet Victoria and Lauren
Victoria, Breast Cancer Survivor
I was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2002. One evening I was sitting on the couch with my husband watching TV and I felt a pain in my left breast. That was when I discovered the lump and was later diagnosed with stage 3b invasive ductal carcinoma. I was shocked and numb when I received the diagnosis. Tears filled my eyes as I thought about the possibility of not being there for my husband, son and daughter. I could not help but to think of the memories and milestones I could miss. Shortly after receiving this news, I was flooded with information and was scheduling surgeries to remove the tumor. It was a very overwhelming feeling knowing that this was going to be a long journey ahead.
I had 2 surgeries, 8 rounds of chemo, and 33 radiation treatments. My last chemo treatment was on my daughter’s birthday and my last radiation treatment was on my son’s birthday. I will never forget these milestones in my cancer journey. The process continued as I had frequent regular checkups and I was placed on medication for the next 10 years. During that time, I decided to spread hope by telling my story and emphasizing the importance of monthly self-breast exams. I continue to volunteer at NBCF to pay it forward to fellow breast cancer survivors so they know they are not alone in this journey. Having a strong support system through my breast cancer journey helped give me the hope and encouragement to get through the really hard days. I want to be able to help other breast cancer survivors feel supported and not alone.
Lauren, Director of Support Services at NBCF
My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 15 years old. When I received the news I was in shock. I contained my emotions until I went up to my room but my first thought was, please don’t take my mom. I could not imagine my life without her. After my mom began treatment, I knew her appearance would change but I had no idea how hard the treatment would be on her body. It was very hard to see my mom sick even though she always tried to show a strong outward appearance.
I went to a chemo treatment with her and actually saw what she was going through. I just kept thinking how strong and inspiring she was to me. She was going through so much but she always was there for me, making sure I got to dance lessons and spending time with me.
I always get extremely emotional when I think about what my mom has been through on her breast cancer journey. This journey was extremely difficult but it has brought our family closer together through it all. When I see my mom honored for being an 19-year breast cancer survivor I have to fight back the tears. She is the most inspiring and strongest woman I know. I am so blessed to be able to continue honoring my mom through my daily work at NBCF by providing hope to women that are recently diagnosed with breast cancer.
Meet Becca
Becca, Director of Partnerships at NBCF
In October of 2009, my mom and best friend was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer. After several treatments, we unfortunately lost our mother to breast cancer on September 11, 2010. Since her passing, our family has picked up the megaphone to shout as loud as we can that regular screenings and early detection is key for survival.
That’s why, as an employee of NBCF, I am incredibly honored to be a part of furthering our mission of providing support and education on these life-saving screening services. If through my work, one woman’s life is saved because they decided to get screened after hearing my family’s story, then my work is a success. If one family can avoid having to go through what ours experienced, my mother’s journey with breast cancer will not have been in vain. I am proud to be a part of the NBCF mission of Helping Women Now®. I work every day in memory of my mother, Dianne Marie Dwinnell Horton, and all the other families who have experienced loss, as well as honor all the amazing survivors.
Pink Lily Breast Cancer Awareness Graphics
Pink Lily created Breast Cancer Awareness tees and sweatshirts to celebrate survivors and raise awareness not just in October, but year-round!
