Spring 2021 • Volume 22, Number 2 Serving those with breast and gynecologic cancers REGISTER TODAY for the Pink Ribbon Walk & !

See pages 19 & 20! FROM THE DESK OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

These last few weeks of unseasonably to look back on and celebrate. warm days, especially in this time Our programs and services never of COVID-19, find many of us stopped. Our staff and Board of appreciating the signs of spring even Directors remained committed to more than usual. As I’ve shuttled my our mission, as did our Advocacy Holly Anderson grandchildren back and forth, they’ve and Research Committees. Our become daffodil, northbound geese, three major fundraisers, supported served on a committee. Likewise, many and robin spotters. I admit it’s lovely by creative volunteers with amazing staff members began as committee to see goldfinches changing from nerves of steel, may have been members or PALS* mentors. We their drab brown to brilliant yellow, dinged by the circumstances. Yet welcome you to join us and it couldn’t but nothing has brought me greater these events, along with a multitude be easier. It begins with a simple joy this spring than hearing reports of generous gifts from many of you, email to [email protected], where we can of the reduction in COVID cases and helped keep all four arms of the Breast connect you with the appropriate leader the increase in the number of people Cancer Coalition stabilized. Advocacy, of any of the following committees receiving COVID vaccines. With 2020 Education, Support and Research, our or programs: Advocacy, ARTrageous behind us, we have become survivors four pillars, never wavered and stand (gala), Finance, Golf (tournament), of a different sort, having lived through solid today. Research, Walk/Run, PALS, and a some unimaginable losses; family We have survived. Weary from variety of subcommittees of our Board members, friends, jobs, celebratory of Directors. Volunteers are, and have gatherings, and time with loved Zoom meetings but basking in the enthusiasm of those around us, we always been, our lifeblood. With safety ones lead the list. Separation from in mind, we continue to meet with those we love is never welcome. Our rise. It is far from over but we are beginning to see the light at the end the help of technology. And, as the newly diagnosed survivors shared cold spell breaks in our region, we are stories about approaching medical of the tunnel. Some of you are even beginning to pop in to pick something occasionally seen outdoors in nearby appointments, tests, procedures and parks with lawn chairs and coffee treatments without a friend or partner, up or drop something off, masked of course. We love seeing you in these tumblers. After all, we miss the human which often led to increased anxiety, interaction too! fear, and trepidation. The grief in the fleeting moments, which leave us aftermath of all of this cannot be thinking … can you stand a few more diminished. virtual meetings? We welcome you to join us in our work. Some of our With the vaccine rollout, and as brightest leaders have emerged from we begin to emerge from some our core committees. Almost every *Peer Advocates Lending Support significant isolation, there is still much member of our Board of Directors first

In the issue: On the Last Day of Chemo . . . . .15 Volunteer Spotlight ...... 25 Personal Journey ...... 3 Regional Update ...... 16 PALS Update ...... 25 Interview with a Genetic Counselor . 4 Interview with a Palliative Care . . . LGBTQ+ programming ...... 27 Physician ...... 16 Silver Linings ...... 6 Outreach Update ...... 29 Research Update ...... 18 10 Facts about Gynecologic Cancer . 8 Fundraising Friends ...... 29 Pink Ribbon Walk & Run ...... 19 Living with Breast Cancer ...... 9 Thank You Donors ...... 31 Development Udpate ...... 21 Advocacy in Action ...... 10 Wish List ...... 35 Donor Spotlight ...... 21 Coalition Programming ...... 12 Board of Directors & Staff . . . . 35 Healthy You ...... 22 Program Director Update . . . . . 14 Cover photo credit: Ria Tafani Friends Remembered ...... 24

2 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org A PERSONAL JOURNEY: KATE C. By Pat Battaglia

athryn “Kate” C is a multi-faceted individual with a wide array of accomplishments. An educator and published author of books and magazine articles, she is also a member of the American Council for the Blind – Rochester Chapter Board, Colonel William Prescott DAR Chapter Vice-Regent; member of the Wayne Writer’s Guild, Visionary Support Group;K a freelance writer and editor; and Accessibility Ambassadress to the Memorial Art Gallery. In 1985, Kate was a forty-year-old mother of three children, ages eleven, nine, and four, when she contracted Eale’s Disease, a rare eye disease. In a few months, she went from having 20/20 vision to becoming legally blind. From that point, her vision gradually worsened until she was completely blind. In an article published in Good Dog! Magazine in 1993, Kate vividly described her fears, grief, and uncertainty in becoming blind and entrusting her life to a guide dog. “A silent scream slammed through me,” she wrote, before continuing to acknowledge the increased mobility her dog would provide. It was a new way of navigating the world and opened up new possibilities for her. An elementary school teacher before she became blind, Kate recalls, “I fought for my elementary students in the public school system and went right on with public education when I went blind. As a newly blinded woman, I had more questions than answers and realized that most sighted people have never talked with or interacted with a blind person. My days of public education really began then. If I didn’t speak up for what I needed, I might as well Kate and her guide dog, Peyton sit in the rocking chair, knit, and let the world go by. That Although another mammogram did not detect anything wasn’t in my nature, so the advocacy began in earnest.” unusual, an ultrasound revealed a small area that the radiologist felt should be biopsied. Kate underwent a As Kate grew adept at self-advocacy, her children also needle biopsy the same day then returned home to await grew to adulthood. Then grandchildren entered the the results. The call from the radiologist came in a couple picture. Then great-grandchildren. Kate flourished as an of days; Kate was found to have breast cancer. educator, writer, advocate, and matriarch of her thriving family. Time went on, and the year 2020 began quietly. One week later, the COVID-19 shutdown began. In early March of 2020, Kate went for her screening Having lost her own mother to breast cancer in 1976, Kate mammogram. “There was no lump; no sign of anything was devastated. By the time of her diagnosis, however, she wrong. Nothing,” she declared. The next day, she had was a seasoned self-advocate. Navigating a sighted world another routine appointment, this time with her dentist, as a blind person required a high degree of readiness to whose counsel in the months ahead would prove valuable. speak up and express her needs. “I’ve been at this long A few days afterward, Kate was surprised when the enough,” she recalled. “I had to advocate for students who radiologist called to say an area of concern had been were in danger of becoming lost in the cracks of the [public detected on her mammogram and additional imaging education] system.” She was adept at doing so gently, would be needed. So Kate returned to the imaging center. Continued on page 26. BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 3 Feature Story

Jessica Salamone, ScM, CGC, is a familiar face to many in our community. A board-certified genetic counselor since 2005, she has served as the Director of Genetic Counseling and Cancer Risk Assessment at Elizabeth Wende Breast Care in since 2012. As an adjunct faculty at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), she teaches medical genetics and introductory genetic counseling courses. She graciously agreed to an interview for our publication. PB: The role of genetics in cancer scenarios where, no matter what, is a topic of very high interest to your insurance will pay for it. The rule our survivor community. What’s new is one family member under forty five, in this rapidly evolving field? two under fifty, or three at any age. Jessica Salamone, ScM, CGC I think that historically, genetic JS: Let’s just say you’re forty-nine with testing was an afterthought. You were rare cases, uterine cancer. They can breast cancer and you have one diagnosed with cancer, you made it cause prostate and melanoma and other family member who’s been through treatment, and then at some pancreatic cancer. diagnosed. That doesn’t mean genetic point you might think, “Maybe genetic testing isn’t warranted. You’re still Then the three next-important big testing will help me for the benefit of young. Your insurance may not pay for players are genes called CHEK2, my children.” I’m proud to say that the it, but there are many affordable ways PALB2, and ATM. Those are implicated culture is changing. Many surgeons to be having those conversations and in a moderate risk of breast cancer. will think about genetics before they to approach genetic testing. BRCA will pull a woman up into an have a plan of attack created. I’m eighty-five to eighty-seven percent seeing many women within twenty- There was a journal article a couple chance of breast cancer. CHEK2 is four or forty-eight hours of their years ago about a study where they about forty-eight percent, ATM is diagnosis, and they really understand took a group of women who met about fifty-two percent, and PALB2 is genetics at the front of the journey, those criteria – young, repetitive about fifty-eight percent. BRCA gets when it’s going to potentially be cancers – and they took (I’II always all the press, but that next group of helpful in the long run. I think that’s tease) little old ladies with breast genes is really important as well. been the most fascinating change of cancer, which is devastating but maybe the last two or three years. doesn’t meet the criteria. They tested That’s only five genes. We test for five hundred women genetically in dozens of genes at any given time. PB: Are there specific situations each category and didn’t find much where genetic testing might be difference in the test-positive rate. PB: When someone is suggested? And that’s why I see the transition considering genetic testing, a JS: There are standard guidelines. If in my patient population – their good first step is genetic counseling. What’s involved in that? the cancer is happening in a young doctors automatically are referring for woman, or there are repetitive genetics right away. JS: Genetic counseling can be cancers within a family, or rare provided by a trained genetic cancers, these are the three PB: What are some of the counselor or by other health care characteristics. Young is defined as common mutations associated providers – physicians, physician age forty-five and younger. If you have with increased risk of breast or assistants, and nurse practitioners. no family history and you’re younger gynecologic cancer? In its most classic sense, genetic than forty-five, genetic testing is JS: The BRCA genes are the most counseling is sitting down with a indicated. If you’re a little older than common – BRCA1 and BRCA2. BR health care provider where they will that, then having some family history stands for breast, CA stands for ask a series of questions about you. A is important. If you’re between forty- cancer. Up to about one in three three-generation pedigree is taken - six and fifty but have one other hundred Caucasians carries those that’s the term for creating an image relative with breast cancer, or if you’re genes. Those are the most high-risk of your family tree. fifty or older and have at least two genes. They do cause breast cancer; relatives with cancer, those are the they also cause ovarian and in some They’re going to want to know about blood relatives only. And they’re

4 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org looking for any of those telltale signs: more than how much you weigh and Ancestry.com and all of those; it’s relatives with cancer, people who had whether you smoke, then they can set really just the difference in the level repetitive cancers, young cancers, a policy based on that. They may not of testing. It doesn’t mean that those rare cancers. They might also ask you ever ask about genetic testing. tests aren’t important and can’t for history about yourself. Then the uncover something, but it is nowhere counselor is going to start sharing I don’t think there’s a lot of reason near as comprehensive as coming what they’re noticing within the for concern. But I do think it’s worth to a clinic. I always want patients family and what risk factors might be a conversation to say “What kind to do that kind of testing with the leading to that diagnosis. of position am I in?” You need a understanding that it has its place, but balanced approach. we don’t base clinical judgements or What they’ve experienced could be decisions on it. the result of one of three things: PB: What do patients and Sometimes cancer is due to aging. families need to know if an PB: The whole area of genetics We will also talk about environment increased-risk mutation is found? and cancer is so complex and - maybe a person smoked or drank JS: We need to think about how interesting, and I’m wondering what to excess. It’s hard to think about we are related to our relatives. You drew you to this field? people’s behaviors causing cancer share half of your DNA with your JS: I always wanted to help people. but they can. And then ten percent of children whether they’re male or And I was always drawn to medicine. the time, it’s genetic. If we think it’s a female. So if I’m talking about a The words “genetic counselor” did not gene, let’s decide if you want to test. breast-colon-prostate gene, your enter my life until I was in my second daughters and your sons are at risk year at RIT and they had a career panel I think one of the biggest fears people under that example. You would want where a genetic counselor spoke. And have is that they’re going to talk to to be sharing that information with I said (Hallelujah Chorus), "That is what somebody who will try to talk them your children equally. Your kids have I want to be!” But there was writing on into the testing. That’s not my role. A a 50-50 shot; your siblings have a the wall long before that. good counselor is going to help you 50-50 shot, so you can be sharing see the pros and cons of both options. information there. If your parents When I was in high school and took are still alive, we have scenarios one of those aptitude tests that say PB: One concern about genetic where we test “up” too, to figure out what are you going to be when you testing is the effect it might have on insurance rates. Would you if it came from mom or dad in that grow up, mine said, and I kid you speak to that? circumstance. not, in this order: doctor, teacher, social worker. And now, I laugh and JS: Our local late Congresswoman PB: What is the difference go, “That’s it!” The umbrella term is penned a federal between the types of genetic genetic counselor. Doctor – you’re law in 2007 with a revision in 2008 mutations that you find through communicating or diagnosing or called the Genetic Information testing as compared to the mutations helping. Teacher – you’re one-on- Nondiscrimination Act. In the category that cause cancer to starting to grow one educating a patient, educating in the first place? of medical insurance only, it is meant a community, educating providers... to protect Americans from being JS: In my area of medicine, I am looking And social worker – my shoulder gets discriminated against at the federal for inherited mutations – something cried on a lot because I’m right in the level. There are not such protections that came from the generation trenches with people. around long-term care, disability, before that I’m going to pass on to my short-term disability, life insurance. children. I also have a family member with a genetic disorder. When I was One of the things I want people to Then there is testing of the tumor young, I was able to attend some think about is whether they already such as oncotyping to figure out type appointments. I didn’t know what have a term policy where the rules and aggressiveness and likelihood of I was experiencing was genetic can’t change before entering into recurrence, and what treatment it counseling, but that’s what it was. genetics. It’s different for people is going to respond to. All cancer is who do not have that coverage in going to have some kind of genetic I don’t ever leave a day not feeling place. You are covered by HIPAA and change. It doesn’t mean that the the huge impact that my words can confidentiality rules. I cannot share person got that genetic change from have on people. That’s not something your test results with any third party the generation before. There’s still a I take lightly. I go home knowing that without your permission. However, genetic alteration within that cell, but people entrusted me with a very big, if one of those companies is asking if it’s not going to be passed along to personal, important part of their life, you or a member of your family had the next generation. and to let me walk with them and genetic testing, I do have to answer have that burden with them is really honestly. If you’re signing up with a There is also genetic testing a gift. company that doesn’t ask anything happening through 23andMe and BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 5 By Susan C. It is hard to see a silver lining with the diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Anything I could write would seem false, and stop you from reading further. People may want to point out silver linings, reminding me the good that comes with the bad. One thing I have found is that, to see a silver lining, it must be found by the person experiencing the difficulties. When someone else points out a silver lining, it may not ring true. It may feel as if LININGS there is a lack of empathy; as if the person who is trying to help is not acknowledging the suffering. When I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age nineteen and faced a significant chance of death or disability, it was hard to see a silver lining. Yet the experience changed who I was and how I saw the precious gift of life. It gave me dedication and drive that would manifest in a career as a neurologist. It gave me the gift of giving back. After training, I turned down offers at academic institutions and returned to a small town in upstate NY, near where I grew up. My career in neurology came to an abrupt end when I was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at age fifty four. Medications intended to prolong my life made it so I could not work. This happened just before COVID19 spread through the United States. At this point, you may be questioning: “Where on earth is the silver lining in this story?” Well … to be clear, I would never want this diagnosis and I would never want to see the world suffer as it has during this pandemic. Yet life moves forward one day at a time. As one foot moves in front of the other, I remind myself that “I am upright and mobile.” When hours go by and I can’t get off the couch or out of bed, I remind myself that “I can breathe, see, smell, and taste.” I live in the moment. After being diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, I wrote to friends, family, colleagues and mentors. I wrote about what happened, and I told them how important they are to me … how thankful I am that they have been in my life. It is a gift to have had time to do this. This led to many people who I have not seen for years reaching out. The phone calls, cards, and video chats have brought back wonderful memories and much joy. COVID-19 changed all our lives. My father, at age ninety- three, asked me if he would ever be able to hug his grandchildren for the rest of his life. I shared this story in a recent Zoom meeting with the Common Ground group for those living with metastatic breast and gynecologic cancer. The group so selflessly expressed how fortunate we are to be safe in our homes with food on the table. This is so true. Yet it is also okay to feel sad or mad. In the setting of advancing age or a metastatic cancer diagnosis, one wants to live life to the fullest. We know that time is limited. The Common Ground support group has been invaluable to me. This is a group of kind and strong people who are

6 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org "The Common Ground support group has been invaluable to me. This is a group of kind and strong people who are walking the walk. They accepted me and treated me as a person, not a diagnosis."

walking the walk. They accepted me and treated me as a Repeatedly, I would fail my New Year’s resolution of “This person, not a diagnosis. They made me feel more normal, is the year for mind, body, and soul.” It is quite ironic that as opposed to a fifty-five-year-old who could no longer do a diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer is now helping to a quarter of what I could do in December 2019. They are make that resolution a reality … through fellowship with there for anyone who has been diagnosed with metastatic the Peeps*, Gentle Yoga with Susan Wood; Unconventional gynecologic or breast cancer. They are there to walk with Training and Strengthening Class with Leon Ginenthal in you during one of the most difficult transitions in life. Ithaca; Surviving and Thriving on Aromatase Inhibitors; Mindfulness and Meditation with Rick Lynch; a new plant- It was COVID-19 that resulted in the Coalition’s annual based diet with Dr. Campbell’s study; and Voices and Vision Advanced Breast Cancer seminar going virtual. I learned Writing Workshop with Jenny Katz. These courses have about this seminar from an email sent by the Cancer brought light into the dark cold winter. They give me a Resource Center of the Finger Lakes. With my limited schedule, with something to look forward to almost every energy, I would never have been able to attend the event day. Already I can see how these courses are introducing in person. Honestly, I had little hope I would learn much me to tools that will help me through the next part of my from the seminar. With my medical background, I read life. I am so thankful for the Coalition and all the people everything in the medical literature I could find. Yet, this who make these classes and support groups possible. seminar was a turning point for me. It opened my eyes to the Coalition and all it offers to people in the region who Life did turn upside down. My professional career and have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It was during personal life, as I knew it, came to a grinding halt. Yet, the seminar that I found out about the Common Ground there have been many gifts and silver linings in the last group. I heard people (Peeps) with metastatic breast year that I could have never have imagined. The most cancer speak, and their words resonated within me. They precious gift has been time. Time to reflect. Time to still spoke of personal transitions that I had been trying to live. Time to start hobbies I never dreamed I would ever be process. Dr. Thomas Campbell gave a superb presentation able to explore. And most important to me, time to focus on a plant-based diet trial for metastatic breast cancer, on my treasures in life … my friends and family. leading me to reach out to his team and join this trial. *The Common Ground Group, for those living with Since my twenties, I have recognized how a busy life metastatic breast or gynecologic cancer. and demanding career can take away from life balance.

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 7 Serving those with gynecologic cancers has been an honor and a privilege for us at the Coalition. We have learned a great deal from the courageous souls who have faced one of these diseases. And so, in line with our mission to provide education to our community, we present some of the facts on gynecologic cancer.

Sources: cdc.gov/cancer/gynecologic; cancer.gov/; cancer.net/; ccgynonc.com/; cancer.dartmouth.edu/; ocrahope.org/ 8 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org When I was diagnosed with breast cancer fourteen years ago, being inundated with endless doctor appointments was one of my biggest concerns. Cancer should have been the main priority, but life keeps marching on and cancer and its many necessary appointments are time consuming. When I was making surgery decisions, one goal was to have the least disruptions. Lumpectomy plus radiation versus mastectomy was at the top of my pros and cons list. Somehow a three-day post flap hospital stay was the winner and felt easier to fit into my life than thirty it was more than that. Years ago, I was fitted with a partial individual radiation appointments. prosthesis. This prosthesis had a tiny bump on it mimicking The biggest goal of a flap procedure is to have the flap a nipple. When looking in the mirror at Thelma’s, I could survive. The surgeon knows that minor fixes can happen hardly believe I saw two nipples peeking through my later to improve the shape of the breast mound. Whenever bra. My eyes and brain immediately appreciated the I pictured these minor fixes, I pictured surgery with symmetry that had been lost for so long. Even I would general anesthesia. A three-phase plan for reconstruction have told you that it didn’t matter, but that would be a was a concept I had heard about, yet my surgeon never lie. Although only as a fleeting thought, I have felt a pang discussed it explicitly. I would simply follow up with some of self consciousness in a locker room or at a doctor visit, regularity and then return to my regularly scheduled life always knowing the missing nipple would stand out, but when I had healed. only figuratively. In my nightshirt and in an unpadded swim top, I was consciously and subconsciously aware of the Thirteen years after cancer, my babies more grown and difference. independent, I decided to look into fixing up my body. Naturally, I scheduled an appointment with my former The surgical addition of a nipple was a straightforward plastic surgeon. Learning that fat grafting can occur as procedure. Lidocaine was used, but the sensation on the an outpatient procedure without general anesthesia was breast mound is still mostly absent. As the four injections a happy surprise for me. Having fixes at this point in my went in, I could not even feel the first two and wondered life was a choice. Whenever I saw information about the if they would be necessary at all. The second set did reconstruction process, it always included a nipple as the elicit a brief twinge of acknowledgement. After some final step. I too wanted to feel more finished, though I had surgical magic, the nipple was created, photographed (by an indentation that I felt needed to be addressed first. my request), and bandaged. This was one of my easiest procedures. Fortunately, I don’t feel overly anxious about Armed with new information, I scheduled fat grafting. procedures and can tolerate having them without systemic Like many experience, one round of fat grafting was not drugs. After this appointment, I was able to drive myself enough. The decision to sign up for liposuction is not a home. In the days that followed, my main complaint was small one and needs careful consideration and planning for fatigue. Pain was not registered at all, though occasionally I downtime. Liposuction bruising in the deepest shades of was aware of a minor aching. black and blue is on a level which I had never seen before. A different option would have been to add a small implant, The next step is always to wait. Waiting is such a large but I chose not to go this route. part of the cancer experience. At this point I need to wait to heal. In about three months I will be eligible for an Finally after three rounds of fat grafting, filling in the small areola tattoo. I look forward to this final step and am very dent and increasing the overall size of the breast mound, hopeful along with my brain, that the appearance of two I had my nipple appointment. In many ways, it seems nipples will be noted and soon fade away into the sense of superficial to go back, take time, and endure pain for what normalcy I have long sought. may seem to be simply cosmetic reasons. However, I knew

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 9 ADVOCACY CHAIR UPDATE By Kathy Guglielmi

On July 5, 2014, Governor Andrew this legislation should be passed. locations, bringing the total to ten ROs Cuomo signed the Compassionate Our advocates met with both Senate and forty dispensaries throughout Care Act into law. As we approach the and Assembly members. We did our the state. In addition to physicians, seventh anniversary of the legalization homework, answered questions, physician assistants and nurse of medical marijuana in overcame objections and, most practitioners were added to those State, it seems like a good time to importantly, offered our own stories. eligible to certify patients for use. The look back at how Coalition advocates Over time, our representatives gained program has grown over the years worked for passage of this bill, and at sufficient information to lend their both in scope and numbers of patients the current status of the law. support to the bill. served. According to the New York State Department of Health website, In the Summer 2014 edition of Initially, the law allowed use of as of February 16, 2021, there were Voices of the Ribbon, then Advocacy medical cannabis for those with 3142 registered practitioners and Committee Chair Marianne Sargent cancer, HIV/AIDS, ALS, Parkinson’s 138,738 certified patients statewide. noted that advocates had been disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal reading, discussing, and networking cord damage causing spasticity, Just as our advocates worked hard, for over a year in order to learn more epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease, suffered disappointments, and finally about the Compassionate Care Act. neuropathies, and Huntington’s felt hopeful when the Compassionate This hard work was prompted by disease. Five manufacturers and Care Act was signed into law, our hearing the personal experiences of no more than twenty dispensary current committee members follow those served by the Coalition. Many locations were allowed in the state. in their footsteps. We continue to suffered from chemotherapy-related educate ourselves and others, we nausea, fatigue, and malaise. Research Over the years, additional eligible carefully watch for changes and showed other countries successfully medical conditions were added: PTSD, improvements in the law, and we used marijuana to treat these side opiate use, and chronic pain. The step forward when we see the need effects. Coalition advocates joined state added another five registered to advocate on behalf of our survivor forces with advocacy organizations organizations (manufacturers), each community. throughout the state who believed of which could have four dispensing

REGIONAL NEW YORK STATE SENATORS REGIONAL NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLYMEMBERS

District 54 District 57 District 60 District 130 District 134 District 138 Pamela Helming Sean Ryan Joshua Jensen District 55 District 58 District 61 District 131 District 135 District 139 Thomas O’Mara Edward Rath Jeff Gallahan District 56 District 59 District 62 District 132 District 136 District 147 Patrick Gallivan Robert Ortt Philip Palmesano David DiPietro District 133 District 137

10 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org ADVOCACY IN ACTION

By Betsy Crumity

I was only six months in as an don’t remember why, but my regular Are there alternative emerging Advocacy Committee member when schedule for this health care checkup technologies that might improve the I attended the virtual Advocate was changed. So it was that, in identification of people most likely to Leadership Summit in June of 2020. December of 2017, I was diagnosed benefit?” The COVID-19 Pandemic was officially with stage one breast cancer. If I had underway and that prevented not changed the date from October The answers, I’ve come to me from attending the Summit in to December, I wondered, would the understand, are complex, nuanced, person as planned. The annual event cancer have been detected? Because and evolving. After the Summit, I is offered by the National Breast of that experience, the plenary turned in my sailboat when I saw how Cancer Coalition (NBCC), a distinct session that spoke to me was Finding vast the ocean of information was. and separate entity from our own Cancer Early: What Does It Buy and I needed a larger ship to navigate Coalition, and one whose legislative Cost Us? this seemingly endless ocean and I agenda we follow closely. Until got aboard the USS BCCR, a vessel to COVID19, the Summit took place in From the presentation: “Early help cross these uncertain, largely Washington, D.C.. As life would have detection of breast cancer has long uncharted waters of breast cancer it, the virtual conference was the best been discussed as essential to reduce information and research. thing to happen, for this allowed me mortality from breast cancer. To Interested in participating in a to attend every workshop in lieu of that end, scientists, researchers, and fascinating and dynamic committee? just a few. clinicians have pursued increasingly more sensitive screening technologies Find out more about our Advocacy From the plenary sessions to to identify breast cancer well before Committee by calling us at 585-473- meeting virtually with our national clinical manifestations are apparent. 8177 or email [email protected]. Be a representatives in Washington D.C., But earlier and earlier detection vessel for change in our community! it was as if I had walked into a new comes at the cost of identifying * “Artemis Project participants design and world. From the Policy Advocacy in more and more abnormalities implement research plans and interact Response to COVID-19, to the Artemis that might never go on to become through an infrastructure maintained Project*, and finally the Project clinically meaningful in an individual’s by NBCC that allows collaborations to LEAD science training workshop for lifetime—a problem referred to thrive and progress rapidly.” https:// advocates, it was an invigorating as over-diagnosis. Are we working www.stopbreastcancer.org/what-we-do/ and humbling experience. NBCC has toward the right goal and who is research/artemis-project/ been helping to educate advocates benefiting under our current system? about healthcare guidelines for breast cancer care implemented in response to the current pandemic and the evidence underlying these recommendations. I had been regular in getting mammograms the same month each year. In October of 2016, my results were negative. However, in 2017, I had my mammogram in December. I

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 11 HEALING GIVE &GET LEARN ARTS SUPPORT

Although we remain open, for your safety we are pleased to offer all our programs virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. Our schedule remains fluid as we react to ongoing social distancing guidelines. Please contact us for program updates.

BREAST OR GYN CANCER In this peer mentoring 101 program, individual breast These are one-to-one sessions to newly diagnosed and gynecologic cancer individuals in managing the complex tasks and emotions survivors reach out to those of a breast or gynecologic cancer diagnosis. We empower who are more recently them to be self-advocates as they proceed through diagnosed, providing the treatment, recovery, and survivorship. Our professional reassurance of one-to- facilitators provide a safe, comfortable atmosphere one contact with someone where information can be absorbed and assimilated while who’s “been there,” helping them connect with needed the individual formulates a personal strategy for making resources, and instilling confidence during a difficult time. informed decisions. Also valuable for a gynecologic or breast cancer survivor at any stage of their journey. Call today to learn how to join the program and be paired with a mentor who has been there, or if you Contact us for an appointment. would like to become involved as a mentor.

HEALING ARTS Healing Arts programming is offered in block series of 4 - 6 weeks throughout the year. Call or email us today if you are interested in registering for these beneficial offerings.

Gentle Yoga Mindfulness & Meditation Tai Chi Gentle Yoga includes breathing A way of connecting with your natural An ancient martial art that consists of exercises, gentle and restorative yoga state of mind and breath to calm the a series of small, specific movements postures, and mindfulness exercises. mind. The goal is to improve your combined with deep, relaxation Yoga activates a relaxation response ability to relax, concentrate, and be breathing. Tai Chi’s goal is to improve and can help relieve feelings of anxiety aware of the present moment. Classes your ability to relax and de-stress, and and can help people with cancer are 1 hour and 15 minutes. has other benefits such as decreasing reconnect with their body. The goal of • Tuesday afternoons falls in the elderly and reducing arthritis. the class is to relax, be mindful, and to • Wednesday evenings Classes are 1 hour and 15 minutes. improve range of motion and flexibility. • Thursday afternoons • Thursday afternoons Classes are 75 minutes in length. • Saturday mornings • Saturday mornings Participants benefit most when they are present for the full duration of Qi Gong Voices & Vision each class. A traditional Chinese practice combining An engaging writing class for those • Monday mornings meditation, controlled breathing, and interested in thinking creatively while • Monday evenings movement to balance the flow of energy recording personal experiences, • Tuesday mornings (qi) within the body. The goal is to memories, feelings, and thoughts. Each • Tuesday afternoons improve overall health, combat stress, week you will respond to prompts that challenge you to reflect on the broader • Saturday mornings and promote healing. Classes are 1 hour • Sunday mornings aspects of life’s journey. For those and 15 minutes. interested, there will be opportunities • Thursday afternoons to share your writing with the group. • Saturday mornings • Offered throughout the year.

Call us at (585) 473-8177 or email us at [email protected] if you have any questions, want to enroll in a class, or want to be added to our mailing list.

12 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org HEALING GIVE &GET LEARN ARTS SUPPORT

GIVE AND GET SUPPORT

Breast & GYN Cancer Group Common Ground: Surviving & Thriving on Gather, support, network, and discuss Living with Metastatic Breast or Aromatase Inhibitors your journey with others diagnosed Gynecologic Cancer Through increased movement, with breast or gynecologic cancer. Join others coping with a diagnosis stretching exercises, and nutrition, Professionally facilitated. of metastatic breast or gynecologic this ground-breaking program Register online. cancer. Professionally facilitated. provides information, support, and empowerment for those prescribed • Discussion Group: 2nd and 4th Register online. aromatase inhibitors* who are Monday of the month, 5:30-7:00pm. • Discussion Group: Thursdays, 1:00- experiencing joint pain or other • Discussion Group: 2nd and 4th 2:30pm. Although the discussion is side effects. (*Estrogen blocking Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7:00pm. topic-based, all concerns of those medication prescribed for hormone present are addressed. • Discussion Group: 1st and 3rd receptor positive breast cancer.) Thursday of the month, 5:30-7:00pm. Register online. Common Ground Partners: • Wednesdays: May 5, 12, 19, and Brown Bag Discussion Group Partners of Metastatic Individuals June 16 – 1:00-3:00pm Each week a group of breast and GYN Professionally facilitated group for • Wednesdays: September 1, 8, 15, cancer survivors gather to discuss a partners/spouses of those living with and October 13 – 5:30-7:30pm wide variety of topics. Register online. metastatic (or advanced) cancer. Registrants must commit to all four Register online. sessions in a series. • Fridays at 12:00noon. • Discussion Group: 3rd Tuesday of This program is supported with funds from every month, 5:30-7:00pm. the State of New York Department of Health. LGBTQ+ Breast & GYN Cancer Group This monthly group offers support Parent Networking Group Young Survivor Gatherings This discussion-based group supports A young survivor may identify with to LGBTQ+ breast or gynecologic parents who are coping with the unique those who have faced breast or cancer survivors and their partners. challenges as they face their adult gynecologic cancer in the midst of a Professionally facilitated. child's breast or gynecologic cancer career climb, while raising children, Register online. diagnosis. Professionally facilitated. or perhaps whose family plans have • Discussion Group: 4th Wednesday of Register online. been derailed by treatment. We hold the month, 5:00-6:30pm. • Discussion Group: 1st Tuesday of the these gatherings four times a year as month, 5:30-7:00pm. an informal and fun way to connect with others who have walked a similar path. Register online. • Call or email today to be added to our invitation list.

For your safety, we are pleased to offer all our programs virtually via Zoom during the COVID-19 crisis. Our schedule remains fluid as we react to ongoing social distancing guidelines. Please contact us for program updates.

In addition, we recognize that not all of you have the technology that allows full participation from your homes. Please ALWAYS feel welcome to reach out to any of us by phone. We are here for you too!

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 13 HEALING GIVE &GET LEARN ARTS SUPPORT

Although we remain open, for your safety we are pleased to offer all our programs virtually during the COVID-19 crisis. Our The Coalition is pleased to introduce our schedule remains fluid as we react to new Program Director, Christina Thompson. ongoing social distancing guidelines. Please As she takes the helm and deftly guides our contact us for program updates. survivor programs, she shares her story with our community. It was May of 2018 that I was introduced to LEARN the Breast Cancer Coalition. I was thirty-nine years old and working full Evening Seminar time in a small dental practice as a full- Evening Educational Seminars bring time hygienist. Providing comprehensive information and education to our survivors treatment and working with patients fulfilled Christina Thompson, and community friends. They take place my caretaking spirit. Outside of work, my Program Director on the 4th Wednesday of each month at husband and I were raising our daughters, ages two and five. We were 7:00pm. Register online. active in preschool and playdates, and frequent flyers at Rochester • May 26: "What’s New in Diagnostic Museum and Science Center and the Strong Museum of Play. Imaging" Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Harvey But one afternoon, there was this lump in my left armpit. My mind • June 23: TBD whispered the words, but I was able to push down the worry: “I’m • July 28: "Cancer is a Wake-Up Call!" too young, I can’t have cancer.” When I gained the courage to see my Presenter: Dr. Jennifer Griggs primary care doctor, he seemed to feel that it probably wasn’t cancer. We needed a mammogram for imaging, just to be safe. Book Club The mammogram led to an ultrasound, which led to a biopsy…which If a traditional support group isn’t for you finally led to the words I didn’t think I’d hear: “I’m sorry, you have but you still like the idea of participating in breast cancer.” a supportive community join our monthly Book Club. Register online. Breast cancer was never part of my agenda. 4th Thursday of the month, 6:00-7:30pm I felt I was being swallowed up by a storm of change. Nothing • May 27: Writers & Lovers, author Lily was within my control. The calendar quickly filled with medical King, facilitator Jill Richards appointments. When my pathology report revealed HER2+ disease, I • June 24: Monogamy, author Sue learned this form of cancer often responds well to chemotherapy. My Miller, facilitator Vicki Nugent treatment schedule quickly proved ‘inconvenient’ at work. The storm of • July 22: The Invisible Life of Addie change kept coming. LaRue, author V.E. Schwab, facilitator I needed to be met in that storm. I needed to talk to others who had Marilyn Ling, MD experienced it. When I called the Coalition and met with Holly, Jennifer, Ali, and Pat, I was speaking with others who knew the storm. I was Lymphedema Awareness Network warmly welcomed and heard words that spoke to my soul: “You didn’t (LANROC) do anything to deserve this”. I could be angry at the storm and how it For anyone living with lymphedema. turned my little family upside down. I could talk, and others who knew Caregivers, lymphedema therapists, medical what it meant to go through this were listening at Brown Bag Fridays personnel, and those at risk for developing and the Thursday Evening Networking group. The Coalition brought me lymphedema are welcome. Professionally solace. I got through chemo, surgeries, immunotherapy, and radiation facilitated. Register online. with the help and support of other warriors who have experienced the • 2nd Wednesday of the month, storm. Through this support, I have felt courage and empowerment to 5:30-7:00pm turn back and help others who find themselves in the storm. I feel extremely privileged to have joined the Breast Cancer Coalition team and look forward to steering the programs that will help others weather the storm.

14 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org On the Last Day of CHEMO By Jules N.

Jules N.

very time I think of writing an I would like to tell you that now I and, frankly, feeling daunted by update about how I am doing, I can put this all behind me. But I still the project of rebuilding my body Eam stopped by the feeling that have a long road ahead and lifelong and learning to love it in this new I need to be upbeat and positive, and conditions as a result of the shock and form that carries such complexity of that’s not how I feel most of the time awe treatment I received. My body, feelings. these days. When you are treated for which I had loved into health and cancer, you and your medical team strength over the past five years, is I know so many of us were eager to are fighting for life. And when your life almost unrecognizable to me now and put 2020 behind us. And yes, what a is in the balance, I’ve learned, what is harbors the literal and metaphorical terrible year it was, not just for me, on the other side of that scale is that scars of this year as well as the but for all of us. But also, still, and which will almost kill you. In fact, when uncertainties of recurrence. yet ... was there not beauty? Was I asked my medical team how they there not tenderness? Was there decide how much chemo to give; how So I am struggling with expectations not joy? This was not just the worst much radiation I need -- the answer is of unrestrained gratitude. Don’t get year of my life; it was also the best. “as much as we think your body can me wrong. I am deeply grateful for so I had so much love, and I loved so tolerate and survive.” The unvarnished many things – most of all for the love deeply. truth about cancer treatment (or and care extended by my friends and family, but also for the privilege of So I am trying to hold it all: the grief, at least mine) is that your body is the pain, the anger, the incredulity, subjected to as much as you can stand. top-rated medical care, the comfort of roof over my head, the pleasures the uncertainty, the beauty, the joy, And for this, somehow, I am grateful, the love. I can’t bring you pink ribbons but also grieving and angry. of nourishing food, and the honor of doing meaningful work with people and unbridled hope, but I can be with I’ve been in cancer treatment a full who have done absolutely everything you in this beautiful, messy thing we year. Today I take what I desperately they could to support me. But I am call life and tell you it is worth it. hope is my last dose of chemo ever. still grieving the losses of this year

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 15 FINGER LAKES REGION OF CENTRAL & WESTERN NEW YORK

Regional Program Director Update The Times They Are A-Changing By Miriam Steinberg

Change can be hard. Dr. Cheryl But as one door closes, Williams is another opens. As a palliative our programming care physician throughout the region associated is based at the Breast with the Cancer Coalition’s main University location, all of our of Rochester staff bid a fond adieu Medical to Miriam Steinberg, Center in our beloved Regional Canandaigua. Services Director. We I recently had will miss our colleague Miriam Steinberg, an opportunity as she moves on to new Regional Services Director to interview adventures but take comfort in the fact that she will still be her on Zoom connected with us as a longtime member of the Advocacy about her Cheryl Williams M.D., Ph.D. Committee, as well as a PALS Mentor. specialty; what palliative care is and what a The time I’ve spent travelling in the ten-county region we person can expect when referred to a palliative serve, getting to know survivors in the communities and care physician. Dr. Williams’ expertise and area bringing our much-needed programs to them, has been very of special interest is in pharmacology and how fulfilling for me. I thank all the medical personnel, volunteers, medications interact with each other and with Human Services Council members, and other supporters in the medical conditions that arise throughout the region for their help. I also want to thank the dedicated life. She is also the Hospice Medical Director for members of the Regional Community Outreach Committee. Ontario and Yates Counties. This has truly been a team effort. She provides palliative care for all cancers, as well Many thanks and much gratitude go to the numerous as end-of-life and hospice care for all cancers. elected officials throughout the ten-county region. Without their tireless advocacy in their districts and in Albany, these Palliative care and hospice are words I’ve programs would not have been possible. heard used interchangeably. There’s a fair amount of misunderstanding. Can you give an I will miss getting together with the women from the overview of what palliative care is? ‘Dansville Coffee Group’ and hearing their news. I will also Dr. Williams: We are a medical specialty. Palliative miss opening up our many programs in Geneva, Batavia, care is a term that can be applied to many different Albion, Canandaigua, Geneseo, and Dansville and having the aspects in health care. There are visiting nurse opportunity to connect with survivors face-to-face. And, of services that offer palliative care services, so I want course, I will miss the beautiful drives! to make the distinction that we as physicians go I have been involved with the Coalition in many ways since through extra training and fellowships. It is now my own diagnosis in 2011: as a volunteer on the Advocacy a formal fellowship. Much like a cardiologist or a Committee, a Board Member, and a staff member. I will renal doctor would go through extra training and continue my involvement with the Advocacy Committee in a fellowship to focus on that particular aspect of the future and look forward to participating in programs. care, we also go through that extra training. Our focus is on symptom management from a disease I am blessed to carry with me something of value from perspective, as well as addressing side effects of each of my interactions with my coworkers; they are truly medications or other treatments that are used to amazing. And of course, thank you Holly for giving me this treat the disease. We are also trained to deal with wonderful opportunity. discussions on how to help people navigate as they’re going through the medical system. I always tell people in their initial visits about the

16 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org FINGER LAKES REGION OF CENTRAL & WESTERN NEW YORK distinction between palliative care hospital when they’re in a crisis or at system in the Rochester area has and hospice. I explain that because the time of diagnosis of a disease so palliative care services. Usually what another physician referred you to see we can start symptom management happens is that the person’s providers me, it’s not end of life care or hospice. there and carry over to outpatient can make the referral to have that I see mostly people who are going land when they get back home. person consult with someone from through treatments and surveillance the palliative care team. Some places for years to come. Lots of people Q. Who qualifies for palliative will allow a family member to request ‘graduate’ from seeing me, as they care? a consult. have success from their treatments. Dr. Williams: Anyone who has a serious illness that has symptoms that How did you become involved So palliative care can be used at need to be managed. We sometimes with palliative care? any point in the process? get confused for pain management Dr. Williams: It was a convoluted Dr. Williams: Correct. We often give services and that is not what we do. path in this career. I started out as the analogy that your disease starts In pain management, they have a a pharmacist and I got my Ph.D. in at a point, and if and until you get to similar approach. They often have pharmaceutical sciences. I went to the serious part where you’re close interdisciplinary team members medical school and after I finished, to end of life, that’s when you cross geared toward people who are in I started out as a hospitalist. When into where you need hospice care. chronic pain. While we do have a I was working at a hospital in that Because the symptoms tend go up as lot of experience dealing with pain capacity, one of the hospice nurses the disease progresses, it’s more likely management, when somebody is said that I had a unique way of making that you’ll see someone for Palliative struggling with something that is not people feel at ease and helping them Care on that trajectory before or if a serious illness like chronic low back through difficult times and then you get to the end stage. pain, those patients are better served asked me if I had ever considered by someone in a pain specialist clinic doing hospice care. I hadn’t, but Could palliative care carry over as opposed to palliative care. they pursued me. I then started out into hospice? as a hospice medical director in the Dr. Williams: Again, you get into a How is palliative care beneficial Saratoga Springs area and then moved lot of semantics. The big difference to those who are going through to Canandaigua and continued mainly between palliative care and hospice treatment for breast or gynecologic in the hospice realm. This was right as is that hospice has some restrictions cancer? palliative care was starting. I worked on what the goal of care is. You need Dr. Williams: We work very closely with one of the very first people to to be beyond the point of doing with the oncologists because go through the fellowship, who also disease-directed treatment. Also, we treatments can change mid-stream happened to be starting a palliative have to estimate that the patient has and with that comes different care program at a local hospital. We six months or less left (although that symptoms that need to be managed. worked together to get that off the amount of time is not a hard and fast Many times we can provide a ground, and that morphed into me number). Those are things that tend supportive place where people can go helping to train most of the fellows, to differentiate between hospice and and have their symptoms addressed. and that eventually transitioned into palliative care. Because we focus both We work closely with their oncologist me being a palliative care physician. on the whole person and symptom in particular. We also work with I feel this specialty chose me. management to make sure someone social workers and there are some My background in pharmacy and is comfortable, there are overlaps. complementary treatments we can pharmacology fits well into symptom Many times, we will take care of incorporate as well. We realize that management and, as a former people as they are going through suffering can take many forms, which hospitalist, I understand that medical their treatments and then continue is why we work with social workers care and the health care system can that kind of symptom management and chaplains to give people comfort be complex to navigate. It is my goal as they’ve moved on to hospice care. on that level. So we try to address to assist patients and their families So we can work hand in hand with how we can make people feel whole. – and to understand each patient hospice care. Some of these services are also available to family members who as a person – before trying to make Does a person receiving need it as well. any recommendations about care. palliative care have to be an I also find satisfaction in providing in-hospital patient? How does a person get in touch compassionate care when helping people through difficult discussions. Dr. Williams: We have the capability with a palliative care provider of consulting with patients in the and how does someone know that they need it? hospital and also in outpatient clinics. We can start to see them in the Dr. Williams: Every major hospital

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 17 The Coalition’s proposal review and grant award procedures underwent several changes for the 2021 round of grant awards. We instituted a “hybrid” application process, accepting electronic submissions Helene Snihur for the first time. Research Director Applicants were able to upload their proposals into a secure online folder The Coalition has awarded funding for 2021 to two young scientists that protected their identity and confidentiality. on the cusp of their careers. Dr. Sagar R. Shah of Cornell University They still submitted paper copies, although and Tao Dai of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center have half the number, which were provided to each received a grant in the amount of $25,000 to support their the reviewers assigned to the proposal. The breast cancer research. new system appealed to both applicants and reviewers. Applicants needed to print fewer A postdoctoral associate in the Department of Molecular Biology hard copies, saving paper and time. Reviewers and Genetics, Dr. Shah will be working on the “Identification could easily read and search all the proposals and functional characterization of enhancer-associated electronically but could still work and notate on mutations in breast cancer.” Tao Dai is a third-year PhD student the paper copies of their assigned proposals if in the Department of Cell Stress Biology. His proposal is titled they preferred. “Uncovering the implications of breast cancer metabolic adaptation in the tumor microenvironment.” The Coalition also adopted the NIH (National Institutes of Health) scoring system. Under this The Coalition assembled a panel of ten scientific researchers and system, proposals are judged by an Overall eight survivor/advocate members of its Research Committee to Impact Score. That score is based on the review the applications that had been submitted in December. The likelihood that a project will have a sustained Panel met for the whole day February 10 to discuss the proposals and powerful influence on the science. All the and select the grant award recipients. The Coalition is grateful members of the Review Panel, not just the and expresses its thanks to the Review Panel members for their assigned reviewers, award an Overall Impact commitment of time and their work: Score to each proposal. The scores given by the assigned reviewers and the panel discussion Cornell University Brockport Research Institute help guide the non-assigned reviewers toward • Dr. Marc Antonyak • Dr. Kelley Madden awarding an Overall Impact Score. A proposal’s • Dr. Kelly Hume Upstate Medical University final score is the average of all the reviewer- • Dr. Robert Weiss • Dr. M. Saeed Sheikh provided scores. Roswell Park Comprehensive Survivor-advocates Cancer Center The pandemic also forced the Coalition to • Wendy Bachhuber • Dr. Zhihong Gong conduct Review Day virtually instead of in- • Dr. Gunhilde Buchsbaum • Dr. Chi-Chen Hong person. The fact that Coalition staffers already • Beverly Canin had experience moving all programming and University of Rochester • Kathy Finnegan events to the virtual realm – the ability and Medical Center • Wendy Gottorff flexibility to “pivot,” as Executive Director Holly • Dr. Scott Gerber • Nancy Gramkee-Cuer Anderson has described it – helped Review Day • Dr. Helene McMurray • Julie Overbeck move along smoothly. • Dr. P.J. Simpson-Haidaris • Kathy Simpson If you’re interested in learning more about the In addition, the Coalition thanks Research Committee members Coalition’s Research Initiative and joining the Alison Currie and Jeanne Verhulst for their diligent scribing of the Research Committee, contact [email protected]. Review Panel proceedings.

18 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org presented by

Join us in raising funds that stay LOCAL! Mother’s Day Weekend • Fri., May 7 - Sun., May 9, 2021 • Virtual! TO REGISTER: Scan this code with your phone, visit Anyone, anywhere can help support those touched www.bccr.org or complete the form by breast or gynecologic cancer! below and mail in today! your favorite trail, stay in your neighborhood, hop on a treadmill – have fun! For more information and easy online registration and fundraising, visit BreastCancerCoalition.org

First and Last Name: EVENT REGISTRATION: Team name (if applicable): Pink Ribbon Walk Registration ($25) Address:

City: State: Zip: Pink Ribbon Run Registration ($25)

Phone: Email: One Lucky Family Entry $10 each; Date of Birth: Gender: I would like ____ entry(ies)

ARE YOU A BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR? Yes No Weber Grill Raffle $10 each; I would ARE YOU A GYNECOLOGIC CANCER SURVIVOR? Yes No like ____ tickets. Additional Donation of $ ______SHIRT SIZE (select one): Youth S Youth M Youth L Adult S Adult M Adult L Adult XL Adult 2XL Adult 3XL TOTAL ENCLOSED: $______PAYMENT: CASH CHECK (payable to the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester) AMERICAN EXPRESS MASTERCARD VISA DISCOVER NAME ON CARD: Thank you for supporting our mission! CARD NUMBER: EXPIRES: 2021 PINK RIBBON WALK & RUN 2021 PINK RIBBON WALK REGISTRATION SIGNATURE: DATE: CSV: Spring 2021 • 19 OTHER WAYS TO JOIN THE FUN!

Circle each item you spy on your walk! Pink Ribbon Walk & Run Can you ind all 20? Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt Family Fun!

SPIDER WEB SQUIRREL PRWR SCAVENGER HUNT BIKE BIRD

MAPLE TREE RED CAR As you are out walking this Mother’s Day weekend, why not make it ACORN FIRE HYDRANT even more fun?! Using the Coalition’s very own Pink Ribbon Walk and Run Scavenger Hunt, be on the lookout for all the items along the PINE CONE MAILBOX way! Record your findings, and even color the page, if you choose! BUMBLE BEE ANIMAL PRINTS Take a pic of your completed sheet and share on social media tagging the Breast Cancer Coalition! FENCE CAT BLUE HOUSE DANDELIONS Scavenger Hunt sheets are available online and at t-shirt pick up.

BUG BASKETBALL HOOP DOG STOP SIGN

www.BreastCancerCoalition.org 20 • Spring 2021 DEVELOPMENT/SPECIAL EVENTS

NONA AND JIM MAURER

Donors to the Breast Cancer Coalition are not always individuals who have used the Coalition’s services. Take, for example, Nona and Jim Maurer, whose support of the Coalition goes back more than a decade. They first came to know of the Valerie J. Pasquarella Coalition through their work in organizing and publishing the The Breast Cancer Coalition is proud to Community Wishbook announce two new donor giving societies: – a central source for Coalition Loyal and the President’s Circle. area nonprofits to You may have seen these designations in our list items they need, donor listing at the back of this newsletter. volunteer opportunities as well as special events. Here is a fuller explanation of these giving societies. As Jim explained, “We came to know of the Coalition through the Wishbook. Our records show that the Breast Cancer Coalition COALITION LOYAL includes individuals was first listed in the Wishbook in 2004. We saw the description who make an annual fund or United Way of the Coalition and then went to the website to learn more. It’s gift – of any amount – for two or more a wonderful organization, and something that should have been consecutive years. around even earlier. We are delighted that after many years, the THE PRESIDENT’S CIRCLE recognizes Coalition has grown to be a wonderful community asset.” individuals who have made leadership level Why do you give to the Breast Cancer Coalition? annual fund or United Way gifts of $1,000 or more (cumulative) in the calendar year. Jim: If you have ever known anyone with breast cancer, you will understand how important a place like the Breast Cancer Coalition Gifts to the annual fund (and via United is. We feel strongly about the cause – the compassion and comfort Way) are unrestricted and put to use where that is offered is very important. It’s important to have support they are most needed at the Coalition. By when you are in a state of shock at hearing your diagnosis. making an annual gift, you are making a direct impact on hundreds of individuals What would you tell other people about why they should give to who have been touched by a breast the Coalition? or gynecologic cancer diagnosis in our Nona: We consider the charities that we promote through the community. These gifts support programs Wishbook to be our friends. We enjoy promoting them to the such as Brown Bag Fridays, the Common community and promoting the idea of giving local. With the Breast Ground group, healing arts classes, Cancer Coalition, everything that is given stays local. It’s not an arm education seminars, the PALS mentor of a national organization where you don’t know where the money program and more, as well as advocacy goes. All of the money stays here in our community. and research. Jim: Before 1997, breast cancer patients in this area were pretty Gifts of every size are accepted and much on their own. Other organizations were very limited in appreciated throughout the year. providing help; no one offered the support, education and companionship that have defined the Coalition since its inception. Thank you to our Coalition Loyal and Nona and I are happy to help as donors as well as through any President’s Circle members for your publicity we can provide for the organization’s needs and events continued and generous support of the through the Wishbook. Coalition and of survivors in our community!

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 21 Imitation is not always the sincerest form of flattery. This is particularly true when it comes to your endocrine system. You This has become the norm during COVID and might think of this system as a complex protects against more than viruses and other set of feedback loops using hormones pathogens. Chemical residues will be washed down released by endocrine glands to deliver the drain, too. messages that regulate all aspects of growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that disrupt this process at any point along the way. They can mimic hormones in the body, block their Fresh food minimizes packaging, which is often based on plastics, while maximizing flavor. Explore the function, or interfere with any aspect abundance of local farm markets open during the of the endocrine system. EDCs are warmer months for even more variety, color, and associated with a number of adverse flavor while supporting growers in your region. health outcomes, including increased risk for cancer.1 For instance, breast and uterine cancers frequently use estrogen as a growth factor, and EDCs that mimic this hormone may increase the risks for these two diseases.2 Fragrance ingredients are considered trade secrets and don’t have to be disclosed on product labels. But EDCs can be found in many items we synthetic fragrances contain a mix of many different ingredients, some of which can disrupt hormones. encounter in our daily lives such as plastics, Fortunately, fragrance isn’t needed for a product some household cleaners, pesticides and to be effective. Be a label detective; fragrances can herbicides, and fire-retardant chemicals. show up in unexpected places such as trash can Although they are ubiquitous in our world, liners and diapers. there are steps we can take to reduce our exposures to these chemicals.

Cancer is far too complex to attribute to a Frequent dusting and vacuuming help remove single cause, environmental or otherwise. chemical residues that escape from electronics, EDCs are just one piece of the puzzle. upholstered furniture, and other sources in the If you or someone you know has been home. Products that trap dust, e.g., microfiber cloths diagnosed with cancer, it is not their fault. and vacuum cleaners with HEPA filters, will move Still, we can take constructive steps to you one step further. Choose cleaning products with minimize our exposures to chemicals of simple, safe ingredients; look for the Safer Choice label. Check out the Environmental Working Group’s concern while maximizing our health and Guide to cleaning: www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/. enjoyment of life. Because whether you move through treatment into many years of healthy survivorship or live with the disease as a chronic condition, living well is always the goal. The coating on nonstick pots and pans, as well as the stain-and-water-resistant coatings on many 1. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4801991/ household fabrics, contain perfluorinated chemicals 2. www.nature.com/articles/s41574-019-0273-8 (PFAS) that can affect sex and thyroid hormone levels.3 Instead of these, consider such cookware 3. https://www.epa.gov/pfas/basic-information-pfas options as stainless steel, carbon steel, or cast iron. And choose uncoated fabrics when redecorating. 2222 • Spring• Spring 2021 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org • 1 ball of purchased frozen pizza dough, thawed and allowed to rise for 1-2 hours. • 4 cups fresh basil • 1 lemon, juiced and with zest grated • 1/2 cup finely grated asiago cheese • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts • 3 garlic cloves • 1/2 to 3/4 cup olive oil • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/4 teaspoon pepper • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes • 4 ounces freshly grated provolone cheese • 2 balls of burrata cheese (8 oz. of fresh mozzarella can be substituted) • 1 12-ounce jar of marinated artichoke hearts, drained • a few fresh basil leaves for garnish

Heat the oven to 425 degrees F. Roll out the dough or shape by hand into a 14-inch circle, then place on a baking sheet or pizza pan sprinkled with a small amount of corn meal. Place a towel over the dough and let sit in a warm place for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, combine the basil, lemon zest, juice, cheese, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor. Pulse until small crumbs remain, then with the processor running, stream in the olive oil. Start with 1/2 cup and add the extra if needed to reach the desired consistency. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes and blend again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Spread a few tablespoons of the pesto all over the dough. Top with the grated provolone. Tear apart the balls of burrata (or mozzarella) and place them all over the dough. Add the artichokes. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Remove and top with the extra basil and parmesan if you wish. Slice and serve immediately. Makes one large pizza that serves 3-4 people. Adapted from howsweeteats.com

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 23 We celebrate all who set an unwilling foot on this path, along with our friends and supporters. Diane Dennison Diane Mason Barbara O'Connell Janet Zienkiewicz Ann Mazzarella Kathy Phillips Philbin

A tribute to our friend, Barbara O'Connell, will appear in the Summer '21 issue.

Kathy had the greatest smile! Everyone felt her energy, her warmth and love of life through her smile. Her sparkling blue eyes and beautiful smile would light up a room. She was funny, outgoing, and loved being with people. Kathy enjoyed being an at home mom to her 3 children. In 2005 that changed when her husband unexpectedly died. Kathy soon realized she needed a new career to support her family. She put herself through school, all the while raising her 3 young children and received her master’s degree in adolescent special education from St. John Fisher College. It was during this time (2008) Kathy was first diagnosed with Breast Cancer. To say Nothing came easy for Kathy would be an understatement … but that never dampened her “can do” spirit. She loved life and lived life to the fullest. In October 2019 she was diagnosed with advanced metastatic breast cancer. She amazed us all as we watched her determination and strength, and faith once again get called into action. Kathy spent her lasts weeks where she was happiest. Home with her lake view surrounded by her children, family, and friends. She never lost her beautiful smile, or her determination to live right to the very end. Helping her navigate her final journey was an honor I will cherish forever. Little did she know how many lives she touched with that smile, all treasured memories with Kathleen Margaret.

24 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org PALS Update By Pat Battaglia, Associate Program Director

Our peer mentors are uniquely equipped to add a whole new dimension to the circle of support surrounding an individual recently Fiona Goddard has diagnosed with breast seen the Coalition or gynecologic cancer. grow from its early In addition to the days in a tiny Park vital support offered Avenue office to the by family members, thriving organization friends, and health care it is today. A college Fiona with Holly Anderson at the providers, a mentor Pat Battaglia friend of our Director, 2019 ARTrageous Affair Gala. contributes the voice Program Assistant Director Holly Anderson, Fiona of experience and the dove in to assist in the building of the Coalition. Recognizing unmet reassurance that beyond the devastation of needs during Holly's own journey with breast cancer. Fiona has hearing the words, “You have cancer,” through worn many different hats as she walked beside her friend. multiple medical appointments and the surgeries and treatments that follow, there is hope for As volunteer committee members for our 2002 and 2003 galas, better times. called The Rare Chair Affair in those days, Fiona and her husband, Tony, assisted in the planning and implementation of those This hope comes in the form of an individual events. They helped lay the groundwork for what evolved into whose experience was much the same in ways our ARTrageous Affair. Then, in 2004, Fiona joined the staff as the that are important to the newly diagnosed Program Coordinator for a few brief but significant months before person. So there is no one-size-fits-all approach relocating to Atlanta, Georgia, where Tony had been transferred by to matching mentees with their PALS mentors. his employer. Each person carries their own life experiences into this new and uncharted territory - “Even from afar, Fiona stayed connected,” Holly recalls. “She experiences that define them as an individual. offered advice and high-fives. She never lost her Program This is one reason it’s vital for our support staff to Coordinator’s hat.” Through the years, including a 2013 move to meet with each person who contacts us for the Twin Falls, Idaho, Fiona remained an engaged and enthusiastic first time. We simply can’t make good mentor- supporter of the Coalition. mentee matches based on facts from a pathology report. As we engage in deeper conversations When Tony retired in 2015, the couple returned to the Rochester and gain a clearer picture of a newly diagnosed area. Fiona soon joined the Artist Committee for the ARTrageous person as an individual, their real needs become Affair and chaired that committee in 2018 and 2019. She helped fill in apparent and we are able to connect them with for Michelle, our Office , while she was on maternity leave. mentors whose experiences are truly relevant to When Fiona agreed to chair the 2020 ARTrageous Affair, little did their current situation. anyone know the events that would unfold in the months ahead. Our procedure, which has been honed over “When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the ARTrageous Affair to the twelve-year history of the PALS program, is become a televised event, we had to pivot suddenly with no map necessary to foster the kind of mentee-mentor to guide us,” Holly remembers. “With her calm demeanor, Fiona interactions that can make the biggest difference refused to panic, and that set the tone for the entire committee.” for a newly diagnosed person. The event was a success. And Fiona will co-chair our 2021 gala alongside Board member, Jennifer Townsend. If you or anyone you know has recently been diagnosed, call us. We will meet you where you Fiona has drawn family members and friends into the volunteer are, honor your confidentiality, and if you desire, fold and referred newly diagnosed people to us. “Fiona is true blue connect you with someone whose experience and will do whatever she can to make a difference. And she’s a dear can shed a good deal of light on your own path; friend,” says Holly. whose presence will give you the confidence to take the next step along the way. And the next In turn, Fiona has become a cherished presence to the staff and one after that. And so on. many volunteers at the Coalition. Thank you, Fiona!

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 25 A PERSONAL JOURNEY, continued from page 3. clearly, and uncompromisingly. “State her to the door of the room before informative and supportive program. your need in a pleasant but firm way,” thoughtful technicians kindly led A national group for blind people she advises. “There are services to her to the table for the procedure. diagnosed with cancer has rounded which you’re legally entitled.” This gentle yet determined advocate out Kate’s circle of support and sought and found the support she provided her with additional resources, Kate’s pleasant, direct manner needed at every turn. but her local connection is here with served her well at her first oncology us at the Coalition. And we are grateful appointment. By this time, patients It was Kate’s dentist – the one she had for her presence among us. were the only ones allowed into seen the day after her mammogram medical facilities; support people – who first suggested she call the A quintessential educator, Kate has waited at home or outside in the car. Coalition. A survivor of the disease been gently guiding us at the Coalition That day, Kate’s husband drove her to herself, her dentist had availed herself in ways to ensure a blind person is the appointment and accompanied of our programs and services, and included in the conversation. She her into the center. Kate introduced remains a treasured member of politely requests that Brown Bag him as her “sighted assistant” and he our survivor community. Kate soon participants identify themselves when was cleared to guide her though the attended a Zoom Breast Cancer 101 speaking – a simple but inclusive unfamiliar facility and remain by her session, then began attending Brown strategy. Body language and facial side during medical consultations. As Bag Friday lunches (also conducted by expressions aren’t useful cues for her sighted assistant, he would also Zoom), all before her surgery. She has her, and Kate reminds others to accompany her as far as possible to since become a frequent, cherished, “Use your words.” In fact, she once medical procedures. sunny presence at these gatherings. scheduled a telemedicine visit with a provider whose visually expressive During COVID, we at communication style wasn’t working the Coalition have for her, and found that conversation been delivering PALS to be helpful. Paks to BC101 newly diagnosed individuals, Of course, having a sense of humor and when Kate helps, and Kate is not one to shy away received hers, she from a good joke. When the remark was overwhelmed was made at a recent Brown Bag that with emotion. “Hindsight is 20/20,” she quipped, “Somebody really “That’s the only kind of sight that’s does care!” she 20/20 for me!” For Kate, the procedures she and her thought. However, she was unable medical providers determined would to read the copy of Dr. Susan Loves' When she went blind, Kate’s first be best included a partial mastectomy Breast Book contained in the pak and thought was of her young children. (commonly known as a lumpectomy) didn’t want to impose on others to Upon learning of her breast cancer and an eleven-day course of radiation read it to her. The resourceful Kate diagnosis, her thoughts once again treatments. Her surgery was delayed checked the Library of Congress and, centered on her now-adult children. due to COVID concerns, and in the sure enough, found an audio version “Both times, I wanted to assure them interim, Kate began taking an oral of the book, which she was able to that I’m okay.” Kate relied on her hormonal medication to target download. Where there is a will, as innate inner strength to gather the her estrogen-and-progesterone- Kate knows so well, there is a way. outer resources needed to navigate sensitive tumor. She will continue that this uncharted territory and, in the medication for at least five years. Kate has also participated in our process, became more than just Voices and Vision writing group (a okay. She found new ways to make When the time for surgery came, natural fit for her), where she found meaningful contributions to her family Kate’s sighted assistant – her husband the facilitator “very accommodating” and to the world. – was able to enter the hospital and enjoyed the classes to the fullest. alongside his life partner at a time She also took part in a four-week “Everything is possible,” is Kate’s when most support people were session of Surviving and Thriving on reminder to anyone faced with a life- not allowed to do so. He patiently Aromatase Inhibitors, and was grateful altering situation. “You may need help waited the fourteen hours it took to receive an email containing all in the beginning, but then you’ll be off for Kate to undergo surgery and the printed materials. A device that and running.” recover sufficiently to go home. For converts her email to spoken language her radiation treatments, he escorted ensured Kate’s full participation in this

26 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org LGBTQ+ Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Survivor Group

We are an organization driven by the needs of those we serve. Our programs and services continually evolve in response to those needs, and we are always evaluating and reassessing our offerings as we talk with survivors about what is important to them. Programs develop, grow, and change as a result of these conversations. The Breast Cancer Coalition hosts amonthly In January 2018, we introduced a series networking group to support LGBTQ+ breast and of focus groups to determine how we might better serve the needs of our gynecologic cancer survivors. LGBTQ+ breast and gynecologic survivor community. For multiple reasons, We welcome partners of survivors to join the this community is disproportionately affected by breast and gynecologic discussion. cancer. Working under the guidance of Scott Fearing, former Director of the Out Alliance, we conducted a series of focus The LGBTQ+ Breast and Gynecologic groups with members of the LGBTQ+ community, hoping to learn how best Group is a drop-in, professionally- we could support them. Participants facilitated, networking/support group revealed that while many felt fully comfortable and warmly welcomed in that meets virtually on the our existing programs, others felt that a group which specifically addressed 4th Wednesday of each month, their unique needs might be a more . comfortable way to navigate the 5:00 - 6:30pm difficult decisions on the path to healthy survivorship. Please contact us using the phone/email below Thus we began our monthly Breast & to receive a link to this group meeting. GYN Cancer Networking Group specific for the LGBTQ+ survivor community and their partners. Unfortunately, While we continue to practice social distancing;all of participation in the group has never been strong. What are the reasons? our programming is virtual. We hesitate to pull the plug on a group that might still serve a purpose. Will a renewed effort to publicize the group The Coalition encourages you to spread the word about be enough to keep it going? Are there the LGBTQ+ Breast and Gynecologic Cancer Survivor needs within this community we are Networking Group to those who may benefit from the not addressing? Is there simply no need focus of this group. for such a group? We rely on YOU, the survivors, thrivers, and supporters of our All people are welcome here. organization to share our offerings, and to help us know what you need. Please For more information/reminded of programs and support share your thoughts at [email protected] or [email protected] services, contact our Program Director, Christina at (585) 473-8177 or [email protected].

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 27 OUTREACH UPDATE FUNDRAISING FRIENDS FOR ONE OF THEIR OWN

Triano’s Meat Market is a business in the fine tradition of a neighborhood, family-run enterprise. The Market has raised funds for our Coalition several times in previous years. This year’s effort was more personal, as one of their beloved family members faced a breast cancer diagnosis herself.

In a community show of support, the Darlyne Truax Lori Meath, Triano's customers helped the store to Outreach Director raise $868 in October for our benefit. 2020, despite the challenges, was no exception to the annual fundraising It’s been a year. One long year of no Thanks to all, and best wishes for campaign. Thanks to the customers health fairs, workplace wellness events, a long, healthy life to the family and staff of both Chandelier’s fairs, or Lilac, Park Ave, Fairport, PRIDE, survivor! locations (Pittsford and Canandaigua), or Clarissa Street festivals. There’s we were thrilled to receive a donation been no attending bowling, hockey, BEAUTY WITHIN AND of $500. baseball, soccer, volleyball, golf and WITHOUT other tournament fundraisers. IT ALL ADDS UP! As a young breast cancer It’s been a year. A VERY long year of not survivor, Michaela Raes knows how Smaller campaigns on our behalf are spending days in the sun (or rain) with devastating surgery and treatment the cornerstone of community-based treasured volunteers. I miss you all! can be on a woman’s sense of her fundraising efforts. Thanks to the own physical beauty. Partnering with following who were so generous with You’ve helped to spread the word to two professional photographers, their gifts. Your help matters! the newly diagnosed that we are here Michaela started the Breast Cancer • The Honeoye Falls location and ready to serve. You’ve spread Boudoir Project in an effort to of Lattimore Physical the word that all of our wonderful celebrate the women who have faced Therapy donated $112. programs are running virtually. You’ve these body changes. Her hope is continued to participate virtually in that sharing these images will help to • We appreciate the gift the Pink Ribbon Walk and Run, the artistically and elegantly redefine the of $21.26 from Sabika Golf Tournament, and our ARTrageous way that patients and survivors view Jewelry consultant Affair. You donated items for auction- their bodies. Beth Hinog. thank you so much!! Donations from the October kick- • Thanks to the wonderful women off of the project were given to the Consider creating a fundraising page at Salon ROC for your donation of Breast Cancer Coalition, resulting in $135. for this year’s Walk. a gift of $500. For more information • Pampered Chef consultants Marla Become a GEM; a monthly giver. about the Boudoir project: https:// rocboudoirexperience.com/breast- Hamilton and Lynn Kelly each No gift is too small to make a big cancer/ held October promotions for the difference! Coalition’s benefit. They were able to raise $188 and $137 respectively. Join one of our committees. We need FRIENDS AND FUN your energy and imagination on the Prominently located at the four • The ever-popular Friday Jeans Day Advocacy Committee, Research, corners of the beautiful village of fundraiser was once again a success Golf, Walk & Run, and ARTrageous Pittsford, Chandelier’s is a shopping at Highland Family Medicine and committees, as well as others. mainstay for beautiful and affordable they donated $57. women’s fashions. Owned by Darlyne • Thanks to DVTD Consultant We have not forgotten you. We WILL Truax, the store’s atmosphere is gather again, and it will be wonderful. Jennifer Barzcak for her gift of one of female conviviality. We have $80. Jennifer donated part of her And in the meantime, please don’t benefitted from in-store October forget us. commission from an October party events for several years. hosted by our own former staffer We need you! Cindy Dykes.

28 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org THE POWER OF PINK FOR THE LOVE OF LISA These fine young women represent the Hilton JV Soccer team, who have been closely touched by breast cancer. Two of their coaches are breast cancer survivors, and beloved and teacher Lisa Tydings was lost to the disease in 2020. (Lisa was an active volunteer with the Coalition)

Brighton Collectibles Eastview Mall location participates in the company’s October Power of Pink Campaign each year and has directed their donations to the Breast Cancer Coalition since 2016. Sales of the delightful and limited-edition POP bracelets and other accessories are highlighted with special in-store events and specials, and an educational breast Cancer Awareness postage stamp. $2 cancer display is created. This year, of the $15 purchase price were given activities had to be limited but we Breast Cancer Coalition. still participated in an evening virtual presentation for customers. Thank you to our friends at 2150 for your gift of $365. We remember Kym We were given a most welcome and so fondly. Sporting Mrs. Tydings’ initials on their appreciated gift of $362 from the custom team jerseys and the initials staff and customers of the Eastview of affected loved ones on their arms, Brighton store. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE... they raised $4200 for the Breast INCLUDING THE COALITION! Cancer Coalition with the help and THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR The Shops on West Ridge is a support of teachers, coaches, players, COMMUNITY Rochester shopping mecca! With family members and friends in the 55,000 square feet of space and over Hilton Central District. You are all According to Office 200 unique vendors, the Shops offer amazing and inspiring! Manager Katie something for just about anyone. Giovanni, the entire KINDNESS ABOUNDS! team at Cornerstone Several years ago, our friend Deb Dental enthusiastically embraced DiShaw Smith of Deborah Jean Our Lady of their campaign to raise money for the & Co. introduced the Coalition to Mercy High Coalition. Said Katie, “So many people the SOWR when she coordinated a School Seniors are affected by breast cancer in one huge fashion show at the location complete a way or another!” for breast cancer awareness month. MOTTO service Her fellow shopkeepers responded project as part Activities in the office during October enthusiastically, as did their wonderful of preparing included team appreciation events, customers. for graduation. wearing pink, selling ribbons, and a Seniors Teagan 50/50 raffle. In the years since that event, the H. and Mary Shops family of vendors has continued They also raffled various gift cards C. lovingly created twenty care to support the Coalition. In spite of packages for newly diagnosed women, and products, and all the proceeds 2020’s challenges, the SOWR were were donated to the Coalition. including helpful items for their able to present us with a check for recovery. Included in each are soft, Their donation is – WOW $750! $600. We are so grateful for our loyal, cozy socks, a post-surgical pillow, lip local supporters. balm and a hydration bottle as well as REMEMBERING KYM a cheerful card and supportive note. To honor the memory of their dear These lovely tokens of care and friend and former shop owner Kym concern are being be shared with Casciani, the staff of the 2150 Salon those who are turning to the Coalition and Spa at 2150 Monroe Ave. sold for support in the aftermath of their sheets of the official 2020 Breast diagnosis.

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 29 FUNDRAISING FRIENDS IT DOES FEEL GOOD! The Rush Volunteer Fire Department is Undeterred dedicated to serving by the need to all communities dance outdoors, within their greater Zumba instructor community. In Karen Ervay recognition of arranged October’s breast her benefit cancer awareness Zumbathon in month, department president New in 2020, Vault Rochester the Feels Good Heidi Sweet let us know that a line fitness studio describes itself as Fitness parking of custom T-shirts and hoodies “… a premium boutique urban- lot in Hilton one October Saturday were being offered for sale with all contemporary fitness studio offering afternoon. Armed with her pink proceeds benefitting the Coalition. class-based cycle, boxing and chalk and the help of owner Janine Though restricted to online orders fitness experiences.” This woman- Graziano, she and her team set up a and sales only, the department was owned business sits at the heart socially distanced “classroom” on the still able to present us with $250. of Rochester’s downtown business blacktop and held three afternoon According to Ms. Sweet, the campaign district and has quickly become a hub sessions. Spirits ran high and voices will be run again in the spring of 2021! of lunchtime and end-of-workday became hoarse, but this afternoon of work outs. friendship and charity resulted in a Monroe County Fire Bureau’s Michael donation of $718 to the Breast Cancer Stoerger is well known to us and to his Anxious to serve the community Coalition. fellow firefighters Vault calls home, owner Stephanie as the organizer of Green scheduled a special series a spirited hockey of donation-based classes to raise LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS money for Breast Cancer Awareness SHOW THEIR CARING IN THE tournament for the Breast Cancer month. Instructors donated their COMMUNITY Coalition each time for these special class offerings, and raffle items were obtained from Flash Point Customs year. He also is a 100% firefighter- helped spearhead fellow business owners. owned company the effort that, in cooperation with Stephanie and her daughter Elizabeth created from the the Monroe County Water Authority, stopped by to present the Coalition hobby-turned-passion presented us with an authentic, with the proceeds of their October of co-owner Michael custom-painted fire Hydrant of Hope! fundraising events, and we were truly Sanfilippo. He turned Unable to hold their tournament amazed and humbled to accept their this passion into a this past year, Monroe County Fire donation of $3072! working business Bureau hockey team teamed up with against all odds in 2020 and has the Ridge Road Fire Department to FROM WONDERFUL quickly become known for creative display the Hydrant of Hope as part of WILLIAMSON expertise and community-minded a Go Fund Me effort to raise money to service.​ Faced with a provide a bell for a local cancer center mountain of as well as a donation to the Coalition. Michael decided to partner with challenges this They were very successful at both his father Gary Sanfilippo, brother school year, endeavors, and we offer a hearty Bob Metcalfe, and best friend Josh the Williamson Mastin. Aside from having firefighting thank you to all of the firefighting community for a gift of $450. Central School in common, their unique skill sets Wellness each bring a layer of productivity and Committee has remained committed creativity to Flash Point Customs. THE NEW KIDS ON THE to the well-being of staff. Activities in In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness FRANKLIN STREET BLOCK October were dedicated to the many month, they created a custom, fellow staffers who had faced the insulated tumbler for the Coalition challenge of breast cancer. According and dedicated $5 from the sale of to Tammy LaBarr, when sending in each one to us. Buyers could choose their donation “so many have been mailing or were able to pick up their affected by a diagnosis in one way or tumbler in the Coalition vestibule. To another.” The generosity of this group date, we have received $135 from the is impressive, especially during these sale of the tumblers. These are still challenging times; we were thrilled to available for order! Contact Bob at receive $775 from the group. https://www.flashpointcustoms.com/

30 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org A VERY BIG, BEAUTIFUL We are truly amazed at the many ways our generous donors SURPRISE support our work at the Coalition. Some host fundraisers among their peers on social media or in person; others donate directly through their payroll with the help of an employer and/or the United Way. And there are those who respond to our annual fund campaigns, honor a loved one with an honorary or memorial gift, or simply return the donation envelope enclosed in this newsletter. We are grateful to all donors for their valuable contributions and their commitment to our mission. Please join us in thanking the following individuals, companies, and organizations for their contributions between October 1 - December 31, 2020.

IN HONOR OF: Caterina Cook Gunhilde Buchsbaum Mary Francina Golden Sarah Goodman All breast cancer patients Laura Ivan & survivors Tiphaine Ketch Sylvia Cappellino Jean MacArthur Mary Reed Linda Pilkington Bonnie & Ed Wurtz Vicki John Salmon Mary Carafos All those affected by Jessica Shand Michael Carafos, MD Tiffany Singer breast cancer Alex Casciani's 29th Kristin Skinner, MD Deepika Singh Taylor Wray Birthday Fundraiser All who are battling Diane Alderman breast cancer Cheryl Armstrong Will Barbosa V Sumati Devadutt Phyllis Connelly Kristen Baskewicz For several years, Chili Fusion Soccer Sara Bieber All of my cancer patients Jill Ball parent Erin Noll has reached out to Christine Stiefel Susan Boss us to invite us to their annual Pink & my great colleagues Robert Cain the Field Tournament. It didn’t seem & staff at Interlakes Kathleen Bateman Alex Casciani Oncology/Hematology Jean Callahan likely that they would be able to play Amy Casciani Valerie Lang, MD and Heather Beechner's Santa Casciani in the fall of 2020, but to their delight, Alexander Solky, MD Angelica Casciani Carroll they were able to organize a rather Birthday Fundraiser All loved ones David Elliott Christopher Corey last-minute tournament. Shane Alves Katie Pharoah Pam Criscuolo Jamie Smith Richard DiMarco Though Erin’s own daughter no longer All your volunteers Joseph Tubiolo Gisella Elisa Joanne Kelsey plays in that league, “mom” was Cindy Vandenbeemd Ritchie Mike Fox once again pressed into service to Board of Directors, Breast Eddie Friedl Jeanette Bellanca's help organize and volunteer for the Cancer Coalition Ines Gabbard day. Erin reflected the thoughts of all Holly Anderson Birthday Fundraiser Stefany Gale Jeanette Bellanca Laraine Gallagher involved, “It was so wonderful to have My Breast Friends from Debra Fedele-Decoste Ann Gasbarre some normalcy in seeing kids play the Brown Bag Melisande Bianchi Dea Gasbarre sport they love even if it was for a few Jody Dietz MAE Beads Hannah Gulisano hours.” Katie Hart My Tuesday Night Cheryl Bovard Networking Support Eric Hartman This was Chili Fusion’s 7th year hosting Rosemarie Salvemini Kristin Ilkin Group the Pink the Field tournament. Amy Deborah Inclima Cheryl Bovard Kara Boyd's Fundraiser Wood is the primary organizer every Alma Bock Chloe Ingalls year and receives great support Staff at the Coalition Kara Boyd Grant Ingold from the team, their families, and Jody Dietz Kahtyah Elizabeth Les Kernan other volunteers. And the Town Connie Schmeer Charlene Elliott Pattie Kernan Kay Sheffield Bill Furdock Izzy Malinowski of Chili painted the field lines pink Miriam Steinberg Diane Marie once again. Diana Furdock Judy Zettek Ashley Gerlock Julie Marie The Yogis of the Breast Terri Glessner Julie Neal This year’s tournament raised a Jaime Osborn Cancer Coalition Joan Graham stunning $6700! Linda Quijano Sunni & Kurt Ingalls Shelly Pollot Hotchkiss Sarah Popp Nate Rothwell Holly Anderson Hannah Shields-Templar Mark Sanguinito Sueanne Paprocki Kay Van Susan Schiffmacher Donna Payne Randell Sierens Dorothy Pecoraro Marta Brewer Charles Vandyne Marcia & Mark Siewert Janice Smith Emily Vandyne Colleen Andolina's Judy Bryant Lindsay Weightman Robert Williams Birthday Fundraiser Laura Eberstein Rob Wright

Colleen Andolina Continued on next page. Alexa Zeller BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 31 Amy Casciani Rita Goebert Anna Marcoccia- Serpil Ozay Molly Brookings Concetta & James Palermo Christine Rodman Robertson Karen Foster Linda Bushnell JoAnn Kuhman Steph Case The Cataldi Family Gordon Goodman Lisa Pappas Mike Curcio Patti Cataldi Sarah Goodman Patricia Brazill Courtney & Scott Nick Curry Robin Celentano Kathy Guglielmi Marshall Bridget Patterson Brien David Elaine Soldi Marlene Shaddock Adele & Michael Campbell Therese Hart Lisa De Blieck Matt Dehmler Patricia & Arthur Donna Hammer Toni Marshall Joyce Paxton Nancy Dehmler Marcia & Mark Siewert Tammy & Kevin Carole Lipani Chapin Camille Fondriest Adele & Michael Campbell Charbonneau Jean Heiss Meryll Pentz Matt German Janet Clark Karen Foster Stephanie Marsiglio Shari Eisenberg Heather Lauren Angela & Tom Pavone Laura Silverstein Janet & Richard Clark Laurie Phillips' Rick Leavitt Veronica Lynn Phyllis Connelly Deb Hennekey Steven Marzovilla's Birthday Fundraiser Chuck Mckeever Jean McGraw Joseph Hennekey Fundraiser Linda Bohrer Judy Mckeever Ken Fregoe Brent Conley Joyne Cooper Beverly Higginbotham Tim Moynihan Shirley Fregoe Mary Conley Jay Lasher & Sally Brooks Justin Owen Renee Mary Zoey Conley Adele & Michael Campbell Colleen Quinn Michelle Cramer's Lisa Scott Cherie Dobberstein Chris Sanzone Birthday Fundraiser Lisa Hogan Kaila Elizabeth Diane Mason Christopher Sanzone Melissa Rathburn Patty Carroll Pamela Fitzmorris Andrea Reynolds Lauren Sanzone Lisa Vangellow Marsha Hazen Debbie Curtis Patricia Smith Marshal Scheidt Carol Lush-Ehmann Marguerite Leverenz Deb Horek Mary Spring Kimberley Herman Lynne Mccarthy Anne Leckenby Keith Walters Carrie Dailor Mattice's Birthday Laurie Phillips Erin Beca Jody Jerome Fundraiser Rob Phillips Pam Sce Helen Repsher Anonymous Jeanette & Stephen Sue Pietrzak MAE Beads Martha Burns Sandra Price Decker Maria Johnson Marjorie Scheier Michael Carle Johnnie Ross Adele & Michael Campbell Richard Bomba Erin DeGroff Ann Leonard Jill Clark Carolyn Dennstedt Lisa Hoy Jan Piche Connie Schmeer Pat Dorney Kristine Menkins Renee Johnson David Mattice Linda Schmeer William Evans Sue Matuck Karen Destino Patricia Priest Annabelle Schrauger Morgan Simmons Mark Priest Alfred Sandy Elizabeth Kohler Lori VanScoter Kaity Smiley Gretchen Harris Jody Dietz Jean & Michael Radler Terri Sharpe Eileen McConville Adele & Michael Campbell Adele Weinstein Kelly Koslowski Jim Hooper Mary Keller Sam & Tom Schraven Patty Dix Christina Rauber Sara Shaw Lori McJury Samuel DeRosa Christine Stiefel Nancy & Andrew Lause Katie Dartt Joe Yokajty Adele & Michael Campbell Cathy Dolan Scott Harris Susan Reed Anne Shope & Carol & Guy Reed Janice Smith Jean Lazeroff Margie Micca Barndilyn Steves Valerie Tehan Debra & Mark Donovan Helen Antetomaso Erica & Peter Reid Kimberly & Harold Adele & Michael Campbell Wolcott Adele & Michael Campbell Sharon Lilla Betty Miller The Rutledge, McKee & Jennifer Donavan Lois Warney Ginny Reinholtz Stella Slaight Perkins families Maureen Hedberg Fern Hannum Heidi Barrett Joan Mitchell Joan Lincoln Sandra Dorsey Peter Mitchell Andrea Reynolds Susie Smith Kevin Fitzgerald Adrienne Cavallaro Anne Smith Paula Niger Peggy Mitchell Ben Pearson Dawn Lee Wendy Spong Jennifer Eldridge's Carole Lipani Mark Waldman Thomas Burton Yvette Cajigas Birthday Fundraiser LeeAnn Lee Meredith Mortimer Andrea & Dave Barbara Eldridge Lynsay Brown Margaret Streeter Jennifer Eldridge Beverly Levy Reynolds Fern Hannum Judy Maile Jessica Morrison's Sheila Johnston Kathy Evra Sue's Finishing Touch Birthday Fundraiser Linda Rice Karen Olewnick Michelle Lindsay Terrylynn Smith Kimberly Tanner Laurie & Aaron Cook Loretta Smith Joan Fama Tim White Kim Tanner Kathy Richards John Fama Cynthia Looney Elise Mrzywka Elena Oyer Adele & Michael Campbell Paul Richards Robin Finley Robyn Whittaker Melissa Reilly Taylor Paula Richardson Linda Carmody Diane Lucey Terri Mulee Lauren Kohles Carolyn Brown Kimberly Henkel Aimee Peck Gasparre Rose Christopher Dr. Mary Jo Tobin Chris Sanzone's Sharon Peck Silvio Jennifer Mahanger Donna Noble Anonymous Charlene & Steve Sudore Birthday Marathon Jennifer Gaylord Marianne Sargent Fundraiser Meredith Utman's Robin Cortese Dawn Mann Teresa Opett's Carrie Ann Birthday Fundraiser Debbie & Steven Drawe Birthday Fundraiser Will Bear Holly Anderson Kathy Cervini Kelly Brookings Patricia Battaglia

32 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org Sara Defranco Nancy Decker Brown Muriel Gauvin Kim Miller Bea Rapowitz Laura Falgiano Jeff Brown Companion Care of Phyllis Connelly Bert Rapowitz Lori Meath Rochester Gary Thomas Florence Bruneau Lauren Morelle Paul Romano Madeline Azoulay Stephanie Gebo Chris & Dave Perry Helen Antetomaso Laina Valerioti Linda & Robert Lagree Margie & John Micca Adeline Bruno Ann Mowrer Josephine & Louis Coccia Janice Pettie Karen & Joseph Bruno Jacquelyn Howitt Harriet Susskind Ellen Williams Grace Giummo Lila Busch Carol Mullen Rosenblum Fern Hannum Mary Maggio Paula Busch Kenneth Mullen Phyllis Connelly Sandy & Richard Monahan Women of the Woods Lee Rosenthal Holly Anderson Margorie Capozzoli Gracelyn Murphy Donna Capozzoli Patricia Potts Patti Murphy Holly Anderson Gunhilde Buchsbaum, MD Goodman Angelo Fuino Susan Wood Rose Capozzoli Kathleen Potts Hansen Laurie Pask Sandra Rothenberg Donna Capozzoli Arthur Hengerer Jaye Sela Kellie Anderson Denise Graver Jacqueline Davis Kym Cardamone Stephanie Partridge Gert Palma Christine Rozzi Snyder Tracy Bowman Laura Eberstein Christopher Brucker Carolyn Woods Jennifer Gravitz Anne & Alfred Fields Robert "Santa" Carey Laurie Nixon-Reinke Virginia Palmeri Claudia Sanger Linda & Robert Lagree Margie & John Micca Kim Petocchi Dr. Joel Yellin Fay Greenberg Alice Rubenstein Arline Chatfield Susan Greenberg Betsy Palozzi Robert Sanow Sandy Zimmer Sandy Leary Michael Palozzi Eileen Goldman Christine Hall Joyce Thompson Mary Keller Helene Cross Nicole Timberlake Jennifer Schoen Betty Baybutt & Family Charles Penkitis Linda & Stephen Lesio Martha Dolan Catherine Hammond Cathy Kwit Joanne Hammond IN MEMORY OF Sarah & Rich Flaherty Terri Schmitt Kathleen Philbin Mary Beth & Tim Allyn My dear sister, Mary Sharon Manuele Christina Hastings Mark Ammon Jessica & Tim Deckman Agnes Griffith, PhD Stacy Meyers Howard Hanna Rochester Betsy Archibald Judy & Dave Kessler Diane Smith My mother and sister Carol Henretta Shannon Bielaska Joyce Paley Cindy Dertinger Dorene & Edward Bonadio & Co., LLP Karen Schreckengust Barbara Apai Karen & Dorthea Tracey Schulz MacDonald Colleen Bracci Brenda Broody & Tom Karen Foster Josephine & Dr. Frank Michael Dunn David Horn Carr LaMar Karen Nolte Ellen Horn Dorothy Seeley Karen Brown Kimberly Henkel Lucy Agati Sandra Dyer Kerry Howe Diane Ennis Burritt Mary Jo Dussault Kathy Dyer Christine Henningsen Alan Colletta Tammy Serio-Miller Anonymous Mary & Dennis Coyle Genevieve Agostinelli Patricia Miller Engels Meredith Hunt Mary Read Stacey Dejean Mafalda Agostinelli Stephen Engels Lori Toscano, LCSW-R Carol & Vic Serio Edward DiCesare Deborah Sigrist Barbara Auld Karen Fishback Louella Hutton EMCOR Services | Betlem Jean & Kevin Spindler Sheila & Robert Auld Robert Fishback Rita Szmigel Service Corp. Virginia & Richard Britton Mary Whalen Wendy Ford Cynthia Jones Jeffrey Fraser Jane Bauer Linda & Jerry Ballard Jennifer Malouf Phyllis & Dave Furman Valeria Shayne Jay Fay Amy Pierce Therese Galusha Michelle Shayne, MD Judy Kelly Greece Police UPA Tammy Reynolds Hrysoula Sidou Susan Berg Dawn Thomas The Grierson Family Julie Sidou Nancy Gertner Katherine Fredericks Roby & Jim Hossenlopp Nancy Wiley Teresa Kerr Kathy Bernhardt Diane Taylor Maureene & Richard Frances Simches Fred Onufryk Peter Rosenthal Christine Ann Fries Pam Thurston Lechner Lori & Tim Mason Ruthie Bershod Loretta Engelhardt Linda Walters Christine Snyder Linda & Sol Motola Sue & Leah Sharp Stacey Bershod Italia Fusco Gail Kolb Michelle Scamacca Cecile Beutel Marilynn & Thomas Carol Baumeister Barbara Schimmel Lenny Sparks JoAnne & William Camann Sullivan Friends of Scott Spino Foundation Alecia Spayd Sandra Gauthier Ellen Moshier Barbara & Joe Sturnick Angelo Bianchi Elizabeth & Robert Penelope Sparks Dave DeLaus Ted Collins Tree & Kathleen Guy Chrissy & Louie Callari O'Brien The Jeroy & Gurowski Landscape The Pomeroy Family Pamela & Samuel Helen Rutan Linda & Mario Urso Mastrosimone Families The Maira Family Doris Starks Elaine & Paul Weiser Janet Stadt Carol & Don Paone Carla & Kevin Tydings Fairport Piano Teachers Carolyn & Angelo Bruce Zicari Mary Ann & Joseph Pizzo Community Marrocco Elaine Primavera Kraus Merritt Rahn Daria Kindrat Pratt Marcia Kubarek Mid American Football Jim Kraus Desmond Pratt Joyce Lennon Paula Rae Bistany Officials Association Susan Maloney Thomas Piazza Nancy & Jerry Tackley Betty Ann McDonald Therese O'Connor James McDonald RDG+ Partners Patricia & Bruce Taylor Phyllis Connelly Bonnie Booman Andrea Reynolds Robert Amico Joanne Tuttobene Carla Mesler Kathleen Raeside Pat McCormick Phyllis Connelly Continued on next page.

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 33 Rochester Piano Teachers' Kathy Battaglia Rosaria Daiuto Kathy & Don Guglielmi Michelle Lindsay Guild Bay Trail Middle School Elaine & Larry Dearstyne Barbara Gutierrez Ann Marie Lipari Suzanne Roscoe Karen & Hays Bell Michelle Demino Cheryl Hackenberg Sharon LoBiondo Mimi Satter Jeanette Bellanca Carolyn DeMonte Brenda Hameister Susan & James Locke Kathy Whitlock Barbara Berman Bonnie Denison Marla Hamilton Judith Lohr Susan Bianchi Ali Dennison Carolyn Hanson Kathy Lomoglio Mary Lou Swicklik Deb Bishop Bob DeRosa Dr. J.D. Harrison Constance Lowell Janice Hoffman Anne Bishop Michael DeRose Virginia Hartley Kelly Luke MaryAnne Matejcik Brenda Blodgett Mary Ellen Derry Barry Hasson Vincenza Maier Mary Phillips Bolder IT Strategies Sharon Diamond Sharon Hausknecht Ronald Malley Jeannette Trovato Barbara Bonelli Deborah Dibley Mary Hayes Dale Mallory Louise & John Melinda Borshoff Katherine Diegelman Debra & PJ Heindl Brian Manktelow Giallombardo Barbara Bossert Richard DiMarco Elmer Henretta Maple City Physical Lisa Tydings Kristine Bouyoucos Patricia Dix Aline & Nicolas Henri Therapy Kathy & Fred Petroske Jennifer Bowen & Mark Catherine Dolan Bertin Joan Markus Schrader Carole Donato Judy & Michael Henry Olga Marron Jane Jones Weld Barbara Boyce Karen & Dr. Dino Joyce & Robert Herman Master Kim's Taekwondo Martha Hamaker Breast Cancer Boudoir D'Onofrio Charlotte & Raul Herrera Institute Patsy Welsh Project Jennifer Donovan Laura Hetko Ruth Mathews-Leubner Rhuel McElhatten Henra Briskin Jennifer Dowdall Sharon Higginbotham Phyllis Matthews Barbara Britt Florence Drexler Highland Family Medicine Nona & Jim Maurer Carol Wemett Tracey & Mike Britton Kathleen Dutton Beth Hinog Dr. James Maxwell Maria Mendicino Elizabeth Brown Cindy Dykes Maria Holowka Pat & Bill May Margaret White Yvette Brown Carol & Michael Eagan John & Seana Holtz Musa & Tom Mayer Carol White Llewellyn Judy Bucher Dr. Dianne Edgar & Terry Foundation Diane Mays Roberta Buttino Platt Holy Cloaks Ann Mazzarella Jessie Whitefield Nancy Caccamise Stacey Ellis Renee & Mark Hopkins Sue McCabe Phyllis Connelly Maria Larissa Cafer Janet Elman Connie Hotchkin Jean McCarthy Diane Marie Craft Ellyn Caiazza Pamela Elsbree Donald Hoyler Nancy McCarthy Wilbert Joan & Quentin Call Elizabeth & Steve Engels Lynne Huot Jeanne McElhinney Dorothy Geer Aria Camaione-Lind Naomi Erdmann Rita Izzo Mark McFadden Jean Maier Cameroon Association of Martha Erhardt Rosemarie Jaouen James McIntosh Sally & Mike Maier Greater Rochester Karen Ervay Mary Jo & William Chuck McKeever Mary Pinkerton Campers at SunValley Dorothy Fait Jesmer Lori Meath Campsites Feel Good Fitness Mary & Richard Johnson Madeline & Frank Merkl Stella Wilkins Marien Canale Reenie & Stan Feingold Colleen Joseph Arline Miller Mary Carafos Josie Cancilla-Spadafora Laurie Felbert Terence Joyce Bethann & JR Miller Lynn Wilson Cathy Caputo Angela Fenton Holly Ann Judge Joanne Miller Nancy Steinkamp Knute Carlson Karen Files Donna Katz Patty & Andrew Miller Judy Carpenter Robin Finley Karen Keefer Joni & Peter Mitchell Barbara Yudkovitz Richard Casilla John Finnegan Lynne Kelly Katherine Mitchell Miriam Weidenfeld Anthony Cataldi Barbara & Michael Ginny & Jack Kench Carol Moldt Angela & Jim Caternolo Finucane Alexander Kerpelman Michael Montalto ANNUAL FUND Chandeliers Boutique Debbie Foley Sandra Kerpelman Raymond Montanaro Barry Cherney Audrey Follmer Kim & Mark Kircher Kenneth Mullen 2150 Salon & Spa, LLC Chili Fusion Betsy Foss Debbie Klein Elizabeth & Thomas Ruth Abate Michelle Chin Lauren Frasier Christine Klem Mulvehill Admar Supply Co. Inc. Kathy Ciarpelli Silvia Gambacorta- Mary Knapp Linda Nangreave Rose Agins City of Rochester IT Hoffman Mary Kniep-Hardy Cindy Nardone Barbara Agness Department Cheryl Gavigan Jill Knight Jay Nasca Aladdin's Natural Eatery Marilyn Clarke Jennifer Gaylord Cynthia Knox Juan Navarro Joan & Tony Alberti Danielle Cloud Linda Gaylord Katrina Korfmacher, PhD Barbara Neary Jennifer Allison Nicole Coffey Linda Geraci Beverly Kowalczyk Debra Neenan Elizabeth Alpert Kathleen Cole Lisa Gerst Robert Kowalczyk Melody Nettnin Catherine Ambler Eileen Collins Get It Straight Steve Krieger Megan Neumann Holly & Tom Anderson Barbara Compa Orthodontics Laborers International New York ICONS Barb & Tim Anderson Mary Ann Conley Marcia & David Gitelman Union Local 435 Tracy Newcomb Anonymous (6) Dolores Connolly Janice Glenwright Sheri Landers Walter & Koggy Newcomb Louise Armstrong Kathleen Conroy Daryl & Nick Gonchoroff Eloise Laraus-Wendt Margaret Newland Hilal Arshad Jayne Cooper Penny Goodman Rhonda Laskoski Pat Nichols Vicki Athoe CooperSurgical Rosanna Grasta Lattimore Physical June Oates Auction Direct USA Core Rhythm Pilates Mary Ann Graus Therapy Dr. Avice O'Connell B3 Beauty Cornerstone Dental Sharon Gray Beth & George LaVigne Rose Oliveri Judith Bachelder Donna Cox Joanne Greaney Deborah Leary Joanne Palmatier Caroline Bailey John Crawford Elizabeth Grogan Joe Lee Sally & Chip Partner BAR Classic Doubles Andrea Creary Debbie Guenther Dr. Sylvia Lee & Dr. Valerie Pasquarella Jennifer Barczak Tricia Crissman Cecilia Guerand Robert Weiss Kristina Pendelberry Anita Barker Marjorie Cseplo Mary Ellen & Dennis Leonard's Express Margaret Pepe-O'Brien Gugliandro Katherine Lewis 34 • Spring 2021 BreastCancerCoalition.org William Perkins Debra Rivera Sheila Searles-Fairey Jennifer Topa Gloria Wilson Mary-Ellen Perry Donna & Jerry Roberts Judy Sears Tracelink Maureen Wing Marie Personte Roberts Appraisal Service Andrea Segmond Daniel Trachtenberg Michelle Wing Doug Phelps Dianne & Michael Christine Shah Triano's Meat Market Cindy Wise Laura Phillips Robinson Patty Sharkey Elaine Tunaitis & Raymond James Woods, MD Ann Piazza Roc City Custom Apparel Sheet Metal Workers Dreher Gail Woytek Julia Pittari Linda Rogers International Association Susan Turiano Dr. Robin & Dr. Brian Yirinec Mary Ann Platania Ruth Rose Local # 46 Kathryn Turner Dr. Wende Young Vina Platania Bette & David Ross The Shops on West Ridge Uniland Development LuAnn & Timothy Young Sylvia Polakov Janise Ross John Short, III Company Moureen Young Suzanne Porubek Jamie Rottger Lily Shung Joan Updaw Domenica Youngman Cathy Post Sharon Rucinski Randell Sierens Meredith Utman Shannon Zabelny Postler & Jaeckle Corp. Rush Fire Department Sheryl Silberman Maureen & Gordon Maureen & Jake Zembiec Margaret Pothier The Rustic Country Kathy Simpson Valentine Hope & Bruce Zicari Roblyn Potter Peddler Lois Smith Nan Van Den Bergh Janet Zimmerman Pride Plumbing Sabika Patricia Smith Susan Van Slyke Rhea Zweifler Janet Provino Heather Dale Sagman Helene Snihur Mary Van Vranken Fran Pullano Jeannine & John Salamone Joan Sobiesiak Lori VanScoter Sharon Quataert Robb Salerno Spike Out Cancer Jennifer Vaughan GIFTS IN KIND Sue Flanigan Quatela Center for Plastic Patricia Saliani Carol & Ray Stark Vault Rochester Carol Giffi Surgery Risa & Dan Saltzman Lorraine Stavalone Dawn Veley Nancy Klein Linda Quinlan Salvatore's Old Fashioned Anne & John Stavisky Kristin Veley Barb Klube-Falso Jane Radomski Pizzeria Amy & Michael Steger Nancy Vesling Toni Marshall Mark Raeside Albina & Damir Saracevic Bonnie Stein Judy Vinette Kevin Martin Suzanne Ramsey Marianne & Scott Donna Stein Wendy Vonhold Amy Moyer Mary Rapp & Howard Sargent Lynne Stella Patricia Walsh Terry Mulee Kirschenbaum Annette Schaff Judith Stewart Amy Warcup Barb Rinella Michele Rase Mary Jo & Walter Meyer Stolberg Anne Waterman Mary Jane Sellick Christine Reczek Schlecht Kimberly Stolp Sue Weisler Susan Short Mary Reed Sue & Ron Schmitz Patricia Swenton-Wall Robert Westlake Jen Ulrich Tyler Reimold Wendy Schneider Wayne Swiecki Beatrice White Webster Quilt Guild Renewal Consulting Schoen Auto Elizabeth Sylvia Ellen Williams Angela Wilkin Services Tracy Schoonerman Debbie Taft Williamson Central Marion & Roy Renfer Jimmy Scott Marilyn Tatner School District Wellness Kimberly Riccio Carl Scripps Theresa Thomas Committee Linda Rice Jamie Scripps Annette Thompson Kathleen Willison Patricia Rintels Brenda Seaman & Family Lisa Tietz Aimee Willoughby

President's Circle Coalition GEMs are a special group of Coalition Loyal The Coalition recognizes individuals who dedicated supporters who help the Coalition Individuals who make an annual fund or have made leadership level annual fund or throughout the year by making a monthly United Way gift–of any amount– for two United Way gifts of $1,000 or more in the gift. Monthly gifts offer a steady and cost- or more consecutive years are part of our calendar year through the President’s Circle. effective source of income. Coalition Loyal Giving Society.

Board of Directors: Staff: • Breast cancer stamps Holly Anderson, Executive Director Patricia Cataldi, Chair • Burt's Bees Lip Balm (sealed, no mint) Pat Battaglia, Associate Program • Ear plugs (individually wrapped) Melisande Bianchi, Vice Chair Director • Journals for writing Kathy Guglielmi, Treasurer Deb Bishop, Graphic Designer • Note cards, notepads (bound at top) Jennifer Townsend, Secretary Ali Dennison, Program Assistant • Sleeping masks, lavender or unscented only Gina Dimonda Michelle Lindsay, Office Manager • Tea: black pekoe, green, herbal, and flavored, in Melinda Goldberg Lori Meath, Outreach Director unopened boxes or tins (unopened packages of 20 or Shahzad Mustafa Valerie Pasquarella, Development fewer) Director Pamela Polashenski • Thank-you cards (unopened packs) Helene Snihur, Research Sylvia Cappellino, Chair Emeriti Administrator • Computer paper, white Phyllis Connelly, Chair Emeriti Christina Thompson, Program • Joann Fabrics gift cards Director Holly Anderson, Executive Meredith Utman, Special Events Director/President, exofficio Coordinator

BreastCancerCoalition.org Spring 2021 • 35 1048 University Avenue Rochester, New York 14607

RABEF Foundation

Voices of the Ribbon is published quarterly by the Breast Cancer Coalition to provide encouragement and inspiration to those facing a breast and gynecologic cancer diagnoses, their supporters, and care providers. In addition, it is intended to impart accurate, evidence-based information to enlighten and empower our readership. Our in-house editor, graphic designer, writers, and support staff work together to ensure our publication is economically produced and our printers assure us that we are getting the best rates possible.

All contents of Voices of the Ribbon are the sole property of the Breast Cancer Coalition, and are not to be reprinted or copied, in whole or in part, without the express permission of the Editor. Direct all inquiries to pat@BreastCancerCoalition. org or phone (585) 473-8177. If you prefer to receive Voices of the Ribbon via email • Staggered tee times starting at 7:30am please let us know. • Tee times assigned in advance (golfers AT BREAST CANCER can request specific time slots) Telephone: (585) 473-8177 Fax: (585) 473-7689 • Box lunch & beverages, hors d’oeuvres E-Mail: [email protected] Monday, August 9, 2021 reception Online at www.BreastCancerCoalition.org Locust Hill Country Club • Online silent auction To keep up to date on all BCCR happenings, follow us on social media: SAVE THE DATE for the Breast Cancer Coalition's special televised event FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2021 Share an evening with friends. Hear stories of hope from Breast Cancer Coalition Inclusion Statement: those we serve. Bid on Just as cancer does not discriminate, the Breast awesome auction items. Cancer Coalition recognizes the importance of a culture that strives for diversity. We honor individual Learn more about the Coalition differences whether color, race, religion, political and the many ways that you viewpoints, socioeconomic status, physical abilities, gender, gender identity, gender expression, and/or can support survivors in our sexual orientation. We are committed to increasing community. the diversity within the Coalition and welcome you to our safe, inclusive community. Stay tuned for more details.