Winter 2011

The fight continues. I just learned that Christine Lalama passed away last week. She was 35 years old. Twenty-seven when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was the Lawrence County face in our traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania.”

The New Castle Public Library hosted the photo exhibit last fall, and being a local survivor, Christine was one of the featured speakers. I am so glad I went to that event and got to meet Christine and her young daughter. They were so full of life and smiles. It was obvious Christine had been dealt an unfortunate hand, but her attitude and spirit were among the best I’ve ever experienced. She certainly lived her life to the fullest. You just couldn’t help but take notice when Christine walked into the room.

She fought breast cancer for eight years. Her daughter, age 10 or so, only knows a mom with cancer. Christine fought and lived every day to be a good role model for her daughter. She might have had cancer, but it didn’t have her.

Christine lost her battle. But thousands and thousands more fight on every single day. Our work continues until we find a cure. It is only through research that a cure will be found. As you get your income taxes done in the coming weeks and months, please consider giving to the Refunds for Research line. Every penny raised goes to breast and cervical cancer researchers across this state. $8 refund? $15? Not to worry. It all adds up to millions of dollars in research funding. Do it for Christine. Do it for her daughter. Give to the fund. It really does make a difference.

Heather Hibshman
Executive Director