August 2007
Earlier this year, we received a grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to provide care packages for breast cancer survivors. Currently, our Friends Like Me program provides free care packages to newly-diagnosed women…women up to 6 months after diagnosis. But this grant from LAF would allow us to tailor the materials and information to be more relevant to longer-term survivors. The grant was enough to cover 350 such care packages.
When we entered into this process, we didn’t quite know what to expect. Would we have to promote it heavily across the entire state? Or would they fly off the shelves based on word of mouth?
Well it turns out, the latter was true. We couldn’t ship them out fast enough. The response was overwhelming. Here are two sample quotes from women who received the packages:
“I just wanted to thank each and every one of you for the most beautiful package that I received from the PBCC yesterday. Even though it has been since 1992, 1994 and 1996 that I have had breast cancer, it was a lovely reminder of the joy of being a survivor and the compassion for those that now or will have the fight of their life in front of them. Thank you so much. You make my heart smile.”
“Thank you so very much! Emotions continue to feel raw at particular times. This care package made me feel warm and cared for.”
Of course we will apply to LAF again for additional funding, but competition is fierce. Do you know of a company that would be interested in sponsoring these much-needed care packages for breast cancer survivors in Pennsylvania? Please contact me if you do. You would be an angel to thousands of women in this state.
Heather Hibshman
Executive Director
