What first inspired you to get involved in supporting the PA Breast Cancer Coalition?
A friend of mine who works for the Coalition got me involved back in 2005 and I’ve been volunteering ever since. Every year I happily take time off of work to attend the Coalition’s opens in a new windowconference and do my part for what I consider a very important organization that in the long run not only benefits women in Pennsylvania but women all over the world with their contributions to breast cancer research.
How has breast cancer touched your life in a personal way?
I’ve known plenty of people who’ve had their lives turned upside down due to cancer. My own mother died of what started as lung cancer and eventually metastasized to her brain. Just recently the mother of one of my students passed away after dealing with cancer for years. My personal feeling is that if we can cure one cancer we should be able to cure them all, and that benefits all of humanity.
Our Conference tote bag booth would not be the same without your energy! How did that annual tradition begin?
My friend Dolores invited me to attend back in 2005. I handed out tote bags and had a great time. Almost everyone I met had been adversely affected either by relation or was a survivor, and hearing their stories and seeing their amazing spirits made me happy to get involved. I felt it was a small way to honor the people I met and all others who’ve been affected by this horrible disease. I hope that my being involved has helped and it makes me feel that, in my small way, I’m helping to make people’s lives better.
In addition to volunteering, you have been a longtime Grassroots Partner through a project called “Peace on Your Way.” Tell us about that fundraiser!
Dolores and I met through our love of playing music. I’d always wanted to do a Christmas CD so I reached out to her and other musicians I know to write songs for a project that eventually became known as “Peace On Your Way.” I recorded almost all the songs in my home studio and we released the CD near Christmastime. Most of the stores in Media carried and helped promote the CD, and it was thrilling to walk down the city streets and hear our songs playing over the loudspeakers. We did several performances and eventually raised almost $9,000 for the Coalition. I was truly honored when my co-producer- Tom Mullian- and I were invited to the Governor’s Mansion for a lunch with the Coalition. It was truly exciting!
If you were to speak to someone who is considering a volunteer opportunity with the PBCC, what encouraging words would you share with them?
As with any volunteer work, even the smallest amount of effort helps. You can feel good knowing that your hard work makes a truly inspiring event happen. The people at the Coalition work hard to do something impactful not only for the women of our state, but also for the world. You’re not only touching the women and men affected by this scourge, but their families and friends who will hopefully get more time with their loved ones thanks to their hard work. Just knowing you’re involved in something that amazing is worth such a small investment of your time and energy. It really makes a huge difference!
