Hot Pink Flash - January 2013

January 2013 · Vol. XIV, No. 2 GUEST

LETTER

Pink Power spotlight Pink Ribbons Project’s mission is to promote breast health, save lives and improve the quality of life of those touched by breast cancer.

Through our Pink Power program, we provide funding for mammograms, diagnostic workups, biopsies and support services for the medically underserved women in the greater Houston area. In 2011, Pink Ribbons Project partnered with Harris Health System on a new project called Pink PENs (Personal Experience Navigators). The Pink PENs program is aimed to offer support, hope and encouragement to patients who are newly diagnosed or in the midst of breast cancer treatment at Ben Taub or LBJ Hospital. We are proud to say that the program has been a huge hit among patients as well Priscilla A. Gorner as the PENs.

EXECUTIVE

A letter from Priscilla A. Gorner, a Pink PENs (Personal Experience Navigators) at Harris Health System: When I was first contacted about the Pink PENs Program and possibly being a patient mentor, I thought it was a wonderful, calming and informative opportunity for women recently diagnosed with breast cancer and/or undergoing treatment. My job would be to provide support and encouragement to patients, ensuring a smooth, efficient transition through the practices and procedures of the oncology clinic.

I originally declined participation due to an already busy schedule.

Some weeks went by, yet I simply could not stop thinking about the program. It was as if a still, small voice would not let me go until I did what I knew was right. In my mind I asked: “What qualifications and experience do I have to be able to talk with patients one-on-one about the breast cancer journey? I’m just a retired employee from the City of Houston currently teaching piano, voice and theory. How can I possibly be of any benefit to continues on page 6

In this issue: Pink-tober . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 The Rosemary Barr Pink Platter Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2012 Pink Power particulars . . . . . . . . 3 Pink Partners: Become a Member! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Second Annual Pink Pigeons Sporting Clays Tournament . . . . . . . . 5 Teaming up for PINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Southwest Football League hosts “Pink Out: Tackle Cancer”. . . . . . . . . . 6 Serve Up a Cure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

DIRECTOR’S

LETTER

fam · i · ly ['fam-uh-lee, 'fam-lee] noun, plural fam·i·lies, adjective. noun: a group of people who are generally not blood relations but who share common attitudes, interests or goals and, frequently, live together.

I am an only child. My nuclear family is a small one — my mom, dad and myself — the three of us traveling to the Grand Canyon in our family suburban, watching hours of Astros games from above right field in the Astrodome, spending countless mornings at the Galleria for ice-skating practice. And, in one of life’s greatest lessons, my parents taught me that our small family was just the core of a tremendous extended group that we could (and would) love and cherish. I am as close to my cousins as are many siblings; my college girlfriends gave me a home away from home up in the frozen tundra of South Bend, Indiana (Go Irish!); I won the “in-law lottery” when I married my Al and walked into a family that embraced me like one of their own; and then, at age 22, I became a member of the Pink Ribbons Project family.

When I came to Pink Ribbons Project 12 years ago, I had no relationship to breast cancer. I met founders Jane and Susan at the Galleria ice rink as I was teaching Susan’s then six-year-old daughter ice skating. (That six-year-old is now a freshman in college!) I had just graduated from college, was earning $75/article writing for the Houston Chronicle and teaching ice skating part-time to make extra cash to pay for graduate school and, as my father said, “Earn a real living.” Jane asked me to write grants for an up-and-coming nonprofit she had founded called Pink Ribbons Project that was growing faster than they anticipated and needed some extra hands. I had thought continues on page 7

Pink-tober

Weidner + Hasou Design

31 days of pink projects

Lupe Tortilla

October is always a busy month at the Pink Headquarters, and this year was no different.

Pink Ribbons Project was the recipient of a long list of fund-raisers around town and what a wonderful way to spend the month — celebrating breast cancer awareness with Houstonians who have joined forces for one cause. These thirdparty events brought in well over $14,000 and we could not be more proud of our community partners for their hard work and dedication!

Lupe Tortilla Weidner + Hasou Design Katsuya by Starck DEFINE Body and Mind Elaine Turner BRC American Gastropub Liberty Kitchen Oyster Bar Petite Sweets Chick-fil-A — Kirby at 59 Paracord Joe

BRC American Gastropub

DEFINE Body and Mind

The

R O S E M A RY BA R R

Pink Platter PROGRAM

1 ● Year after year, we are amazed at the beautiful works of art designed specifically for the Rosemary Barr Pink Platter Program! Breast cancer survivors, volunteers and novice artists gathered together to paint over 300 dessert plates to be sold during October at participating restaurants. Best of all, 100% of all proceeds from this program benefit Pink Ribbons Project’s continued efforts to aid the medically

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underserved women and men of Houston with proper breast screening and follow-up care. Each participating restaurant also hosted a prized platter painted by one of Houston’s most talented visual artists. Thank you, Houston, for helping Pink Platter raise over $6,000 this year!

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Houston, TX

1 Pink Platter kickoff party at the Art League Houston. 2 Theresa Johnson with her finished dessert plate at PICNIC. 3 Cory Rowe Flores painting a dessert plate at PICNIC. 2

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Thank you to the participating restaurants!

Ouisie’s Table The Raven Grill The Bird and the Bear Mockingbird Bistro Philippe Restaurant and Lounge Thank you to the artists!

Yvonne Cosgrove Kermit Eisenhut Blakely Bering Joan Steinman Lourella Cruz

Special co ngratulatio ns to

Ouisie’s

Table for selling over 100 d essert plates this year!

2012 Pink Power particulars The year in giving, by the numbers In 2012, Pink Ribbons Project has impacted the community by giving $470,000 to the following programs for breast health screening, treatment, education and support services: ❆ Harris Health System for the Pink Ribbons Project Saturday Mammography Program at Quentin Mease Community Hospital, People’s Health Clinic and Aldine Clinic. ❆ Harris Health System, Personal Experience Navigators (Pink PENs) — program to offer support, hope and encouragement to patients who are newly diagnosed or in the midst of breast cancer treatment. ❆ UTMB (University of Texas Medical Branch), Mind, Body and Spirit Program — multidisciplinary program that provides breast health education, patient outreach and fellowship and venues for patients to explore various artistic pursuits and screening mammograms. ❆ The Rose Diagnostic Center, Pink Days Program — an educational program using the arts to promote good pursuits and screening mammograms.

❆ MD Anderson Cancer Center to continue providing patient handbooks to new breast cancer patients. ❆ Shalom Health Clinic to sponsor a one-day mammography program called “Shalom Goes Pink.” Patients receive a mammogram during a day of art and education.

Upcoming events

for Pink Ribbons Project JAN 27

Jazzercise with Dallas Mavericks

MAR 24

Jazzercise with Houston Rockets

❆ San Jose Clinic, Miercoles de Milagros program to provide screening mammograms at the patient’s home clinic.

MAY 16

Pink at the Brown

SEP 15

Tour de Pink

❆ Suites of Hope to sponsor housing for breast cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial in the Texas Medical Center.

SEP 27

Pink Pigeons

❆ The Breast Health Collaborative of Texas, Annual Breast Health Summit for conference scholarships.

❆ Baylor College of Medicine — funding for the first annual Harris Health System and Baylor College of Medicine conference on the BRCA gene mutation for affected patients and their families. ❆ Spring Branch Community Health Center — to provide clinical breast exams as well as breast health education to patients who will then have a mammogram.

For more information, visit www.pinkribbons.org and click on PINK EVENTS at the top of the page to view the calendar.

Just a reminder!

You can now donate online at www.pinkribbons.org You can also mail your donations to: Pink Ribbons Project 2449 South Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77098

the date fo e v r Sa

WHEN: Thursday, May 16, 2013

Thank you for helping Pink Ribbons Project fulfill its mission.

donate now!

WHERE: The Wortham Center Brown Theater EVENT CHAIR: Jo Furr ARTISTIC CHAIR: Stanton Welch

Featuring premier arts organizations from the Houston Theater District and all across the country

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Pink Partners BECOME MORE INVOLVED with Pink Ribbons Project through raising breast health awareness

and volunteer opportunities. Receive preferred event discounts and early notification of upcoming special and social events. Pink Partners are our Pink VIPs! Membership levels and benefits:

Together we will make a difference with Pink Ribbons Project by:

LIFETIME PARTNER

• Investing in breast cancer education and outreach • Saving and improving lives affected by breast cancer • Providing mammograms for the uninsured and underserved

Pink Partners invite-only events: • Kickoff Happy Hour Party • Spring and Fall educational luncheon series • Summer gift-bag-making party • Holiday wreath-making party

[$1,000/ONE TIME]

• Make a one-time donation but have a lifetime impact • Listed on Pink Ribbons Project website • Two complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registrations (waived $30 fee) • One complimentary Tour de Pink registration for Lifetime • A 10% discount for up to two tickets to Pink at the Brown (or gala event) for lifetime

Yearly memberships: VOLUNTEER PARTNER

[NO MEMBERSHIP FEE]

[$55/YEAR]

• One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registration (waived $30 fee) • A 50% discount on one ticket to Pink at the Brown 2013

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PARTNER

PREMIUM PARTNER

[$35/YEAR]

• Young Professional requirement; ages 21 to 40 • One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registration (waived $30 fee) • A 50% discount on one ticket to Pink at the Brown 2013

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COMMUNITY PARTNER

• Must commit to 30 volunteer hours in the year 2013 • One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registration (waived $30 fee)

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[$250/YEAR]

• Four complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registrations (waived $30 fee) • Two complimentary tickets to Pink at the Brown 2013

We are honored to have the following Lifetime Partners: Mr. and Mrs. Eddy Blanton Mr. and Mrs. Ed Bosarge Ms. Rosanette S. Cullen Mr. and Mrs. Mike Duhon Mr. and Mrs. Richard Fant Mr. Bentley Fondren Ms. Susie Hebert Mr. and Mrs. Barry Hunsaker Mr. and Mrs. Max Lukens Mr. and Mrs. Skip McGee Mr. and Mrs. Bob McNair Ms. Heather Mitchell Mr. and Mrs. Jess Moore Ms. Kathleen Pennington Mr. and Mrs. Jim Prather Ms. Regina Rogers Ms. Michelle Schmidt Ms. Sally Scroggs Mr. Gregory R. Simmons

Second Annual Pink Pigeons Sporting Clays Tournament

Teaming up for PINK

Presented by Aker Solutions

We are honored to have been the beneficiary of so many Houston-area school Pink Outs in support of breast cancer awareness during October! These Houston area schools went all out with pink T-shirts, pink hair bows, pink shoelaces, pink sidewalk chalk, pink lemonade — you name it, they made it happen. A combined total of $10,000 was donated to Pink Ribbons Project!

Here at Pink, we truly believe that awareness can change habits at a young age and ultimately help end breast cancer forever. For that, we thank you, Houston, for beginning awareness in our schools.

generous food donations to keep everyone On September 28, over 250 shooters, volunenergized during the tournament. teers and pink activists gathered at Westside “The shoot this year was Sporting Grounds for a great success. Not only the Second Annual Pink SAVE THE DATE did we surpass last year’s Pigeons Sporting Clays Friday, September 27, 2013! receipts by over $50,000, Tournament and raised but we also increased more than $106,000! The EVENT CHAIRS the number of shooters event could not have by almost 30%,” said happened without our Nathan Bane Nathan Bane, Pink Pigeons Presenting Sponsor Aker Clint Midgett Co-Chair. “I had a feeling Solutions, who not only it would be a hit in the gave financially but also EVENT COMMITTEE Houston community when entered four teams into Devin Galimore we first came up with the the tournament! They Dan Gaspard idea for Pink Pigeons, but had so much fun that Rachel Midgett to be honest, I’m a little Aker Solutions has signed Chris Murdoch amazed at the amount of on for one more year as Tom Plank support we’ve received Presenting Sponsor in 2013!

Steve Sanfilippo is such a short amount of A huge thank you also time. As the word about goes out to Deep Sea our event continues to get out, we’re hoping Technologies, Inc. and Deep Sea for bigger and better things in 2013.”

Development Services, Inc. for their

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Memor ial High School

Sheldon ISD

St. Agnes

1 Rachel Midgett (right) and friends cheering on the teams. 2 Steve Sanfilippo (middle) and team MacDermid Offshore Solutions. 3 Neon Pink Clays.

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School Ulrich Intermediate

Not pictured: Lamar High School, Krimmel Intermediate School

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Guest letter continued from page 1

a breast cancer patient?” But in my heart, I felt I would be missing out on a blessing if I did not react soon. I decided to go for it.

It was explained to me that, after some short training, all I needed was to be a breast oncology patient who is now 3 years out from treatment and had received treatment at Ben Taub or LBJ Hospital. And, of course, I thought, “Wow! I am a cancer survivor! And I CAN be of help to others!”

After getting started and visiting with a few patients in the clinic waiting area, it occurred to me just being a breast cancer survivor was simply not enough. I needed to be equipped to handle people’s emotions and questions, as well as being able to give them some FAITH, HOPE and COURAGE. It began to dawn on me how qualified and experienced I really was.

Over a period of weeks, I learned how to smartly read the subtleties of patients’ emotions and body language. Their mannerisms

I have talked with many patients whose roots, heritage and religious beliefs reach all over the world. Each has been affected by the disease. We share an experience. Yet, each of us has undergone different treatment plans. Each PATIENT has been — or is — NAVIGATING an EXPERIENCE with breast cancer. These patients have been — and are — a blessing. Being able to comfort others has given me a greater chance to see the peace and joy in the world. When the journey through the valley is the darkest is when we need strong faith and the comfort of others.

I am extremely grateful I listened to that still, small voice and acted on the true feelings of my heart. In the right place . . . at the right time is where I find myself.

Sincerely,

and gestures (or lack thereof) told me a great deal about how a patient would perceive me, and how I could best approach each one at a particular moment. Over time, I also developed a general pattern of questions and comments to draw upon during patient visits. These factors help give patients the FAITH, HOPE and COURAGE they desperately need at this point in their journey: 1. Keep your faith, and call on that faith; 2. Keep a positive attitude and be thankful; 3. Have confidence in the doctors, nurses and medical staff who administer treatment; 4. Continue to do the things you enjoy and love; and 5. Listen to music and interact with a pet to ease anxiety.

Priscilla A. Gorner

Southwest Football League (SFL) hosts “Pink Out: Tackle Cancer” Third grader’s determination makes a difference

by Christi Young, Pink Out Co-Chair It all started with Sam Hartland. Sam, a third grader at River Oaks Elementary, won’t play a football game without a pink-ribbon decal on his helmet. Even though several years have passed since Sam lost his mother to breast cancer, the pink decal is this son’s way of honoring her every time he steps on the field.

That sweet little boy and his decal got a few of the SFL moms thinking. “The SFL should do something for breast cancer awareness. It’s important to remember that breast cancer’s effects are felt right here on our SFL fields.

Besides, if the NFL can do it, we can too,” said Kimberly Buettgen, Booster Club President.

Pink Out: Tackle Cancer, hosted by Southwest Football League (SFL) and sponsored by Employee Benefit

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positive, and although we were astounded by the amount of money the SFL community raised, it really was just one part of an incredible day,” said Michele Still, Pink Out Co-Chair.

In addition to the efforts by SFL, both West University Little League and West University Softball Association hosted “Pink Out” events on October 14. The weekend events combined, raised $17,607 for Pink Ribbons Project.

Solutions and I.W. Marks, was held on October 13, 2012 at South Campus Complex (3600 W. Belfort).

All players wore pink decals on their helmets and were encouraged to get creative and “pink out” by wearing pink. Pink balloons were sold throughout the day. Purchasers dedicated their balloons — in honor of or in memory of — anyone affected with cancer.

During an afternoon presentation featuring a performance by the Texans Cheerleaders, Sam’s dad, David Hartland, spoke, along with breast cancer survivors Rachel Midgett and Michael Dale. At the end of the presentation, over 1,000 balloons were launched in honor of anyone affected with breast cancer.

“Pink Out is one of those days I will never forget. We were overwhelmed by the support of the entire SFL family: parents, players, families, and friends. Everything about the day was so

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Executive Director’s letter continued from page 1

this would be temporary work — something I could use for my résumé on graduate-school applications; little did I know that my Pink Ribbons Project family had just begun — I became the third Weiner sister.

During my tenure at Pink Ribbons Project, my family has expanded into a world of incredible humans whom I didn’t know 12 years ago, but I cannot imagine my life without. I have worked with a staff who inspires me every day to not only be a better employee, but a greater friend and leader. With their work ethic and devotion, past staff members have played a vital role in building what Pink Ribbons Project is now, and I have utmost confidence in the current staff to lead the organization into a whole new level.

These people will always be my sisters (and Joe my brother!). It goes without saying that our volunteers are the greatest in the universe — their undying dedication to the cause and giving of their time with no hesitation sometimes leaves me breathless. Nothing would be possible without them, and I am lucky to be part of their families. And if you have given financially — in any capacity — to Pink Ribbons Project, we are grateful for you. You have assisted us in our growth and without even knowing helped countless of men and women in the Houston community.

This is my last Executive Director letter in this space and I am blessed and honored to have this opportunity to thank all of you for your support, care and shared laughter. It has been my deepest honor to work for Pink Ribbons Project since 2001 and serve as the Executive Director for the past three years. But do not think even for a moment that, although I will not be in Pink HQ every day, you won’t see me around: say hello as you ride by me at Tour de Pink, smile when you see me cheer the loudest in the audience of Pink at the Brown, and know I am the proudest fan on the planet when I see all the outreach projects Pink Power funds.

Mother Theresa once said, “What can you do to promote world peace? Go home and love your family.” Pink Ribbons Project has been my home for so long, and you have been my family. It has been a pleasure and privilege . . . Merci.

Not a good-bye, but a see you soon!

Serve Up a Cure In support of Pink Ribbons Project

by Mary Morgan, Vice President of Serve Up a Cure and 7-year survivor The Serve Up a Cure Breast Cancer Awareness campaign began early this year with our first ever entry in Houston’s annual Art Car Parade.

Our Art Car was themed “Check your Boobies!” instructing everyone to pay attention to their bodies with monthly self-examinations. A reported 360,000 spectators watched as our car made its way down Allen Parkway, camouflaged in pink balloons with painted nipples, crowned with a massive pink feathered and pinwheeled breast, and pulling a single-axle trailer strongly resembling a tennis court. Appropriately decorated committee members filled both vehicles and chanted our mantra to the crowds, “Check your Boobies” and “Check your Pecs, too!” The response was enthusiastic and well received and we all had a FABULOUS time! It was truly gratifying knowing that we were able to reach such a large population with our life-saving message. Our lighthearted but serious message recommends monitoring your breasts by taking 30 seconds every month for self-examination to detect any changes. Recent statistics indicate that only 50% of all breast cancers are found with mammography; through self-examinations, many of the most aggressive forms of cancer are detected.

Fall festivities began with our well-attended Kickoff Party on September 19 at the beautiful

host club, the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club.

We indulged in wonderful hors d’oevres and the great company of many friends and supporters. Lots of prizes were traditionally awarded throughout the evening.

Tennis Express graciously supported us again this year with their Tennis Express Day on October 10. Brad Blume, a continued sponsor for Serve Up a Cure, donated a percentage of all sales that day in support of our mission as well as pink perks with every purchase. Tennis Express carries the best and latest selection of tennis merchandise and plenty of pink items, too!

October 12, 2012, marked the eleventh anniversary of our event. We began the evening with a room full of dazzling auction items downstairs at the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club.

Upstairs was also abuzz with cocktails and a beautiful dinner buffet. Meanwhile, the international tennis exhibition on stadium court wowed us with pink attired professionals Niclas Kroon and Blair Henley vs. Peter Lundgren and Elaina Kazakova. Niclas, donning a lovely blond wig, still managed to pull off his incredible shot-making skills, but mentioned having a hot head! There were many raffle winners announced that evening along with the surprise appearance of our superb

saxophone player who rocked us out!

President Claire Goosey introduced her committee, and we all gave thanks to our terrific sponsors and patrons.

It was smooth sailing and lots of laughs throughout the weekend with great food and fine beverage service, consistent with the GTAC reputation with general manager Ville Jansson at the helm.

Saturday morning came early for some at the Pro-Am team tennis tournament. There were many close matches, lots of hit-and-giggle activity, and a few with sore muscles for those once-a-year tennis warriors!

Everyone came away from Serve Up a Cure 2012 wonderfully satisfied knowing that they had made a difference in the lives of many Houstonians. Serve Up a Cure’s new tagline is “Providing Breast Cancer Support & Awareness to Houstonians through Tennis.” It will appear with our logo to further identify our mission to the public. SUAC is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation comprised of volunteers with all monies going to our beneficiary, the Pink Ribbons Project.

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2449 South Blvd., Suite 100 • Houston, TX 77098 713.524.PINK (7465) • www.pinkribbons.org

Pink Ribbons vitals 2449 South Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77098 Phone: 713.524.PINK (7465) Fax: 713.524.7565 info@pinkribbons.org www.pinkribbons.org www.tourdepink.org Newsletter submissions to newsletter@hotpinkflash.org

Newsletter design by Encore Marketing Communications

Our mission Using the arts, Pink Ribbons Project promotes breast health, saves lives and improves the quality of life for those touched by breast cancer.

FACEBOOK:

Pink Ribbons Project TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/#!/PinkRibbonsProj BLOG:

http://pinkribbonsproject.wordpress.com/

Administrative Staff Susan Rafte, Survivor Founder Jane Weiner, Founder and Artistic Director Faye Brislan, Finance Administrator Kristi Okwuonu, Development Coordinator Stephanie Zerger, Administrative Coordinator Megan Zimont, Program Coordinator Candace Rogers, Special Events Coordinator

Pink Office Volunteers Barbara Eaker

Pink Interns Kit Klaes Jackie Luo Alice Li Ryan Massey Kelly Smith

Board of Directors Leslie Adair Ann Anderson Christie Cardon Ann Cook Meggin Crawford Nadine Eidman

Laurette Blakey Foster, EdD Mary Frappier Allison Gower Clint Midgett Gayle McMorrow Shannon Chandler O’Brien

Mark Schusterman, MD, PA S. Shawn Stephens Richard L. Theriault, DO, MBA Amy Longoria Waltz Ann Watkins Cindy Young

Rosa C. Herst Mayor Frank Jackson Robin Klaes Linda Lorelle Kenn McLaughlin Dixie Melillo, MD Beth Sanders Moore C. Kent Osborne, MD Louise B. Parsley Dorothy Slator Paterson

Shelly B. Power Jim Recer Terry L. Simon, MD S. Eva Singletary, MD, FACS David Spaw Douglas H. Ustick Gigi Valera Stanton Welch

Advisory Board Patty Biggio Ginger Blanton F. Charles Brunicardi, MD, FA Kermit Eisenhut Dr. Carolyn Farb, HC Jeannie Frazier Dorothy Weston Gibbons Loretta Hanser Mireille Hassenboehler Lourdes T. Hernandez