Hot Pink Flash - May 2008

May 2008 · Vol. X, No. 1 GUEST

LETTER

It’s all about teamwork Teamwork. This word defines the essence of the sport I have spent most of my life with — rugby. I believe teamwork is also the key for finding a cure for breast cancer. This past year has seen these two seemingly disparate subjects come together in my life. Teamwork between St. Thomas Varsity Rugby and Pink Ribbons Project has hopefully made some small difference in the ongoing battle against breast cancer.

My grandmother, Berniece Hager, died as a result of breast cancer last year. She was a beautiful woman who possessed an inner light and made all around her feel loved and cared for. I was devastated by the loss of this woman who was such an important part of defining who I am. Although I grieved for my grandmother, I did so on a very personal basis and did not contemplate the larger implications of the disease which took her life.

It was not until I was in England last spring on a international rugby tour that I received a metaphorical slap to action. A good friend of mine, Eamonn Hogan, told me a humorous story about making fun of a team that came out to a match dressed in pink jerseys. The world of rugby is a very masculine one and anything that deviates from our perceived masculinity is immediately subject to abuse. Apparently Eamonn went on for some time before a woman in the stands turned to him and told him off, explaining that the team was using the proceeds gained by selling their pink jerseys to help in the fight against breast cancer. According to Eamonn, it took several days to remove his foot from his mouth, but the story provided me with an epiphany. Why couldn’t we do the same thing in the U.S.?

In this issue:

After returning home, I began to work on a plan to create a Rugby-for-the-Cure match and using the proceeds to help fight against breast cancer. The reason was very personal as I wanted to honor my grandmother’s life and remember how she died. However, as I began the process, I also read literature on the massive numbers of women and men who are affected by this disease every year. The project took on an additional meaning for me, as I wanted to do something — anything — no matter how small, to make a difference and help people avoid the pain my grandmother had endured. I also saw this as a perfect opportunity to allow young men to gain an understanding and empathy for those who suffer from breast cancer.

None of my plans would have been possible without the partnership of Pink Ribbons Project.

Through teamwork, we were able to pull off a wonderful evening of breast cancer awareness and rugby. The match was a huge event and we hope to grow it into something even bigger and better next year. A huge thank you to Pink Ribbons Project and especially to my friend Loubel Cruz for making it all possible! Through teamwork, we can find a cure, and through empathy and understanding, we can do our small part to ease the suffering of those who have breast cancer. Please join the team and help us make breast cancer history.

In the fight,

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S

LETTER

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,/ And sorry I could not travel both…/ I took the one less traveled by/ And that has made all the difference.

— ROBERT FROST (The Road Not Taken 1–2,19–20)

Did you ever wonder what you would be doing if you weren’t doing what you are doing? Every once in a while, I enjoy pondering this question and subsequently find myself drifting off into imaginary scenarios of other lives I could be leading. For just this reason, one of my favorite movies is Sliding Doors — a serendipitous movie with wonderful fantasy. The movie jacket describes the storyline like this: If Helen (Gwyneth Paltrow) makes it aboard a London subway train before the sliding doors close, she will have a different future than if she is left standing on the platform. In parallel stories, this tale follows Helen’s lives down both paths simultaneously, as two totally different futures unfold.

Life is good, but for a limited amount of time — a week or even for just a day — I would love to play out on parallel stages continues on page 7

Brett Michael Mills Assistant Rugby Coach St. Thomas High School Teams unite for Tour de Pink

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Male breast cancer is out there

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Our new Web site is up and running!

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Rugby-for-a-Cause

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A big thank-you to our Jazzercise supporters!

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Drink Pink!

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We are on the move!

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We need your help with our Wish List

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Pink Partners

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The next generation helps Pink Ribbons Project!

Mobile mammography ribbon-cutting

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Teams unite for Tour de Pink In 2005, avid cyclist Ruth Sorelle was asked to captain the Baylor College of Medicine/ Duncan Cancer Center (BCM) Tour de Pink team. She knew that the cause itself was reason enough to participate. However, after three years, Sorelle — Baylor’s Chief Science Editor — is thrilled that the event is an activity that the whole college can share. “If we didn’t have a team in 2008, I think I would have to leave BCM. People are already contacting me about the team,” said Ruth. “People look forward to the ride and the camaraderie.”

Each year, Baylor consistently brings not only the largest, but also the most enthusiastic, team to Tour de Pink, led by Ruth and her co-captains Steve Scherer and Gustavo Ayala. In 2007, the team was 46 people strong, made up not only

of employees, but also family and friends. Ruth rode the 63-mile route with her husband Paul and hopes to do at least the 80-mile route this year. She, like many team members, rides in honor of friends who are survivors and in memory of those who were diagnosed too late and died after long battles with breast cancer.

For the second year, BCM also hosted a tent at the post-ride festival led by Kimberlee Barbour, not only for their team but for all cyclists! To show their unity, cyclists on the BCM team had their own Baylor College of Medicine/Dan Duncan Cancer Center jerseys made for Tour de Pink that they continue to wear with pride.

Form your Tour de Pink 2008 team today by visiting www.tourdepink.org.

Presented by

Compass Bank

Register now for Tour de Pink 2008 Sunday, September 7, 2008 Prairie View A&M campus in Prairie View, Texas

Tour de Pink sponsors

Staggered start times beginning at 7:00 AM

Thank you to all of our 2008 Tour de Pink sponsors, and welcome to our new sponsors Power Plumbing, LP Dr. Edgardo Rivera and Mr. Donald Rumer-Rivera as Festival Artists Sponsor River Oaks US Men’s Clay Court Championship

Bridgeway Capital Management Bud Light/Silver Eagle Distributing LP Continental Airlines as Tour Champions

Vega Energy Partners, Ltd. as Tour Registration — Mammogram Matching Sponsor

12-, 23-, 47-, 63-, 80- and 100-mile routes offered Visit www.tourdepink.org to register and for more information on the ride and on volunteering!

Our returning sponsors include (alphabetical listing): ABI Digital Solutions Accenture Bicycle World and Fitness Bike Barn Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP Carrizo Oil The Coca-Cola Company/Dasani Compass Bank Enterprise Rent-a-car Franklin, Cardwell & Jones OSO Promotions

Houston Chronicle Hines King & Spalding, LLP Kirksey Architecture Lavaud Staffing Solutions Martha Turner Properties Max Lang Ofi, Office Furniture Innovations, LLC Randalls REI Houston – Willowbrook Dr. Mark Schusterman

Strasburger & Price LLP Texas Monthly The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center/ Children’s Cancer Hospital Veltec Sports Inc./ Sidi Shoes Vinson & Elkins West End Bicycles qtags — Text P-I-N-K to 78247 to receive Tour de Pink updates

Our new Web site is up and running!

We are proud to announce that our newly redesigned Web site is live and running! Visit the Web site for the latest happenings and events at Pink Ribbons Project, educational and information links, articles, archived Hot Pink

Flash newsletters and more. All past and potential supporters and friends can now donate directly on the Web site by clicking the “Donate Now” button on the homepage. So, visit us at www.pinkribbons.org and see what’s new!

Visit us at www.pinkribbons.org

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A bright idea that cuts down on energy use Fact: if every U.S. household replaced five incandescent lightbulbs with compact fluorescents (CFLs), it would prevent the release of as much greenhouse gas as removing 8 million cars from the road for one year.

CFLs use 75 percent less energy than conventional incandescents and last up to ten times longer, and they emit less heat, which saves on air-conditioning costs.

Something to think about next time you need to replace a lightbulb.

(Sources: Paul McRandle, senior research editor of The Green Guide magazine and Parade magazine, Houston Chronicle, 9-16-07).

Rugby-for-a-Cause A winning combination There might have been only one winner on the field after the game, but everyone attending the Rugby-for-a-Cause event at St. Thomas High School left feeling victorious. In February of this year, the St. Thomas rugby team played a game against Westside High School, in front of a crowd of more than 500 roaring fans.

The St. Thomas varsity team sported pink jerseys for the game, while the Westside varsity team presented their jerseys to honored breast cancer survivors. A reception followed the game, complete with a bounteous dinner buffet provided by donations from 16 area restaurants.

The reception featured the awarding of the St. Thomas Rugby All-Decade Team and a presentation of Pink Ribbons Project by Executive Director Susan Rafte.

The event was a triumphant success, raising more than $10,000 for Pink Ribbons Project and the St. Thomas rugby team. We cannot begin to thank Brett Mills, Marty Power and

Pink Ribbons Project Executive Director Susan Rafte and the St. Thomas High School Varsity Rugby Team celebrate the success of Rugby-for-a-Cause.

Jim Wolfinger and the rest of the coaching team for their guidance and time, and Kathy Marek and the St. Thomas parents for their support and creativity. Most importantly, Pink Ribbons Project is indebted to the young men

Drink Pink!

A brand-new Pink Ribbons Project program lemonade you need, as well as breast cancer Cool down this summer with a refreshing glass awareness flyers and bookmarks to hand of pink lemonade! Pink Ribbons Project is out with every cup of pink lemonproud to announce a brand-new outade. You can set up your stand reach program: Drink Pink! The TM as many times as you want program is funded in part by a throughout the summer.

Junior League Community Be sure to take pictures Assistance Grant, and the of your stand! A prize for pink lemonade has been the most original lemonade generously donated by stand will be awarded at Minute Maid. Drink Pink! is Tour de Pink 2008, on a unique way for kids and Sunday, September 7. For families to spread breast more information on getting cancer awareness, while at A your lemonade-stand materials the same time enjoying the M PI NK RA OG and setting up your stand, go to traditional fun of operating RIB R P BON S PR OJECT www.pinkribbons.org/drinkpink. To a lemonade stand. schedule a time to pick up your Drink Pink!

Here’s how it works: Pink Ribbons lemonade kit, call 713.524.PINK (7465).

Project will supply you with all the pink

who practiced, drilled and devoted their energy and spirit to support the cause.

For more on Rugby-for-a-Cause, read the guest letter by Coach Brett Mills, on page 1.

Pink Pairs luncheon returns Girlfriends pair off This October, Pink Ribbons Project will honor another set of amazing “pairs” who have a positive impact on the Houston community. This year, under the leadership of co-chairs Denise Hazen and Kris McGee, we are thrilled to recognize six inspiring pairs of breast cancer survivors and their phenomenally supportive girlfriends.

Pink Pairs Girlfriends Wednesday, October 29, 2008 11:30 a.m.

River Oaks Country Club Honorees: Linda C. Hunsaker & Judy Bolling Ellie Knauss & Louise B. Parsley Shannon Chandler O’Brien & Ann Marie Wood Dorothy Slator Paterson & Margaret Lemak Pfeiffer Betty Lou Suman & Sara Nance Pennington Carrie Wood & Connie McMaken

Featuring the Alice Judkins Lecture Series: Leading the Research Revolution in Women’s Cancer Care Invitations and table information to follow at a later date.

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The next generation helps Pink Ribbons Project!

Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show Pink Ribbons Project hit the catwalk in March for the first annual Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show.

The concept and creation of Lamar High School sophomore Zoë Patterson, Tickle Me Pink featured the original designs of 16 high-school fashion designers. The student-designers came from schools throughout the city including: Bellaire High School, Kinkaid School and Lamar High School. The entirely studentrun show was a “chic” success, with the help of more than 30 models, an incredibly entertaining host and a jamming DJ. The fashion show sold out the 200-seat Lamar High School Little Theater, raising more than $5,300 in ticket sales and silent auction proceeds.

We are very grateful to the event’s corporate donors: Copy.com, Empty Vase, ImagePro Inc., OSO Promotions and R&R Staging. But the biggest thank-you goes to Zoë for her hard work, motivation and dedication.

Student models strut their stuff in the recent Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show.

Executive Director Susan Rafte congratulates event creator Zöe Patterson for a job well done.

Mobile mammography ribbon-cutting Meeting the needs of the community The staff, board members and supporters of Pink Ribbons Project were honored to attend the ribbon-cutting for the Harris County Hospital District’s new mobile mammography unit. In partnership with Houston Komen for a Cure, the Baylor Methodist Community Health Fund and Fuji Film, Pink Ribbons Project shared in funding this much-needed resource. The mobile unit will travel throughout the city, providing mammograms, testing and spreading awareness about breast cancer and breast heath.

Executive Director Susan Rafte and the Pink Ribbons Project staff and board turned out in force for the celebration.

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Thank you Apache Corporation Debbie Arnold Larry Barker Ginger and Jack Blanton, Sr. K.B. Bower Cynthia Card Grace and Bob Cavnar Lois Chiles Kathryn and Hank Coleman Debbie Gersh Joe and Rose Day Barbara Dewitt Jeanne Doornbos and Michael Maher Nan and Mike Duhon

Joy and Tim Ellwood Laura Faure Linda Felton Ann and Will Fontenot Richard and Ruth Foulkes Mary and Robert Frappier Joan Freda Beverly Girbach Valerie and Rick Greiner Cynthia and Ben Guill Rosa Herst Hattie Horn Houston Endowment, Inc. Mark and Janet Jacobs

to all of our generous 2007 Annual Fund donors. If you have not made your annual gift, it is not too late. You can go online at www.pinkribbons.org, or call Donice at 713.524.PINK (7465) to make your gift today. Annual Fund gifts help support the operating expenses of Pink Ribbons Project.

Josie and Michael Jones Robert and Suzanne LaForge Barbara and C Philip Laucks Lawrence J. Goldrich Foundation Lynn and Esther Levine Josie Lightfoot Meyer Levy Charitable Foundation Fund Collie Michaels Kathy Montes Susie Overbey Susan and Ken Peak Susan and Alan Rafte Gay Roane Lisa Rosenbaum

Robyn Rothman Julie A Schwendimann Josephine Sethi Frank Shonka Mary Catherine Shouse Joan and David Spaw Louis and Wanda Spaw Richard Theriault Jimmy and Carol Tindall Tom and Bridgett Tomlinson Thom Venus Melvin and Silvia Werre Ella Mae Williams Mrs. R.E. Zimmerman

Male breast cancer is out there Awareness and early diagnosis can save lives Are you aware that men can get breast cancer too? Most people do not realize that men can also be diagnosed with breast cancer. Although we don’t think of men as having breasts, all men have small amounts of breast tissue beneath their nipples that can undergo cancerous transformation. In the United States, approximately one percent of all cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men, which means that roughly 2,000 men develop breast cancer each year.

Promoting awareness of male breast cancer is important for early diagnosis. Many of my male patients tell me that they had noticed a lump under their nipple for months or years before getting it evaluated. Because they did not know that men could get breast cancer, their diagnoses were delayed. As in breast cancer in women, early diagnosis of male breast cancer is crucial. An early diagnosis results in a lower likelihood that cancer has spread, and thus better chances of survival. If a man develops a lump under the nipple, he should have it evaluated without delay. Unfortunately, breast cancer in men is more often diagnosed at later stages then in women, likely because of lack of awareness of this disease.

The causes of breast cancer in men are poorly understood. We know that, as in women, the risk of breast cancer increases with increasing age. Men who have a history of exposure to radiation are also at increased risk of breast cancer.

For instance, I have male patients who had previous radiation to the chest for acne, radiation to the tonsils to treat enlarged tonsils, and radiation as a part of treatment of previous cancers, who have later developed male breast cancer. Men who have female relatives with breast cancer also have higher risk of developing breast cancer, primarily because they could be carriers of mutations in the BRCA2 gene, which can predispose to breast cancer in men and in women. Genetic counseling and testing can be of importance to families with many affected members.

One of the biggest challenges in the management of male patients with breast cancer is the lack of solid data on risk factors, biology, treatment and outcomes of breast cancer in men. Because the disease is relatively rare, no prospective studies or randomized trials have focused on male breast cancer patients. Thus, physicians treating male breast cancer patients are left with no alternative but to extrapolate data from trials that may have only included women with breast cancer. For some aspects of the clinical management, such as the use of chemotherapy, differences by gender are unlikely, and we can use data from clinical studies in women with reasonable comfort. However, one of the most important aspects of the treatment of breast cancer is hormone-blocking therapy. Since men have substantially different levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone, it

is unclear how effective the hormonal therapies that are used in women will be in men. My patients routinely express frustration at the lack of information on which treatment works best in men or how the side effects of treatment may be different. The development of research studies to answer these questions is essential to improving treatment options for men with breast cancer.

At M.D. Anderson, our current research efforts are directed toward setting up a prospective study of breast cancer in men. This study will be done both within our institution and as part of a nationwide collaboration. This prospective study will provide a wealth of new information on breast cancer in men, and is a vital step towards an improved understanding of male breast cancer. So, as Father’s Day nears, please remember that breast cancer is not a disease that just affects women. Help to get the word out that men can get breast cancer too and to provide support and resources to improve care for male as well as female patients.

Dr. Sharon Giordano is an Assistant Prof. of Medicine, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Dept. of Breast Medical Oncology, with clinical/research interests in male breast cancer, breast cancer in older women and breast cancer treatment.

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A big thank-you to our Jazzercise supporters!

For the fifth year in a row, Jazzercise of Southwest Texas danced its way into the heart of Pink Ribbons Project. More than 200 Jazzercise students performed to a cheering crowd at a January Houston Rockets home game to raise money for Pink Ribbons Project. Students from more than 30 centers throughout Houston and the surrounding areas collected pledges and donations from family and friends and brought in a record-breaking $25,800!

Over the last five years, Jazzercise has raised more than $90,000 for Pink

Ribbons Project! We are eternally grateful to Mary Wadsworth and her committed and enthusiastic teaching staff for their hard work in always making this event a huge success. For more information on the nearest Jazzercise class near you, visit www.jazzercise.com.

We are on the move!

Pink Ribbons Project has a new address At the end of April, Pink Ribbons Project moved into new offices. We are growing and needed more space to accommodate our changing needs and to provide for future growth.

As thrilled as we are to be in a new and larger space, we want to take a bittersweet moment to thank our sister organization (in more ways than one!) — Hope Stone, Inc. — for sharing space with us for the past ten years. We will all miss Jane and her whole staff, who have become our second family. We are also eternally grateful to Jim Reid of Rabon Reid Real Estate, Dr. Jacob Varon, Greg Manteris of Creative Flooring,

Kirksey Architecture, and Debner+Company for helping us have our dream space.

Stay tuned to the Web site and your mailbox for more information about our grand opening and the upcoming naming opportunities in the new Pink Ribbons Project space.

Take note of our new address and plan to come by and visit us in our new home: Pink Ribbons Project HQ 2449 South Blvd., Suite 100 Houston, TX 77098 (Our phone number remains the same, but stay tuned for a new fax number to be announced soon.)

Pink Partners Old friends with a new name The former Lemonade Guild and Pink Punch have been combined and are now called Pink Partners. Through Pink Partners, Pink Ribbons Project hopes to attract a greater diversity of champions of our mission under one umbrella. Pink Partners will encompass both our new volunteers and those longtime volunteers who have served as ambassadors and stewards of Pink Ribbons Project over the years. It is their support which has helped us grow and flourish. Pink Partners Chairwoman Ana Schick will continue her commitment to promoting and fostering the growth and community of Pink Ribbons Project, through its ever-stronger stages of development.

In March, Pink Partners hosted a kickoff informational event at Tiny Boxwoods for new and potential Pink Partners to learn more about Pink Ribbons Project.

In April, the spring Educational Lecture Series Luncheon at Ouisie’s Table was a hit with attendees. The special guest speaker was freelance journalist Lousie Parsley.

For more information on Pink Partners, or to join, visit www.pinkribbons.org.

We need your help with our Wish List Because the new Pink Ribbons Project space is larger and configured differently than our old space, we find that we need your help in acquiring some brand-new things for our brand-new space. These Wish List items are much needed and will be much appreciated and put to good use. If you can help, please contact our Administrative Coordinator Donice Reiss at Donice@pinkribbons.org.

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The items on our Wish List are: ᔤ New stereo with speakers for our classroom ᔤ New desktop for resource room ᔤ New color printer ᔤ New breast cancer books, DVDs, etc., for our new resource center ᔤ New apartment-sized refrigerator ᔤ New microwave ᔤ New coffee pot ᔤ New toaster oven ᔤ New kitchen items (glasses, silverware, plates) ᔤ New television ᔤ New VCR and DVD player

ᔤ New vacuum cleaner ᔤ New water cooler, with instant hot and cold ᔤ Plants or container gardens for inside and out ᔤ New paper shredder ᔤ New heavy-duty three-hole punch ᔤ Trashcans/wastebaskets of various sizes ᔤ Park/garden bench ᔤ Portable flat-bed rolling cart ᔤ Dolly ᔤ Difibrillator ᔤ Projector ᔤ Screen

Executive director’s letter continued from page 1

some of the “what-ifs” that sometimes roll around in my head. I wonder, do we really have choices, or is it God or coincidence that brings us to where we are at this moment? Different options, either consciously or existentially, guide us on different pathways every second of every waking moment; but different circumstances push or pull and, willingly or not, escort us into diverse and sometimes unknown and never dreamed-of territories.

Breast cancer was a circumstance that launched me down a never-thought-about course. This crossroads was never in my makebelieve scenarios or dreams and yet, in reality, it was this juncture in my life’s journey that has driven to me to where I am today. It was my moment, like that of Robert Frost’s traveler or Helen on the subway platform: on one side of the doors was my life without cancer and on the other side my life with cancer — not a choice, but a cold, hard fact. And so, the subway car lurches me forward, leaving one life never to be traveled and to be played out only in my mind’s eye.

So as I drift back from a dream world never to come to fruition, I embrace where I am today and delight in my single track, with its many twists, turns and detours. As I said, life is good; it is my family, friends and Pink Ribbons Project that remind me of that.

From my fast-moving subway car, I would like to reflect on the fabulous 2008 start of Pink Ribbons Project: ✱ We celebrate a fantastic, active and engaged board of directors with Shelly Power leading the charge as our 2008 Board President.

✱ In January and March, we were astounded by our younger generation stepping up to do their part, as St. Thomas High School hosted Rugby for a Cure, and, under the direction of Lamar sophomore Zoë Patterson, the first-ever Tickle Me Pink Fashion Show headed down the runway before a sold-out audience. ✱ At the end of February, we were part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Harris County Hospital District’s first mobile mammography unit. ✱ In March, we welcomed our newest member to the Pink Ribbons Project staff — Donice Reiss as our administrative coordinator ✱ Kate Bizzell has taken on a new staff position as Education, Outreach and Programs Coordinator ✱ We have unveiled a new and improved Web site — check it out — www.pinkribbons.org — Thanks, Kate! ✱ We will be partnering with Susan G. Komen for a Cure Houston Affiliate to help The Rose purchase and prepare a van to transport a Sophie mobile mammography unit to all parts of the Greater Houston area. Watch for a hot pink van in your neighborhood, or call The Rose to set up a visit! ✱ We kicked off a new and revitalized Pink Partners (formerly our two Guilds) under the direction of Chairwoman Ana Schick. ✱ We are thrilled to announce that we will, with Stages Repertoire Theatre, be co-producers of UNBEATABLE, a musical that chronicles a breast cancer survivor’s journey. Opening night is September 5, with a run of 24 shows throughout September, before the show heads to New York City.

✱ We are pleased to continue our third year of partnership with Harris County Hospital District to fund the Saturday Mammography Program at Quentin Mease Clinic. ✱ The second annual Pink Pairs Luncheon is scheduled for October 29. This year the Honoree Pairs will be Girlfriends — survivors and their best supporting girlfriend. For more information, watch the Web site or contact us! ✱ Gather up your friends and get your wheels rolling as we are already in motion for our Fourth Annual Tour de Pink fund-raising bike ride, scheduled for Sunday, September 7, at Prairie View A&M University. ✱ We are already looking into 2009 and want to leak a few details about an exciting Wortham Gala event — Pink at the Brown (Brown Theater, that is) on March 26, 2009 — more details to follow!

Although it’s fun to ponder all the “could’ves, would’ves and should’ves,” I really am pleased to be traveling the road that I was forced to take many years ago. It is right where I am supposed to be, and I take hold of, rejoice in and celebrate my life each and everyday!

Be well,

Susan W. Rafte, Executive Director P.S. I don’t want to forget to mention that on May 7, Loubel Cruz, our devoted Associate Director of 7 years, turned 30 — Happy Birthday, Loubel!

A word from our Programming Coordinator When I was first introduced to Pink Ribbons Project as an intern in the summer of 2006, I only caught a glimpse of all the passion and hard work that goes on here. This glimpse was enough, however, for me to know that I wanted to stay involved. So, when I had the opportunity to work full-time for this fabulous organization, I jumped at the chance.

Little did I know that I was jumping into what can be mildly referred to as the “busy season.” Starting with Tour de Pink, I found myself frantically learning bicycle jargon such as “tandem,” “pelaton” and “century.”

Meanwhile, we were organizing our inaugural Pink Pairs Plus Luncheon, and my car was always filled to the brim with little plates for Pink Platter. Needless to say, my first few months at Pink Ribbons Project were a whirlwind. But through it all, I was lucky enough to continue to experience the depth of passion and dedication which first inspired me.

There are many reasons I survived my first “busy season” — perhaps it was my personal experience with losing a close family member to cancer, or the basic need to keep my job!

But mostly, it was the incredible support of the

Pink Ribbons Project family, and the wonderful cause we are working for that kept me going through all the late nights and early mornings.

Now, I am launching into my second “busy season,” along with the newest member of the Pink Ribbons Project staff, Donice Reiss, our new administrative coordinator. I know that this year will be even busier than the last, but not a day goes by that I am not thankful to be part of such an exciting and passionate organization!

Kate Bizzell Programming Coordinator

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Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Houston, Texas Permit No. 12424

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

Nonteewouard d re ss !

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

Newsletter design by Encore Marketing Communications Underwritten in part by Integral Creative Solutions Edited by Cheryl P. Donlin

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

Administrative Staff Pink Interns Lizzie Clements Sarah Ehninger Lauren Gardner Melanie Lillienstern Zoë Patterson Shannon Rice

Susan Rafte, Executive Director Jane Weiner, Artistic Director Loubel Cruz, Associate Director Yvonne Cosgrove, Development Director Faye Brislan, Finance Administrator Kate Bizzell, Programming Coordinator Donice Reiss, Administrative Coordinator

Board of Directors Shelly B. Power, President Cheryl P. Donlin, Vice President Jeannie Frazier, Secretary Debra Garner King, Treasurer Patty Biggio Ginger Blanton Christie Cardon Meggin Crawford, MSN, ANP

Catherine L. Crocker Laurette Blakey Foster, Ed.D. Mary Frappier Betsy Goldstein Rosa C. Herst James K. Hudgins, CPA, CMA Diane H. Modesett Ryan Price

Monica Rhodes Edgardo Rivera, MD Sandy Timte Lori Valencic, Med, RD, LD Gigi Valera Cindy Young

Mayor Frank Jackson Elouise Adams Jones Robin Klaes Ellie Knauss Linda Lorelle Brian J. Miles, MD Dixie Melillo, MD Beth Sanders Moore C. Kent Osborne, MD Louise B. Parsley

Dorothy Slator Paterson Jim Recer Mark Schusterman, MD, PA Terry L. Simon, MD S. Eva Singletary, MD, FACS David Spaw Richard L. Theriault, DO, MBA Douglas H. Ustick Stanton Welch

Advisory Board F. Charles Brunicardi, MD, FA Kermit Eisenhut Dr. Carolyn Farb, HC Christine Bruni Fondren Dorothy Weston Gibbons Linda Gray Brian Grove Loretta Hanser Mireille Hassenboehler Lourdes T. Hernandez