InterContinental Milwaukee and ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis celebrated the one year anniversary of the Pink Room Thursday, September 22.
These two special guest rooms are designed to build awareness, offer support and foster hope for those fighting breast cancer.
Thank you to everyone who was able to celebrate this special occasion with us.
To find out more about the Pink Room, visit PinkRoomStories.com
By Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
I love birthday parties. Not just my own, although it is usually fun. I’m a bit odd; other than the creaky knees I relish getting older. Awareness of the precious gift of time is fallout or blessing – you decide – of a breast cancer diagnosis.
So in all sincerity – I cannot wait to celebrate the one year anniversary of the Pink Room at the Intercontinental Hotel on September 22nd. It has all the ingredients of a great gathering.
Milwaukee, will share their perspectives on current breast cancer issues.
You might find my light hearted comments a bit misplaced. But I assure you, if I’ve learned anything from those battling breast cancer it is this: a light heart is essential medicine – an important antidote to be taken again and again when coping with cancer. And, at this birthday party you’ll find many light hearts.
InterContinental Milwaukee and ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis cordially invite you on Thursday, September 22 to a reception celebrating the one year anniversary of the Pink Room — two special guest rooms designed to build awareness, offer support and foster hope for those fighting breast cancer.
Show your support and RSVP now.
| EDUCATIONAL SESSIONS 4:30 – 5:30PM
Two concurrent educational sessions presented by ABCD & RECEPTION 5:30 – 6PM Cake & Appetizers PRESENTATION 6 – 7PM Check presentation to ABCD |
Take a peek at some photos from last year’s event? Did you join us last year?
By Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Ah…the end of summer. The beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Season!
Yes, in our world we call it “season” because there is so much going on before and after October. The season is an amazing time – both energizing and exhausting. In fact, some refer to “pink fatigue.” But the season is only tiring if you lose sight of what’s at stake, only long if you forget that awareness – as the first step in creating change – is foundational.
Sometimes the reminders take your breath away.
But first, why do I call it “a season?” Believe it or not breast cancer awareness efforts have cycles just like the seasons.
To start, we plan the garden. At ABCD we began confirming our speaking and presentation calendar, confirming mentor training plans, and organizing our collaborative efforts with sister organizations in mid-summer. Second, we plant the seeds. We sow our message about breast health and how to get what you need if diagnosed with breast cancer in many “fields” – from community health fairs to “lunch and learn” presentations at workplaces throughout Wisconsin. Next, we tend that garden, keeping in touch with those we meet, exploring opportunities to recruit new mentors and serve those who may have recently been diagnosed. Finally, we assess how the season turned out and plan next year’s garden.
So why do we need reminders that awareness is pivotal? Because on really busy days, in really busy weeks, even I wonder, is this making a difference? The “yes” answers are gratifying, often painfully so.
For example, today when out and about on ABCD business I had a conversation with a woman about ABCD financial business. Once those details were attended to, she asked if she could speak to me about a personal matter. Her sister had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer. There had been a lump that for many reasons her sister was just “too busy” to get examined; “too busy” mostly meant taking care of family members’ needs not her own. Our lengthy conversation included information to help her sister, her and their mother – all of them will journey through breast cancer together.
Just a few hours later the niece of a long-time friend reached out to me. Her mother had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. I’d like to tell you that because we help people every day, we have a stiff upper lip when a diagnosis hits close to home. That would be a lie. Instead, as I spoke with her my heart pounded; I worried about her and her mother and her aunt, my childhood friend. My only comfort was the knowledge, based on experience, that the power of ABCD’s distinctive one-to-one support really would make a difference. It would soften the stress and fear that accompany the words: you have breast cancer.
And, as I sat down to write this, I received a call from someone who had a mentor last year. She simply called to say “thank you.”
If that doesn’t jazz you and get you ready for Breast Cancer Awareness Season…what will?
We look forward to seeing you at the One Year Anniversary of the Pink Room on September 22, 2011.
By Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
The one year mark is a big deal. A baby’s first birthday. A one-year wedding anniversary. Or, one year since your doctor said, “you have breast cancer.”
Indeed, there is nothing like a cancer diagnosis to make you appreciate the gift of every year.
Most of ABCD’s mentors train to support others now facing breast cancer after they have reached that prized point in time – the one-year from diagnosis mark. By that time they have a perspective that can be especially helpful to whomever they mentor. They personally know how scary it can be to face breast cancer, but they also know that with support getting to the “other side” of breast cancer need not be a journey taken alone.
Funny thing about being one year old – you can pat yourself on the back for what has been accomplished, but you also have an appreciation for how much more you can do. That sentiment sums up ABCD’s appreciation for the Pink Room at the InterContinental Hotel in Milwaukee.
We are proud of and grateful for our collaboration with the team at this stellar Marcus Corporation property. They have worked tirelessly to assure that the Pink Room provides reliable breast cancer support information to all their guests, whether they book the Pink Room or simply enjoy a glass of wine at Clear.
In fact, we cannot believe that the Pink Room just turned one year old! And, we cannot wait to celebrate with all the folks at the InterContinental Hotel on September 22nd. RSVP on Facebook.
Never content to simply have an anniversary celebration, the folks at the hotel have worked with ABCD to plan public outreach and educational sessions on September 22nd, in addition to festivities saluting ABCD’s one-to-one mentor program.
Why? Because they understand we celebrate not just a one year anniversary of the Pink Room but the first year of many of Pink Room Influence – using the InterContinental Hotel’s hospitality expertise to pay tribute to those who have battled breast cancer and support those who fight the fight now.
Watch this blog for celebration details. And then plan to join us!
