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
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!
A post by Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
This past Father’s Day, I was thinking about all the amazing fathers I have met because of how breast cancer has affected my life. So many friends of my friends have battled this disease and when you support friends during such times you get to know their husbands (and in some cases, ex-husbands) in a way you never would otherwise.
Some men “rise” to the occasion, serving as both the rock and security blanket any of us would want when we are sick. Others are not so sure how to respond when the mother of their children is facing breast cancer. In fact, many of them withdraw emotionally for fear of doing or saying the wrong thing. But most fathers realize breast cancer affects the entire family.
Depending upon mom’s specific diagnosis, family dynamics and children’s ages, fathers can find themselves in very unsettling territory. Not only is mom sick but dad is now parenting in a whole new way. Learning from a dad who has “been there” can make a big difference.
From the start, ABCD committed itself to serving “people” affected by breast cancer – patients, families and friends. Fathers are people who are significantly affected by a breast cancer diagnosis and they, too, deserve support. For their sake and their children’s.
An ABCD mentor can be there for dad, too. Fathers who have already been down the breast cancer road with the mothers of their children are among the ABCD Family and Friends mentor corps. Even if they speak only two or three times, a father-to-father match can help reduce the stress of parenting when mom has breast cancer.
And those amazing fathers I’ve gotten to know because of breast cancer – many of them are now ABCD mentors and volunteers. They understand the power of one-to-one.
On Monday June 13 ABCD held its annual Face to Face gathering, an inspiring opportunity for mentors and participants to meet in person, share their stories further and enjoy encouragement and laughter from each other. This year, ABCD also invites co-survivors – a family member or friend whose help was important on the journey.
We connected with Audrey Warner, ABCD Mentor and asked her about her experience.
Here’s what she had to say.
A truly magical night. Being an ABCD mentor for someone going through treatment for breast cancer is a personal experience. Over the phone you cry, laugh, listen and love the person through their journey. Monday night at the ABCD Face to Face event, I met my mentee for the first time. It is such a special experience to hug the person and to see her feeling healthy and strong. Once again, we laughed, cried and shared our triumph over breast cancer. Her treatments are over and the new normal has begun. Every visit to the Pink Room helps support another one of those connections. Thank you for making those magical connections possible.
Did you attend the Face to Face gathering? What was your experience?
Since July 2010, We’ve has been contributing $25 from each stay in one of our two “Pink Rooms” to ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis, a Milwaukee-based organization whose mission is to provide free, personalized information and one-to-one support to people affected by breast cancer—patients, families and friends. We’re proud to announce that we’ve recently surpassed the $5,000 mark in contributions to the organization.
The initial idea for the Pink Room project came from three employees’—who all share a personal connection with the disease—desire to support the fight against breast cancer. This project has home-grown roots and that’s what we love about it!
When guests of the Pink Room enter their room they’re greeted by an abundance of pink—from the comforter to the commissioned artwork. They’ll notice a laptop on the desk that opens up to the Pink Room blog, where they can read previous guests’ survival stories, learn about breast cancer events in the area and much more. InterContinental Milwaukee’s guests have been inspired by design concept and stories left on the Pink Room blog since the hotel began taking reservations for the Pink Rooms last summer.
Thank you to those that have helped us reach the $5000 mark and let’s continue the journey!
By Ginny Finn, Executive Director of ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis
“This ABCD Pink Room idea at the Intercontinental Hotel is really smart,” my friend told me this weekend. He continued, “I read about it in my in-flight magazine when flying home after business on the east coast. What a great way to spread the word about ABCD.” I agree with him, but the credit goes to the folks at Marcus Hotels and Resorts and the committed team that promotes the Pink Room.
When a man on his way home from a business trip reads an article or sees an advertisement in his airline magazine and remembers it, you think the article will be about a fun touristy event or a new gadget that makes traveling easier, but the Pink Room information was so different and creative that it caught his eye.
Of course, his life has been touched by breast cancer, as is true of millions of people.
As early detection methods and treatments continue to improve, most breast cancer patients and their loved ones will continue to do well and have active lives after treatment. Traveling, enjoying the company of family and friends, dining and toasting all that life has to offer. All things you can do at the Intercontinental Hotel while staying at the Pink Room.
There are so many reasons the Pink Room is so smart. It pays tribute to those who are on or who have experienced this journey. It provides a cozy yet cosmopolitan shelter – whether one is in Milwaukee as a visitor or on a business trip or are simply a “local” running away from home for some fun!
The Pink Room does all this, while raising awareness of and funds for ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis – a free, personalized support service available anywhere, anytime to anyone with a telephone. Pretty smart, I think.
I also like to think a year from now so many people will know about ABCD and the Pink Room from their in-flight magazines that it will be what they chat about at baggage claim!
This has been an amazing contest with some great photo and story entries from showing wonderful support to those near and dear to our hearts. We appreciate all of the time that went into writing these stories and we love having the opportunity to read about everyone’s supportive network.
It was an extremely tough decision to pick only one winner. After long consideration from our judges, we have chosen a winner because of their touching story and heart-felt photo. We’re excited to announce the winner of the Stories of Strength and Support Contest is, Jenna McGrath! To read their story please click HERE.
This is a picture of Senior Day at my brother's football game in high school last year. It was also a game dedicated to breast cancer awareness. The two of them are walking off the field together.
Congratulations! As our winner you will enjoy: e a two night stay at the Pink Room, $200 in dinning credit at Kil@wat inside the InterContinental Milwaukee and a massage for two at WELL Spa + Janice Salon.
If you have a story to tell of strength and support, feel free to share HERE.
There is a war going on and we are winning. Share your stories of support today.
Sincerely, the InterContinental Milwaukee Pink Room
By Audrey Warner, Mentor at ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
The magic number five is fast approaching.
Five years cancer free.
So grateful for good health and so grateful for ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis. Still I recall the days after diagnosis; days of fear and a sense that I must rush to do something but not knowing what. How do I continue to be a strong, capable woman at work and home?
Thankfully, I found ABCD and with it found the support and understanding I so needed. A mentor who held my hand…over the phone lines. My mentor; a coach, a friend, a strong professional woman and an inspiration. I made it through the surgeries, treatment and medications and today I am a mentor. Reaching out my hand…
Therese Burkhart and Audrey Warner, ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Mentors
By Audrey Warner, Mentor at ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
Audrey Warner, ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Mentor
Date with a Plate is such fun event, great food, music, tempting auction items, and a room of lovely Kessler diamonds. The Kessler diamonds sparkled as did the amazing mentors.
Each woman, with a personal triumph over breast cancer and a willingness to guide others through that journey. It was a great opportunity to raise a glass to toast all the mentors!
Share with us your triumph over breast cancer and let us celebrate with you.
