Pink Connection still supports local breast cancer survivors
Brunch in Barn fundraiser is Sunday
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LEWISTOWN -- Nearly 20 years ago, Su Salvatore and the late Bonnie McCurdy attended a Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital fundraiser where they made an important diagnosis about breast cancer survivors in the Juniata Valley.
After talking to other survivors, Salvatore and McCurdy realized each one had their own unique journey and story to share.
"There is no one size fits all when it comes to a cancer diagnosis," said Salvatore, who helped found the Central Pennsylvania Pink Connection with McCurdy in 2006.
"Despite the difference in how their diagnosis came about, the doctors seen, surgeries performed, treatments received, there was one common denominator: the feeling of isolation," Salvatore added.
October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Since 1992, breast cancer organizations across the globe have hung pink ribbons to honor their work as well as the people they serve.
Over the past five years, statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Health revealed 311 new breast cancer diagnoses have been made in Mifflin and Juniata counties. That's an average of 62 new cases each year.
The Central Pennsylvania Pink Connection is a local non-profit with no ties to any state or national breast cancer organization. They are funded solely through the generosity of local supporters, businesses and organizations.
The Pink Connection created support group meetings -- held the second Wednesday of every month - to help fill that void and let breast cancer survivors know they did not need to face their journey alone.
Since that first meeting, McCurdy has since passed but her legacy lives on, and the Pink Connection's outreach has expanded.
"While one of our goals is to spread awareness to those in the Central Pennsylvania area, there are no boundaries to our outreach," Salvatore said. "If you, a family or friend is facing a breast cancer diagnosis, please reach out and see how we can help."
In addition to the monthly meetings, "Bundles of Hope" gift boxes filled with comfort items and educational materials to new breast cancer survivors.
They also offer financial assistance to cancer survivors during treatments and surgical recovery and provide transportation.
The Pink Connection also staffs a "support squad," if survivors feel more comfortable meeting individually or communicating by phone or texts.
On Oct. 2, the Pink Connection volunteers placed pink ribbons on parking meters around downtown Lewistown. Cher Harpster, current president of the Pink Connection as well as a breast cancer survivor, was among those turning the town pink. She reminds people of the importance of getting a routine mammogram.
"We want people to know there are resources out there and it's so important to get checked because you never know," stressed Harpster, who lives in Milroy.
Both Harpster and her mother, Beverly Forgy of Granville, are survivors. Their cancer diagnoses were only a few months apart and both underwent mastectomies.
"She and I experienced this together and we are lucky to both be in remission and doing well." Harpster added.
For more information about the Pink Connection, visit www.pinkconnection.org.
Brunch in the Barn is Sunday
Survivors and supporters are encouraged to attend the upcoming Brunch in the Barn event at Brookmere Winery, 5369 Route 655, Belleville. The event, which celebrates survivors and raises awareness, is slated for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.
Tickets for the event cost $30 and include a complimentary beverage, delicious brunch foods, entertainment and basket raffles. Tickets are available at Lewistown Pharmacy, 7 N. Wayne St., Lewistown, or by calling (717) 437-5224 or (717) 994-7288.