For Cassie, a 16 year breast cancer survivor, having her Pretty in Patina team host a fundraiser for Project Pink'd during the month of October is PERSONAL.

"I went through Breast Cancer over 16 years ago in Oklahoma, removed from family and familiarity. We did not have an organization like Project Pink'd where I was, or at least I was never informed of one. I found it very difficult to find solace in those who had not been through cancer, and as I struggled so did my marriage, until it ended. As a woman, breast cancer had a profound effect on me and I was unfortunately not given the support system that I believe to be essential for many of us. I always longed for a safe place to express myself without judgement. This is not a sad story though, I found my strength exactly where I was supposed to on my journey.

I found out about Project Pink'd through social media. I had moved back to Nebraska after cancer and was looking to meet some ladies who had been through a similar experience to me. I went to a free Yoga class and loved it. There's something beautiful about being surrounded by those like you, it removes the insecurities we feel after cancer, especially breast cancer.

My advice to anyone just beginning this journey is to grab ahold of those who have walked before you. As someone who struggled for many years to gain my self love and self confidence back, trust this: there is NO NEED to go through this alone. We have been there, maybe not in your exact spot, but we have been there. The doubt, the fear, the trying to keep a brave face, all of it. The biggest lesson I learned through cancer was that I did not need to go it alone. There is no need to be the strongest person in the room anymore, and it does not make us any weaker to need and want help. Family and friends are essential for recovery but a group of women who know exactly what you're feeling and thinking, now that is a recipe for success!

It’s important for Pretty in Patina to support a local organization in our area. As we are a company that understands the immediate and long term effects of breast cancer we are so grateful that Project Pinkd is working to help women through all stages of their journey. As we work to help women feel beautiful on the outside, we understand and value to work that must be done on the inside as well. We thank Project Pinkd for what they do to help survivors find their strength and beauty all over again!"

From day of diagnosis and beyond, a survivorship care plan is a key factor in a breast cancer survivors’ journey to thriving. Project Pink’d, an Omaha-based non-profit, continues to address the REAL issues survivors face after a diagnosis and is set to virtually host a complimentary survivorship program, Let’s Talk Surveillance on Thursday, October 15.

A complimentary event for breast cancer survivors, the upcoming live panel discussion will provide a safe place for interactive conversation with 4 distinguished expert panelists. Survivors will be empowered to ask the REAL questions regarding their survivorship care plan, educated on ways to enhance their partnership with their medical team and encouraged to become their best advocate.

Participants will be provided the opportunity to ask their questions during a 45 minute large group conversation and Q&A and a 45 minute small group break-out session and Q&A.

The Let’s Talk Surveillance survivorship program will be held via Zoom from 7pm-8:30pm on Thursday, October 15. Registration is required at www.projectpinkd.org

Meet Our Expert Panel:

Patti Higginbotham, ANP, AOCN | Genetics, Nurse Practitioner | Omaha Surgical Consultants

John Longo, MD | Radiation Oncology | Nebraska Cancer Specialists

Geetha Palaniappan, MD | Oncologist | Nebraska Cancer Specialists

Roalene J. Redland, MD | Surgeon |Omaha Surgical Consultants

This complimentary program is available to breast cancer survivors in Nebraska and Western Iowa and is made possible by the many generous donors and supporters.

Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, but that didn't stop her from making a difference. Since 2016, her SOCKtober fundrasing campaigns have raised thousands of dollars for Project Pink'd, making a big impact on breast cancer survivors right here in our local communities. Hear why giving back to Project Pink'd is personal for Maggie.