August 2018 Newsletter

Dear Supporters,
I will keep this month’s message short and sweet. We have lots of great news stories and interviews to share with you.
Our top stories include a front page feature article in THE DAY published on 08/19/18 and written by Day writer, Martha Shanahan. Read Martha’s heartwarming interview with honorary walk chair, Johanna D’Addario. Also featured in this issue is an introduction to TBBCF’s fall college interns, Bridney Casillas and Colleen Kane.
Also, read interviews with 12-year walker and top fundraiser, Shelley Gregory, founding member; walker training leader, Anne Rochette and a Q&A with top TBBCF cheerleader, Stella Starr.
Our sponsor spotlight is on our good friends at the Charter Oak Federal Credit Union. On August 13 they announced their 3rd annual matching gift program. Charter Oak will match up to $100,000 in 100 days!
This edition begins and ends with a reminder to register TODAY for the 13th Annual Walk Across Southeastern CT.
Sincerely, Sandy Maniscalco – TBBCF Co-founder

Tom and Johanna D’Addario

Some people who undergo treatment can be rid of cancer for the rest of their lives. Others find the disease comes back or spreads. Some people with a breast cancer diagnosis jump right into the ocean of pink fundraisers and “awareness” efforts promoted by breast cancer foundations. Others will stay incognito, preferring to cover bald heads with wigs and avoid the conversations that come with disclosing their diagnosis.

So, when the New London-based TBBCF asked Johanna D’Addario of Cromwell to be the face of the annual fundraising walk that generates the bulk of the money the foundation uses to fund research grants, she hesitated. Full interview

Two college interns hope to hone skills and spread the word about TBBCF mission
by KATHLEEN EDGECOMB
Two students will be earning college credits this fall helping the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation increase its social media presence and bring its message of hope and its goal of finding a cure for breast cancer to a wider audience.
Bridney Casillas, 20, a student at Three Rivers Community College, and Colleen Kane, 21, a senior at Eastern Connecticut State University, are the two new interns at TBBCF. They will receive three college credits each for their work during the fall semester. Full interview

Small gestures can add up to big things
By KATHLEEN EDGECOMB
Shelley Gregory didn’t get to be one of the top fundraisers for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation on her own, she’ll tell you that. She had help from a single benefactor who donates $10,000 each year to her team for the annual Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut marathon fundraiser.
She does not consider herself a survivor – even though she faced her own bout with breast cancer in 2008. She likes to refer to herself as a warrior. And she has the T-shirt to prove it. Full interview

For want of a peanut butter sandwich …
By KATHLEEN EDGECOMB
It wasn’t supposed to be about peanut butter sandwiches. It was supposed to be about giving back to the community, helping those affected by breast cancer and raising money for the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.
When Anne Rochette first planned a walker trainer day prior to TBBCF’s signature fundraiser – an annual marathon walk from old Saybrook to Waterford – she packed her car with water, sports drinks, fruit, granola bars and homemade peanut butter sandwiches cut into quarters.
And suddenly everyone was talking about the sandwiches. Full interview

5 questions with Stella Starr
By KATHLEEN EDGECOMB
First thing you see when you meet Stella Starr is the shock of hot pink hair and sunglasses. The first thing you notice, however, is her passion. A passion for helping people. A passion for making people laugh and feel comfortable. And a passion for those struggling with breast cancer, its treatments, its after-effects and life beyond.
In 2014, Stella made her first appearance at the Pink Ladies fundraiser at the Twisted Vine in Westerly, RI. Stella works this event each year with fundraiser Julie Holland where proceeds are given to the annual Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut held every year on the first Saturday of October.  In her unique way, she urged walkers on and encouraged them to invite friends and family to participate Full interview

Let’s help our good friends at Charter Oak give away $100K in 100 Days

For a third year in a row, Charter Oak Credit Union will match all qualified* charitable donations you make between Tuesday, August 14, 2018 and Wednesday, November 21, 2018.
They have committed to giving back to charitable entities within their field of membership, as well as charities elsewhere that are meaningful to its members.
It’s simple – you can maximize your donation to TBBCF walkers through Charter Oak’s Matching Gifts Program. Learn more …
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