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IRS approves tax-exempt status for Pinkwellchick Foundation Inc.

25 Jul

The Board is pleased to announce that PWCF received its determination letter from the Internal Revenue Service confirming that the Foundation is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Further, PWCF is deemed a private operating foundation.

The Foundation is also qualified to receive tax-deductible bequests, devises, transfers and gifts. All contributions to PWCF received on or after December 6, 2013 (the effective date) are deductible under section 170 of the Code.

Through fundraising efforts, events, products (including Barb’s Bag™ of Care & Comfort for chemotherapy patients), productions of Life in the Cancer Lane™ and financial support of other organizations, allies and partners, PWCF™ plans to:

  • raise awareness of breast cancer and heart disease
  • support breast cancer and heart disease research
  • work for better detection, diagnosis and cures for breast cancer and heart disease
  • support those diagnosed with breast cancer and heart disease and their families

Stay tuned for big announcements about upcoming fundraisers and special events as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October fast approaches. And we encourage you to support PWCF now and at any time with your time, talents and treasures.  No amount of time or money is too big or small.

[DONATE NOW]

Best,

Tonya Evans, Chair & President

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Remembering Barbra’s Light & Legacy on Mother’s Day

11 May
Photo credit: TME

Photo credit: Tonya M. Evans 2012

This Mother’s Day is not only a day of celebration and connection but also of reflection and restoration (and if you’re lucky … REST!).

Today’s holiday is yet another divine opportunity to reset your intention, repair your relationships, and check in on your health and well-being from the inside out.

The inevitability of death for us all is a reminder to authentically assess how we are living each day; in fact, each moment. Want to keep getting what you’re getting? Keep doing what you’re doing. If not, choose a different course.  Continue reading →

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Remembering Barbra Watson-Riley on TNBC Day with Sonoran Living Live Spotlight

3 Mar

What would Barbra Watson-Riley, our Pinkwellchick®, be doing on National Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day? EVERYTHING.

As we remember her today and participate in this National Triple Negative Breast Cancer day of remembrance, awareness and action, we’d like to share a wonderful tribute to Barbra that aired on the ABC 15 Arizona “Sonoran Living Live” segment. The video includes rare footage of Barbra speaking about her diagnosis and “life in the cancer lane”, as well as her passionate commitment to health and wellness, family and community.

Please watch the video, share your reflections about Barbra in the comments section below on this blog, and check out our Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day message to find out what you can do, including ways to support the Pinkwellchick Foundation as we continue Barbra’s passion and commitment to health, wellness & the cure.

Pinkwellchick Foundation Honors Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day with Awareness & Action

3 Mar

March 3rd is National Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day!

TNCB Day logo

Remembering Barbra on TNBC Day! 3-3-14

Founded by The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation (TNBCF), Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day (March 3rd each year) is touted as “a national day of awareness and grassroots fundraising events to help eradicate triple negative breast cancers and assist those impacted by the disease.”

TNBCF explains on its website that although the day is a serious one of reflection and action, “the tone is positive as we celebrate all those who join our efforts in tackling the next frontier in breast cancer.” Today is the second annual event.

Our own Pinkwellchick® Barbra Watson-Riley was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer after discovering the lump during a self-breast exam after a “clean” mammogram. She worked tirelessly to educate people about breast cancer and heart health and devoted her life and life’s work to supporting survivors, their families and finding a cure.

She was so very passionate about health, family and community.  Barbra lived her beautiful life “out loud” and devoted every day to blogging, speaking and challenging individuals, organizations and communities to DO SOMETHING. One of Barbra’s greatest accomplishments was creating her play Life in the Cancer Lane™, staged for the first time AND witnessed by Barbra shortly before she transitioned.

We founded the non-profit Pinkwellchick® Foundation, Inc., to continue her work of awareness and action. We invite you to join our efforts with your time, talents and treasures in the days, weeks and years to come.

The Facts About Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Source: http://www.tnbcfoundation.org/tnbcday2014/tnbcfacts.htm

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is one of many forms of breast cancer.
Forms of breast cancer are generally diagnosed based on the presence or absence of three “receptors” known to fuel most breast cancer tumors: estrogen, progesterone and HER2-neu.
A diagnosis of TNBC means that the tumor in question is estrogenreceptor negative, progesterone-receptor negative and Her2-negative. In other words, triple negative breast cancer tumors do not exhibit any of the three known receptors.
Receptor-targeting therapies have fueled tremendous recent advances in the fight against breast cancer. Unfortunately, there is no such targeted therapy for triple negative breast cancer.
TNBC tends to be more aggressive, more likely to recur, and more difficult to treat because there is no targeted treatment.
TNBC disproportionately strikes younger women, women of African, Latina or Caribbean descent, and those with BRCA1 mutations.
Approximately every half hour, another woman in the US is diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer.

Follow Barbra’s Lead

Barbra_003So what would Barbra be doing today? The short answer is EVERYTHING! The links below will lead you to a range of suggestions on ways big and small to participate, including making a donation to this Foundation:

  • Donate $33 to PWCF in recognition and support of Barbra’s “life in the cancer lane” and in honor of 3-3-14 National Triple Negative Breast Cancer Day [visit the donations page]
  • Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter @PinkWellChick and @LifeNCancerLane
  • Follow this blog (links at top of the page) to receive automatic e-mail updates of our activities and events.
  • Post pictures of Barbra on our Facebook page and via Twitter today with hashtags #rememberBarb #TNBCDay
  • Visit The TNBCF website at www.tnbcfoundation.org
  • Share this FAQ info sheet about triple negative breast cancer with your friends, family and networks [Click to access PDF]

Whatever you do … DO SOMETHING. Barbra created a vibrant, diverse community of family and friends. Let us remain united in this “life in the cancer lane” in her honor to educate, support and find a cure!

Be wise & well!

Tonya M. Evans, PWCF Co-Chair & webmaster

[home][blog][PWC Foundation][LITCL:The Play][about PWC]

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Five REALLY good reasons to do Self Breast Exams … plus one more from @Pinkwellchick

28 Jan

Greetings Pinkwellchick Family,

Today, January 28th, 2014, would have been Barbra’s 46th birthday. Only a few months ago her valiant two-year fight against breast cancer ended. I remember when it began. After a “clean” mammogram, she discovered her lump while conducting a self-breast exam.

In my mind, that is the number one reason to do SBEs every … and I mean every month. When you know your body, you are your own best healthcare advocate. When your body speaks, listen!

The article quoted below gives you 5 more reasons, especially if you’re under age 40 (the age doctors generally recommend that women begin getting mammograms). Studies show that younger women diagnosed with breast cancer generally experience more aggressive forms of cancer. This was certainly true of the triple negative breast cancer that plagued Barbra.

Women’s Health advises:

“When you’re young, breast cancer is probably the furthest thing from your mind. However, it shouldn’t be. Although breast cancer in young women is significantly less common among those from 20 to 39, it does happen…. Finding time to incorporate breast self exam into your monthly schedule is easy when you realize just how important it is.

….

Remember, anytime you see or feel any kind of change in your breast(s) you should see your health-care provider. Only a qualified medical professional can definitively diagnose the cause of breast issues. Breast changes don’t always mean breast cancer, but they do mean you should see your doctor. “

Here are five MORE really good reasons to conduct self-breast exams (and how to do it)

As Pinkwellchick® would always say … DO SOMETHING!

Do it for her. Do it for YOU. Encourage someone else to do it too!

Be well, wise, & encouraged!

Tonya, PWCF Co-Chair

Learn more about The Pinkwellchick Foundation, Inc.

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