THANK YOU Capital Chapter Volunteers for making a difference and a positive impact in the lives of others.”
May Martha’s Table Give Back Event
May is for Martha’s Table! Thank you to all our volunteers who participated with PCMA CC for this amazing Month Long Give back event! Together we will help Martha’s Table in their efforts to end hunger in Washington, D.C. Still interested in showing support? Check out the links below to provide your support!
Other Ways to Give Back
Humane Rescue Alliance – Need for food donations & fosters.
Capital Area Food Banks
Red Cross Blood Donations
PCMA Foundation Industry Relief Fund
The Meetings Industry Fund
DC Central Kitchen
Text to donate:
- Within the U.S., text to 41444. Enter prefix “RELIEFFUND,” the dollar amount, your first name and last name.
- Example: RELIEFFUND 50 Jane Doe. You will then receive a link to complete the process of your payment.
#MakeADifferenceMondays
PCMA Capital Chapter Community Services Committee wants to hear more from you and what you are passionate about. We will be posting on social media every Monday as a part of our #MakeADifferenceMondays initiative highlighting upcoming community service events, members making a difference in our community and local organizations who could use your support. Check us out online every Monday and share how you give back!
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Article
By Stacey Knoppel, Vice President, Sales, Events DC
Community Service Committee
Before you read this article please answer the following questions:
- Have you had your annual mammogram?
- Have you scheduled your annual mammogram?
- Have you read the results of your annual mammogram?
If you have answered “NO” to all three of these questions, please put down the iPad, iPhone, close your computer, etc. and make your appointment now. In the time it would take for you to read this article, you could have secured your appointment. Please return after you make your appointment and finish reading the article. If you answered yes, to one or more of these questions, please proceed with reading.
It’s unfortunate that in this day and age of AI, being able to book a trip to the moon, getting packages in the same day as ordered and advancements in the medical world, that many, if not all of us, can say we have one thing in common, knowing someone who is effected by breast cancer. I have had several friends and colleagues who have been diagnosed early who have survived breast cancer. There are some who have had several bouts of chemo and some have been lucky to not have to go through chemo. Some were advised to get a mastectomy, and some have chosen to have mastectomy. Sadly, I have had to watch several friends and family pass from this deadly disease. This continues to leave me struggling asking the questions “how could this happen?” “and why have we not found a cure?”
These two questions have come up too many times in the last five months, as my stepmother, Jeannie, just passed May 17, 2024. She had an extremely aggressive form of breast cancer and by the time it was identified in March 2024, it had spread to her lungs and brain. I still remember the day the doctors told her that they would give her 4-6 months to live. The treatment would first include radiation to reduce the swelling in her brain. We would then need to get Jeannie strong enough to handle the chemo in effort to slow down the disease. Unfortunately, the cancer was too strong for her and the chemo did not help. By May, just two months later, we had to switch our mind set from getting Jeannie healthy to making her comfortable for her remaining days. On May 17th, I received a call from the hospital that Jeannie had passed.
Looking back, I still don’t understand how this could happen. Every year I get the reminder of scheduling my annual mammogram. The entire month of October is dedicated to providing people with literature and support to help beat this deadly disease. There are numerous fundraisers, walks and marathons raising money to help find a cure.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation web site states “in 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%. But early detection for all is only possible through action.” I will emphasis the word “ACTION,” as this is such an important word for all of us to consistently think about when we are hear the words Breast Cancer. It’s not only about how we can support the cause but how we can support the friend, colleague, family member and loved one to ensure they are having their annual checkup. Going to a mammogram appointment and breast screening can be very scary for some, but we must do our part to make sure we are taking care of ourselves annually. Breast health must be part of the annual medical journey along with dental, eye and general doctor’s appointments. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance carriers are required to cover the full cost of mammogram screenings.
While October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and highlights the importance of breast screenings, I ask that you mark your twelve-month calendar on the 17th (the date Jeannie passed) of every month to remember to make sure that you ask your friends, colleagues and family members if they have made their annual breast screening appointment. And please do your part and make sure you take time to get your screening as well.