E X E C U T I V E

D I R E C T O R ’ S L E T T E R

fam·i·ly['fam-uh-lee, 'fam-lee] noun, plural fam·i·lies, adjective.

noun: a group of people who are generally not blood relationsbut who share common attitudes, interests or goals and, frequently, live together.

I am an only child. My nuclear family is asmall one — my mom, dad and myself —the three of us traveling to the GrandCanyon in our family suburban, watchinghours of Astros games from above rightfield in the Astrodome, spending countlessmornings at the Galleria for ice-skatingpractice. And, in one of life’s greatest les-sons, my parents taught me that our smallfamily was just the core of a tremendousextended group that we could (and would)love and cherish. I am as close to my cou -sins as are many siblings; my college girl-friends gave me a home away from homeup in the frozen tundra of South Bend,Indiana (Go Irish!); I won the “in-law lottery”when I married my Al and walked into afamily that embraced me like one of theirown; and then, at age 22, I became a member of the Pink Ribbons Project family.

When I came to Pink Ribbons Project12 years ago, I had no relationship tobreast cancer. I met founders Jane andSusan at the Galleria ice rink as I was teach-ing Susan’s then six-year-old daughter iceskating. (That six-year-old is now a freshmanin college!) I had just graduated from col-lege, was earning $75/article writing for theHouston Chronicle and teaching ice skatingpart-time to make extra cash to pay forgraduate school and, as my father said,“Earn a real living.” Jane asked me to writegrants for an up-and-coming nonprofit shehad founded called Pink Ribbons Projectthat was growing faster than they anticipatedand needed some extra hands. I had thought

G U E S T L E T T E R

Pink Power spotlight

In this issue:

Pink-tober . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Rosemary Barr Pink Platter Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

2012 Pink Power particulars . . . . . . . . 3

Pink Partners: Become a Member! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Second Annual Pink Pigeons Sporting Clays Tournament . . . . . . . . 5

Teaming up for PINK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Southwest Football League hosts “Pink Out: Tackle Cancer”. . . . . . . . . . 6

Serve Up a Cure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Pink Ribbons Project’s mission is to promotebreast health, save lives and improve the qualityof life of those touched by breast cancer.Through our Pink Power program, we pro -vide funding for mammograms, diagnosticworkups, biopsies and support services for themedically underserved women in the greaterHouston area. In 2011, Pink Ribbons Projectpartnered with Harris Health System on anew project called PinkPENs (PersonalExperienceNavigators). ThePink PENs programis aimed to offersupport, hope andencouragement topatients who arenewly diagnosed orin the midst of breastcancer treatmentat Ben Taub or LBJHospital. We are proudto say that the programhas been a huge hitamong patients as wellas the PENs.

A letter from Priscilla A. Gorner, a Pink PENs (Personal Experience Navigators) at Harris Health System:

When I was first contacted about the PinkPENs Program and possibly being a patientmentor, I thought it was a wonderful, calmingand informative opportunity for women recentlydiagnosed with breast cancer and/or undergo-

ing treatment. My job would be to pro-vide support and encouragement topatients, ensuring a smooth, efficienttransition through the practices and procedures of the oncology clinic.I originally declined participationdue to an already busy schedule.

Some weeks went by, yet I simplycould not stop thinking about the pro-gram. It was as if a still, small voicewould not let me go until I did whatI knew was right. In my mind I asked:“What qualifications and experiencedo I have to be able to talk withpatients one-on-one about thebreast cancer journey? I’m just aretired employee from the City

of Houston currently teaching piano, voice andtheory. How can I possibly be of any benefit to

January 2013 · Vol. XIV, No. 2

continues on page 7

Priscilla A. Gorner

continues on page 6

Thank you to the participating restaurants!Ouisie’s TableThe Raven GrillThe Bird and the Bear

Mockingbird BistroPhilippe Restaurant and Lounge

Thank you to the artists! Yvonne Cosgrove

Kermit EisenhutBlakely Bering

Joan SteinmanLourella Cruz

Year after year, we are amazed at the beau tiful works of art designed specifically for

the Rosemary Barr Pink Platter Program! Breast cancer survivors, volunteers and

novice artists gathered together to paint over 300 dessert plates to be sold during

October at participating restaurants. Best of all, 100% of all proceeds from this

program benefit Pink Ribbons Project’s continued efforts to aid the medically

underserved women and men of Houston with proper breast screening and

follow-up care. Each par ticipating restaurant also hosted a prized platter painted

by one of Houston’s most talented visual artists. Thank you, Houston, for helping

Pink Platter raise over $6,000 this year!

October is always a busy month at the PinkHeadquarters, and this year was no different.Pink Ribbons Project was the recipient of a longlist of fund-raisers around town and what a won-derful way to spend the month — celebratingbreast cancer awareness with Houstonians whohave joined forces for one cause. These third-party events brought in well over $14,000 andwe could not be more proud of our communitypartners for their hard work and dedication!

Lupe Tortilla Weidner + Hasou DesignKatsuya by StarckDEFINE Body and Mind Elaine TurnerBRC American GastropubLiberty Kitchen Oyster BarPetite SweetsChick-fil-A — Kirby at 59Paracord Joe

Pink-tober31 days of pink projects

TheR O S E M A R Y

B A R R

P R O G R A M

Pink Platter

Special congratulations to Ouisie’s Tablefor selling over 100 dessertplates this year!

1 Pink Platter kickoffparty at the Art LeagueHouston. 2 TheresaJohnson with her finisheddessert plate at PICNIC.3 Cory Rowe Florespainting a dessert plateat PICNIC.

DEFINE Body and Mind

Weidner + Hasou Design

Lupe Tortilla

BRC American Gastropub

Hot Pink Flash2

●1

●2

●3

Houston, TX

Hot Pink Flash 3

2012 Pink Power particularsThe year in giving, by the numbers

In 2012, Pink Ribbons Project has impactedthe community by giving $470,000 to the fol-lowing programs for breast health screening,treatment, education and support services:

❆ Harris Health System for the Pink RibbonsProject Saturday Mammography Programat Quentin Mease Community Hospital,People’s Health Clinic and Aldine Clinic.

❆ Harris Health System, PersonalExperience Navigators (Pink PENs) —program to offer support, hope andencouragement to patients who arenewly diagnosed or in the midst ofbreast cancer treatment.

❆ UTMB (University of Texas MedicalBranch), Mind, Body and Spirit Program— multidisciplinary program that providesbreast health education, patient outreachand fellowship and venues for patientsto explore various artistic pursuits andscreening mammograms.

❆ The Rose Diagnostic Center, Pink DaysProgram — an educational programusing the arts to promote good pursuitsand screening mammograms.

❆ MD Anderson Cancer Center to continueproviding patient handbooks to newbreast cancer patients.

❆ Shalom Health Clinic to sponsor aone-day mammography program called“Shalom Goes Pink.” Patients receivea mammogram during a day of artand education.

❆ The Breast Health Collaborative ofTexas, Annual Breast Health Summitfor conference scholarships.

❆ San Jose Clinic, Miercoles de Milagrosprogram to provide screening mammo-grams at the patient’s home clinic.

❆ Suites of Hope to sponsor housingfor breast cancer patients enrolled in a clinical trial in the Texas Medical Center.

❆ Baylor College of Medicine — fundingfor the first annual Harris Health Systemand Baylor College of Medicine confer-ence on the BRCA gene mutation foraffected patients and their families.

❆ Spring Branch Community Health Center— to provide clinical breast exams as wellas breast health education to patients whowill then have a mammogram.

Upcoming events for Pink Ribbons Project

JAN 27 Jazzercise with Dallas Mavericks

MAR 24 Jazzercise with Houston Rockets

MAY 16 Pink at the Brown

SEP 15 Tour de Pink

SEP 27 Pink Pigeons

For more information, visit www.pinkribbons.org and click on

PINK EVENTS at the top of the page to view the calendar.

Save the date for

Just a reminder!You can now donate online at

www.pinkribbons.org

You can also mail your donations to:Pink Ribbons Project2449 South Blvd., Suite 100Houston, TX 77098

Thank you for helping Pink Ribbons Project fulfill its mission.

donatenow!

Featuring premier arts organizations from the Houston Theater District and all across the country

W H E N :Thursday, May 16, 2013

W H E R E :The Wortham Center

Brown Theater

E V E N T C H A I R :Jo Furr

A RT I S T I C C H A I R :Stanton Welch

Hot Pink Flash4

Membership levels and benefits:

LIFETIME PARTNER [$1,000/ONE TIME]

• Make a one-time donation but have a lifetime impact

• Listed on Pink Ribbons Project website• Two complimentary Tour de Pink 2013

registrations (waived $30 fee)• One complimentary Tour de Pink

registration for Lifetime• A 10% discount for up to two tickets

to Pink at the Brown (or gala event) for lifetime

Yearly memberships:

VOLUNTEER PARTNER [NO MEMBERSHIP FEE]

• Must commit to 30 volunteer hours in the year 2013

• One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registration (waived $30 fee)

YOUNG PROFESSIONAL PARTNER [$35/YEAR]

• Young Professional requirement; ages 21 to 40

• One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013registration (waived $30 fee)

• A 50% discount on one ticket to Pink at the Brown 2013

COMMUNITY PARTNER [$55/YEAR]

• One complimentary Tour de Pink 2013registration (waived $30 fee)

• A 50% discount on one ticket to Pink at the Brown 2013

PREMIUM PARTNER [$250/YEAR]

• Four complimentary Tour de Pink 2013 registrations (waived $30 fee)

• Two complimentary tickets to Pink at the Brown 2013

Together we will make a difference with Pink Ribbons Project by:

• Investing in breast cancer education and outreach

• Saving and improving lives affected by breast cancer

• Providing mammograms for the uninsured and underserved

Pink Partners invite-only events:

• Kickoff Happy Hour Party• Spring and Fall educational luncheon series• Summer gift-bag-making party• Holiday wreath-making party

Pink PartnersPink PartnersBECOME A MEMBER!

BECOME MORE INVOLVED with Pink Ribbons Project through raising breast health awareness

and volunteer opportunities. Receive preferred event discounts and early notification of

upcoming special and social events. Pink Partners are our Pink VIPs!

We are honored to have the following Lifetime Partners:

Mr. and Mrs. Eddy BlantonMr. and Mrs. Ed BosargeMs. Rosanette S. Cullen

Mr. and Mrs. Mike DuhonMr. and Mrs. Richard Fant

Mr. Bentley FondrenMs. Susie Hebert

Mr. and Mrs. Barry HunsakerMr. and Mrs. Max LukensMr. and Mrs. Skip McGeeMr. and Mrs. Bob McNair

Ms. Heather MitchellMr. and Mrs. Jess MooreMs. Kathleen PenningtonMr. and Mrs. Jim Prather

Ms. Regina RogersMs. Michelle Schmidt

Ms. Sally ScroggsMr. Gregory R. Simmons

Hot Pink Flash 5

Teaming upfor PINKWe are honored to have been the bene -ficiary of so many Houston-area schoolPink Outs in support of breast cancerawareness during October! TheseHouston area schools went all outwith pink T-shirts, pink hair bows, pinkshoelaces, pink sidewalk chalk, pinklemonade — you name it, they madeit happen. A combined total of $10,000was donated to Pink Ribbons Project!Here at Pink, we truly believe that aware-ness can change habits at a young ageand ultimately help end breast cancer forever. For that, we thank you, Houston,for beginning awareness in our schools.

Not pictured: Lamar High School, Krimmel Intermediate School

Memorial High School

St. Agnes

Ulrich Intermediate School

Sheldon ISD

Second Annual Pink PigeonsSporting Clays TournamentPresented by Aker Solutions

On September 28, over 250 shooters, volun-teers and pink activists gathered at WestsideSporting Grounds forthe Second Annual PinkPigeons Sporting ClaysTournament and raisedmore than $106,000! Theevent could not have happened without ourPresenting Sponsor AkerSolutions, who not onlygave financially but alsoentered four teams intothe tournament! Theyhad so much fun thatAker Solutions has signedon for one more year asPresenting Sponsor in 2013!

A huge thank you alsogoes out to Deep SeaTechnologies, Inc. and Deep SeaDevelopment Services, Inc. for their

generous food donations to keep everyoneenergized during the tournament.

“The shoot this year wasa great success. Not onlydid we surpass last year’sreceipts by over $50,000,but we also increasedthe number of shootersby almost 30%,” saidNathan Bane, Pink PigeonsCo-Chair. “I had a feel ingit would be a hit in theHouston community whenwe first came up with theidea for Pink Pigeons, butto be honest, I’m a littleamazed at the amount ofsupport we’ve receivedis such a short amount oftime. As the word about

our event continues to get out, we’re hopingfor bigger and better things in 2013.”

1 Rachel Midgett (right) and friends cheering on theteams. 2 Steve Sanfilippo(middle) and teamMacDermid OffshoreSolutions. 3 Neon Pink Clays.

SAVE THE DATEFriday, September 27, 2013!

EVENT CHAIRSNathan BaneClint Midgett

EVENT COMMITTEEDevin GalimoreDan Gaspard

Rachel MidgettChris Murdoch

Tom PlankSteve Sanfilippo

●1 ●3

●2

Southwest Football League (SFL) hosts “Pink Out: Tackle Cancer”Third grader’s determination makes a differenceby Christi Young, Pink Out Co-Chair

6 Hot Pink Flash

Guest letter

a breast cancer patient?” But in my heart, I feltI would be missing out on a blessing if I did notreact soon. I decided to go for it.

It was explained to me that, after some shorttraining, all I needed was to be a breast oncol-ogy patient who is now 3 years out from treat-ment and had received treatment at Ben Taubor LBJ Hospital. And, of course, I thought,“Wow! I am a cancer survivor! And I CAN beof help to others!”

After getting started and visiting with a fewpatients in the clinic waiting area, it occurred tome just being a breast cancer survivor was sim-ply not enough. I needed to be equipped tohandle people’s emotions and questions, as wellas being able to give them some FAITH, HOPEand COURAGE. It began to dawn on me howqualified and experienced I really was.

Over a period of weeks, I learned how tosmartly read the subtleties of patients’ emo-tions and body language. Their mannerisms

and gestures (or lack thereof) told me a greatdeal about how a patient would perceive me,and how I could best approach each one at aparticular moment. Over time, I also developeda general pattern of questions and commentsto draw upon during patient visits. These fac -tors help give patients the FAITH, HOPE andCOURAGE they desperately need at this pointin their journey:

1. Keep your faith, and call on that faith;

2. Keep a positive attitude and be thankful;

3. Have confidence in the doctors, nurses andmedical staff who administer treatment;

4. Continue to do the things you enjoy andlove; and

5. Listen to music and interact with a pet toease anxiety.

I have talked with many patients whoseroots, heritage and religious beliefs reach allover the world. Each has been affected by thedisease. We share an experience. Yet, each of ushas undergone different treatment plans. EachPATIENT has been — or is — NAVIGATING anEXPERIENCE with breast cancer. These patientshave been — and are — a blessing. Being ableto comfort others has given me a greater chanceto see the peace and joy in the world. When thejourney through the valley is the darkest is whenwe need strong faith and the comfort of others.I am extremely grateful I listened to that still,small voice and acted on the true feelings ofmy heart. In the right place . . . at the right timeis where I find myself.

Sincerely,

Priscilla A. Gorner

continued from page 1

It all started with Sam Hartland. Sam, a thirdgrader at River Oaks Elementary, won’t playa football game without a pink-ribbon decalon his helmet. Even though several years havepassed since Sam lost his mother to breastcancer, the pink decal is this son’s way of hon-oring her every time he steps on the field.

That sweet little boy and his decal gota few of the SFL moms thinking. “The SFLshould do something for breast cancer awareness. It’s important toremember thatbreast cancer’seffects are feltright here onour SFL fields.Besides, if theNFL can do it,we can too,”said KimberlyBuettgen,Booster ClubPresident.

Pink Out:Tackle Cancer,hosted by Southwest Football League (SFL)and sponsored by Employee Benefit

Solutions and I.W. Marks, was held onOctober 13, 2012 at South CampusComplex (3600 W. Belfort).

All players wore pink decals ontheir helmets and were encouragedto get creative and “pink out” bywearing pink. Pink balloons weresold throughout the day. Purchasersdedicated their balloons — in honorof or in memory of — anyone

affected with cancer. During an afternoon

presentation featuringa performance by the TexansCheerleaders, Sam’s dad, DavidHartland, spoke, along withbreast cancer survivors RachelMidgett and Michael Dale. Atthe end of the presentation, over1,000 balloons were launched inhonor of anyone affected withbreast cancer.

“Pink Out is one of thosedays I will never forget. We

were overwhelmed by the support of theentire SFL family: parents, players, families,and friends. Everything about the day was so

positive, andalthough wewere astoundedby the amountof money theSFL communityraised, it reallywas just one partof an incredibleday,” said MicheleStill, Pink OutCo-Chair.

In addition tothe efforts by SFL,

both West University Little League andWest University Softball Association hosted“Pink Out” events on October 14. The week-end events combined, raised $17,607 forPink Ribbons Project.

5 0� 4 0 �� 3 0 �� 2 0 �� 1 0 � � 4 0 � � 3 0 � � 2 0 � � 1 0 �

Executive Director’s letter

Hot Pink Flash 7

this would be tem porary work — somethingI could use for my résumé on graduate-schoolapplications; little did I know that my PinkRibbons Project family had just begun —I became the third Weiner sister.

During my tenure at Pink Ribbons Project, myfamily has expanded into a world of incrediblehumans whom I didn’t know 12 years ago, but Icannot imagine my life without. I have workedwith a staff who inspires me every day to notonly be a better employee, but a greater friendand leader. With their work ethic and devotion,past staff members have played a vital role inbuilding what Pink Ribbons Project is now, andI have utmost confidence in the current staff tolead the organization into a whole new level.These people will always be my sisters (and Joemy brother!). It goes without saying that our vol-unteers are the greatest in the universe — theirundying dedication to the cause and giving oftheir time with no hesitation sometimes leavesme breathless. Nothing would be possible with-out them, and I am lucky to be part of theirfamilies. And if you have given financially —in any capacity — to Pink Ribbons Project,we are grateful for you. You have assistedus in our growth and without even knowinghelped countless of men and women in theHouston community.

This is my last Executive Director letter in thisspace and I am blessed and honored to havethis opportunity to thank all of you for your sup-port, care and shared laughter. It has been mydeepest honor to work for Pink Ribbons Projectsince 2001 and serve as the Executive Directorfor the past three years. But do not think evenfor a moment that, although I will not be inPink HQ every day, you won’t see me around:say hello as you ride by me at Tour de Pink,smile when you see me cheer the loudest inthe audience of Pink at the Brown, and knowI am the proudest fan on the planet when Isee all the outreach projects Pink Power funds.Mother Theresa once said, “What can you do topromote world peace? Go home and love yourfamily.” Pink Ribbons Project has been my homefor so long, and you have been my family. It hasbeen a pleasure and privilege . . . Merci.

Not a good-bye, but a see you soon!

continued from page 1

The Serve Up a Cure Breast Cancer Awarenesscampaign began early this year with our firstever entry in Houston’s annual Art Car Parade.Our Art Car was themed “Check your Boobies!”instructing everyone to pay attention to their bod-ies with monthly self-examinations. A reported360,000 spectators watched as our car made itsway down Allen Parkway, camouflaged in pinkballoons with painted nipples, crowned with amassive pink feathered and pinwheeled breast,and pulling a single-axle trailer strongly resem-bling a tennis court. Appropriately decoratedcommittee members filled both vehicles andchanted our mantra to the crowds, “Check yourBoobies” and “Check your Pecs, too!” Theresponse was enthusiastic and well receivedand we all had a FABULOUS time! It was trulygratifying knowing that we were able to reachsuch a large population with our life-saving message. Our lighthearted but serious messagerecommends monitoring your breasts by taking30 seconds every month for self-examination todetect any changes. Recent statistics indicatethat only 50% of all breast cancers are foundwith mammography; through self-examinations,many of the most aggressive forms of cancerare detected.

Fall festivities began with our well-attendedKickoff Party on September 19 at the beautiful

host club, the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club.We indulged in wonderful hors d’oevres andthe great company of many friends and support-ers. Lots of prizes were traditionally awardedthroughout the evening.

Tennis Express graciously supported usagain this year with their Tennis Express Dayon October 10. Brad Blume, a continued spon-sor for Serve Up a Cure, donated a percentageof all sales that day in support of our mission aswell as pink perks with every purchase. TennisExpress carries the best and latest selectionof tennis merchandise and plenty of pinkitems, too!

October 12, 2012, marked the eleventhanniversary of our event. We began the eveningwith a room full of dazzling auction items down-stairs at the Galleria Tennis & Athletic Club.Upstairs was also abuzz with cocktails and abeautiful dinner buffet. Meanwhile, the inter -national tennis exhibition on stadium courtwowed us with pink attired professionalsNiclas Kroon and Blair Henley vs. PeterLundgren and Elaina Kazakova. Niclas, don -ning a lovely blond wig, still managed to pulloff his incredible shot- making skills, but men-tioned having a hot head! There were many raffle winners announced that evening alongwith the sur prise appearance of our superb

saxophoneplayer whorockedus out!PresidentClaire Gooseyintroduced her committee, and weall gave thanks to our terrific sponsorsand patrons.

It was smooth sailing and lots of laughsthroughout the weekend with great food andfine beverage service, consistent with the GTACreputation with general manager Ville Janssonat the helm.

Saturday morning came early for some atthe Pro-Am team tennis tournament. Therewere many close matches, lots of hit-and-giggleactivity, and a few with sore muscles for thoseonce-a-year tennis warriors!

Everyone came away from Serve Up a Cure2012 wonderfully satisfied knowing that theyhad made a difference in the lives of manyHoustonians. Serve Up a Cure’s new tagline is“Providing Breast Cancer Support & Awarenessto Houstonians through Tennis.” It will appearwith our logo to further identify our mission tothe public. SUAC is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corpo -ration comprised of volunteers with all moniesgoing to our beneficiary, the Pink Ribbons Project.

Serve Up a Cure In support of Pink Ribbons Projectby Mary Morgan, Vice President of Serve Up a Cure and 7-year survivor

2449 South Blvd., Suite 100 • Houston, TX 77098713.524.PINK (7465) • www.pinkribbons.org

Pink Ribbons vitals2449 South Blvd., Suite 100Houston, TX 77098Phone: 713.524.PINK (7465)Fax: 713.524.7565

info@pinkribbons.orgwww.pinkribbons.orgwww.tourdepink.org

Newsletter submissions tonewsletter@hotpinkflash.org

Newsletter design by Encore Marketing Communications

Our mission Using the arts, Pink Ribbons Project promotesbreast health, saves lives and improves the quality of life for those touched by breast cancer.

FACEBOOK:

Pink Ribbons Project

TWITTER:

http://twitter.com/#!/PinkRibbonsProj

BLOG:

http://pinkribbonsproject.wordpress.com/

Administrative Staff

Board of Directors

Susan Rafte, Survivor FounderJane Weiner, Founder and Artistic DirectorFaye Brislan, Finance AdministratorKristi Okwuonu, Development CoordinatorStephanie Zerger, Administrative CoordinatorMegan Zimont, Program CoordinatorCandace Rogers, Special Events Coordinator

Pink Office VolunteersBarbara Eaker

Pink InternsKit KlaesJackie LuoAlice LiRyan MasseyKelly Smith

Leslie AdairAnn AndersonChristie Cardon Ann CookMeggin CrawfordNadine Eidman

Laurette Blakey Foster, EdDMary FrappierAllison GowerClint MidgettGayle McMorrowShannon Chandler O’Brien

Mark Schusterman, MD, PAS. Shawn StephensRichard L. Theriault, DO, MBAAmy Longoria WaltzAnn WatkinsCindy Young

Advisory BoardPatty BiggioGinger BlantonF. Charles Brunicardi, MD, FAKermit EisenhutDr. Carolyn Farb, HCJeannie FrazierDorothy Weston GibbonsLoretta HanserMireille HassenboehlerLourdes T. Hernandez

Rosa C. HerstMayor Frank JacksonRobin KlaesLinda LorelleKenn McLaughlinDixie Melillo, MDBeth Sanders Moore C. Kent Osborne, MDLouise B. ParsleyDorothy Slator Paterson

Shelly B. PowerJim RecerTerry L. Simon, MD S. Eva Singletary, MD, FACS David SpawDouglas H. UstickGigi ValeraStanton Welch