The Pink Pumpkin Breast Cancer Awareness Event
🗓️ Date: October 3, 2024 ⏰ Time: 5:30-7:30 PM
During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we invite you to an evening of information, sisterhood, and glassblowing.
Special Guests Speakers
Elizabeth Leach, MSN, RN, FNP-C, Lead Nurse Practitioner at Cuda Breast Care Center
Dr. Naomi Kalliath, Breast Surgeon at Cuda Breast Care Center and Falmouth Breast Care Center
They will be discussing overall breast wellness and strategies for managing breast cancer.
Event Highlights Open Artist Studio: Watch leading women glassblowers showcase their talents with live demonstrations. You'll have the chance to ask questions of both the artists and medical experts!
Supporting a Cause: 100% of the proceeds of pink pumpkin sales will be donated to the Cape Cod Women's Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Fund at Cape Cod Healthcare. This fund helps patients cover the costs of diagnostic testing not paid for by health insurance. You can also donate to this great cause without purchasing a pumpkin.
Remember: If you're facing a breast cancer diagnosis, you are not alone. Let’s come together and embrace the healing power of women! 💪
The Pink Pumpkin Event
The Why!
Kate’s Story
It was early March as I was performing a self breast exam that I discovered a lump in my left breast. It felt small, maybe the size of a grape. The mass felt different from my breast tissue--it was solid and firm. My family history of breast cancer began to flood my mind. All of the worst case scenarios rushed through: what if this spreads? What if I need chemo? What if I need radiation? What if I die?
I immediately reached out to my primary care doctor and began the long process of getting a diagnosis. After mammograms, ultrasounds, MRIs, and tons of blood work, it was time to talk about my options. Doctor Nimkar from the Dana Farber Cancer Center associated with South Shore Hospital and I agreed that a double mastectomy would be the most aggressive approach with the lowest percentage of recurrence. I was so terrified about the pain that I was about to go through. Would I be able to blow glass again? It was going to be a long road to recovery.
My life partner Becca helped me through this whole process. We cried, laughed, screamed, and, most importantly, had faith together. Becca is an incredible nurse who provided the best care. Despite the stressors, we managed to enjoy life in the little moments. I am happy to report I am cancer FREE! I feel very grateful to be alive and have the support and encouragement of Sandwich Glass Museum, family, and friends.
Meet Our Guest Speakers
Dr. Naomi Kalliath (CAL-EE-UTH) is board-certified breast surgical oncologist who completed general surgery residency at UPMC Pinnacle followed by an oncoplastics fellowship at Brown University Women & Infants’ Hospital. She is a published author and active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons. Dr. Kalliath has a caring heart for people affected by breast disease and has been with Cape Cod Healthcare for three years.
Elizabeth Leach is the lead nurse practitioner at the Cuda Breast Care Center and has been working with Cape Cod Hospital for over five years. She worked locally in family medicine for 10 years before joining Cape Cod Healthcare. She earned her master's degree as a family nurse practitioner from Simmons College and her undergraduate bachelor’s in nursing from Northeastern University. She helps care for patients newly diagnosed with breast cancer as well as survivors'. She runs a monthly breast cancer support group and oversees the Early Detection Fund which helps cover the costs of breast imaging.
In Remembrance and Honor
Purchase a pink pumpkin to symbolize hope and raise awareness. This special pumpkin can be a touching tribute to a loved one or a meaningful way to support the fight against breast cancer. 100% of the proceeds of pink pumpkin sales will be donated to the Fund.
You can even make a donation to the Fund without buying a pumpkin.
The Pink Pumpkins will also be available for purchase on the night of the event and during the SGM Annual Pumpkin Fest.
Buy your tickets today and join us for this empowering evening!
