January 2012

Upcoming Events

Pink in the Rink- January 14, 2012 (purchase tickets now!)
Uniquely Yours Bridal Showcase-January 15, 2012
Hoops for a Cure- February 19, 2012
Cruising 4 A Cure- March 5-10, 2012
William and Mary Tribe Fest for the Cure- March 31, 2012
Old Dudes Motorcycle Club Ride for the Cure- June 17, 2012
Race for the Cure 2012- October 20, 2012
Cruise to Nowhere- October 20, 2012

Race Team of the Month- Katie's Hope

Katie’s Hope team captain, Tammy Barton has been a constant supporter of Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Her contributions to Susan G. Komen’s mission - eradicating breast cancer forever - began during college and continue today with the Tidewater Affiliate. Her commitment and passion to Susan G. Komen includes a history of contributions, volunteering, participating in Komen’s Race for the Cures, being an active board member and most recently joining the Komen Staff in May 2011.  Breast cancer touched her life for the first time in 2006 when a maternal cousin, Katie Hankins, was diagnosed. The creation of Katie’s Hope in 2011 was a way to honor her survivorship and her zest for life and happiness while at the same time continuing to support Komen. The North Carolina affiliate of Susan G. Komen was an instrumental part of Katie’s journey and was able to provide Katie with support when she needed it.  Katie is a remarkable women, wife, mother, sister and most recently grandmother and the team was honored to have her be a part of the efforts.  Joining us on race day was Katie, several cousins, a sister, her son and her granddaughter Keegan!  What a celebration of life and survivorship and thankfulness to God that he continues to bless Susan G. Komen with such wonderful volunteers and supporters!

During the 2011 fundraising efforts Tammy’s Paternal Aunt, Hope Bullis, was diagnosed and began treatment for breast cancer.  Katie’s Hope 2012 will be in honor of both of these amazing women and the many others that will be on the same journeys.  There is still much to be done - join Katie’s Hope 2012 and make a difference!  Every contribution big or small makes a difference in OUR community and in the lives of the people we love!

Volunteers Needed

Start the new year right! Volunteer for the following committees and consider a leadership role as well!

Fundraising
Volunteer
PR & Marketing
Education
Development

As you already know, we are a grassroots organization and the future of the affiliate depends on your time and dedication to the cause. Please join us!

Claire Ackiss- Volunteer Coordinator

Meet the Board- Barb Geraghty

My name is Barb Geraghty and I’ve been on the Board of Directors since April 2009, first as the Board President, then as a Director at Large.  In addition to serving on the Board, I’ve been active with the Tidewater Affiliate since March 2008 as part of the Speakers Bureau, Mission Council, Race for the Cure, and Community Profile.  My mom is a 14 year breast cancer survivor and I celebrated 13 years as a survivor this past July and I have two younger sisters I hope never have to face that diagnosis.  Komen is my breast cancer charity of choice because 75 percent of our funds stay here in Hampton Roads and the remainder goes to needed research for better detection, better treatments and the cures for this disease.

Although I'm orginially from Minnesota, I have lived in a number of places including, Iceland, Japan and Italy, during my 31 year career in the Navy. The Tidewater area is a great place to live, so it was easy to make the decision to stay here after my naval career. When I'm not volunteering with Komen, I enjoy traveling the United States and around the world, scrapbooking, crocheting, and theater events.

Volunteer of the Month

Komen Tidewater would like to honor Mr. Rodney Watzlavick as this month's Volunteer of the Month! Rodney continually dedicates his time and energy to our cause, while helping all of us have a little more fun in the process!  Read below to learn his story.

Rodney, pictured left, with staff member DJ Luke Barton. 

SGK:What brought you to Komen Tidewater?
RW:I was asked by Missy Christianson to help out with Pink Martini night, now called Pink in the City, and rally enjoyed the group of volunteers and supporters that attended.

SGK: How long have you been a Komen Tidewater Volunteer?
RW: Not long. I've helped with three Pink Martini Nights, but only been a volunteer for about 8 months.

SGK:What types of volunteering have you done at the affiliate?
RW: All of my volunteer work has been based around the Pink in the City/Pink Martini Night.

SGK:What do you like most about your volunteer job?
RW: I feel like I;m part of a huge difference in our community and beyond. It's neat to know that you are helping people that you have never met.

SGK: How have you been affected by breast cancer?
RW: I personally haven't been directly affected by breast cancer, but various family members have had issues with cancer in general. My brother and I are the only males in our immediate family, the rest are all female. So, statistically I could be affected sooner or later.

 Komen Tidewater in Need of Supplies

General Office Needs

• Copy Paper
• File Folders
• Paper Clips
• Toilet Paper
• Paper Towels
• Cleaning Supplies
• Bathroom Air Freshner
• Lysol
• 13 Gallon Trashbags
• 33 Gallon Trashbags (Clear)

Mission Needs

• Safety Pins

Volunteer Appreciation Needs

• Soda/Juice
• Snacks

Race for the Cure Needs

• Zip Lock Bags (Gallon Size)

Letter from Board President- Maria Williamson

Happy new year!

The pink ribbon true sign of love and passion for the work we do. I believe 2011 was a good year in that we granted out $470,000 to serve those who needed it most in our community.

Our unwavering success in tidewater has been a combined effort of our staff and volunteers and donors.

Being the President of the Tidewater Affiliate is both a privilege and a great responsibility. I am determined to make the very best of the upcoming year. With our strong, motivated team and volunteers working together we can surely make a difference in the lives of those people in our community dealing with breast cancer.  We intend to stay in this fight together until we end breast cancer forever!

Once again, on behalf of our company, I wish you and your families, a happy and successful 2012.

Best wishes

Maria Williamson