Comfort Delivered, Hope Ignited: United Breast Cancer Foundation
Provides More Than $1.8 Million in
Donated Gifts and Mattresses to Breast Cancer Patients and
Survivors
WARWICK,
R.I., May 10, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- United
Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) is overjoyed to celebrate the
incredible success of its "Gifts of Comfort and Hope" Mattress
& Pink Bag Event, held on April
27 at the welcoming Warwick Mall in Rhode Island. This heartwarming event,
overflowing with generosity and camaraderie, served nearly 250
breast cancer patients and survivors, distributed over 150
luxurious and therapeutic queen size mattresses, and gifted an
incredible $1.8+ million worth of donated items. The Mattress &
Pink Bag Event was more than just gifting helpful and supportive
items, it ignited a renewed spirit of hope, and delivered a
powerful message to those affected by breast cancer – they are not
alone on this journey.
Stephanie
Mastroianni, UBCF's Executive Director, driven by her
mother's memory and a desire to bring comfort and support to
patients and survivors exclaimed, "There is a lot of love here.
It's nice to bring people together and it's all walks of life
because, you know, cancer has no bounds."
A breast cancer diagnosis can profoundly change a person's world
in an instant; the weight of the news leaves a trail of fear and
uncertainty. The journey ahead or reflection as a survivor requires
immense strength and courage. UBCF's mission is to make a positive
difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer, and
aims to ease some of the burdens. The "Gifts of Comfort and Hope"
Mattress & Pink Bag Event provided an opportunity to pamper
breast cancer patients and survivors. Warriors came out with
family, friends, caregivers and loved ones to enjoy the day. Loved
ones who were witness to disease, treatment and suffering finally
got to witness pleasure and celebration for a change.
For nearly two weeks leading up to the event, UBCF's dedicated
staff travelled from around the country, put in long hours and
poured their hearts into preparations on site. The turnout was
amazing, and the Mattress & Pink Bag Event was a seamless,
unforgettable experience for the breast cancer patients and
survivors in attendance.
Stephanie Mastroianni, UBCF's
Executive Director, driven by her mother's memory and a desire to
bring comfort and support to breast cancer patients and survivors
exclaimed, "There is a lot of love here. It's nice to bring people
together and it's all walks of life because, you know, cancer has
no bounds. The event brings them together and what they've been
through, so it feels good to bring a sense of community. The gifts
of comfort, that's a bonus, that's the draw. It's what makes people
show up, but I think it's the exchanging communication with each
other that makes all the difference. Those are the priceless things
that matter." She continues, "The tangible things are what brings
them here, but I think they leave with a whole different sense in
their heart and soul."
As attendees arrived, they were greeted with friendly smiles and
warm embraces. UBCF's Savannah
Whitlatch was part of the welcoming committee and a face
that many recognized. Like all of the UBCF staff, Savannah put in
days on end of hard work in preparation for the event. Savannah
reflected on the profound impact of the event, describing moments
of connection and gratitude shared by attendees. She shared this
experience, "At one point, I needed a moment, just a few minutes to
gather myself. I didn't walk but two to three steps before a lady
approached me and said that on her darkest days, she finds joy
watching my videos on Facebook. I was like, oh my heart!" Despite
the challenges of organizing such a large-scale event, Savannah
found fulfillment in witnessing the transformative effect it had on
participants, offering her a newfound perspective on life's
blessings.
Filled with anticipation and the hope of finally receiving a
comfortable, restorative night's rest, the vehicles lined up on
that beautiful Saturday morning. Volunteers and moving specialists
were ready to load up over 150 restorative, supportive mattresses
gifted to awaiting attendees. These gifts, symbolizing not just a
restful night's sleep but a foundation for healing, were met with
tearful expressions of gratitude and profound appreciation. The
practicality of the mattresses was intertwined with a deeper
message of dignity and self-care. Each mattress recipient received
a Pink Bag filled with specially selected gifts including a set of
queen-sized sheets for their newly acquired mattresses along with a
luxurious bathrobe, slippers and a beautiful thermal mug.
"Thank you so much for the event last Saturday. It was
incredible of all the fabulous free items. I am thoroughly enjoying
the comfortable mattress! The food was delicious too. Betty, my
personal shopper, made the event extra special! She was sweet, kind
& helpful. All the workers that I interacted with were also
nice; especially the men who helped carry the items to the vehicle.
I was teary eyed by the end," thanked Mattress recipient, Helen.
"Thanks for the support! It's comforting to know that there are so
many special people there supporting those affected with breast
cancer."
Meanwhile at the Pink Bag Shopping Event outside, individuals
had the unique opportunity to choose from a diverse selection of
quality gifts, including brand name sneakers, weighted blankets,
pampering makeup and personal care products, household goods, toys,
and children's items to share with little ones. Personal Shopper
Volunteers escorted attendees to gather, document, and provide a
more individualized experience for selecting items that helped with
personal journey with breast cancer. Carts were overflowing with
delightful items to make each warrior feel spoiled. The thoughtful
selection of goods available highlighted the importance of
prioritizing oneself during this challenging time. Newport Creamery
ice cream treats provided added an indulgent touch for everyone to
enjoy during the event.
Joyce attended the event and expressed her gratitude, "I just
wanted to let you know that what you do for breast cancer
[patients] is incredible. I entered and surprisingly was selected
to participate. I am beside myself with gratitude for everything
that was donated and the compassion of the participants that helped
all the patients. I never thought I would feel like a kid again at
Christmas. Yet, here I am living my best life and dealing with
breast cancer. I can't thank you enough. And no words could ever
communicate my appreciation for what you did for me…. Love to you
all."
The last stop of the day created a sanctuary for shared
experiences. Attendees were welcomed to the dedicated lounge area
inside the mall for specially prepared snacks and a place to rest
after a busy day. Thoughtfully furnished for relaxation and
conversation, the lounge became a haven for attendees – a space
where shared stories and laughter intermingled. Here, people from
all walks of life, united by their experiences with breast cancer,
found solace and strength in each other's company. Tears mingled
with moments of joy and camaraderie, creating a powerful sense of
togetherness.
Donna Meehan, UBCF's Grant
Programs Specialist, mingled with warriors in the lounge, many of
whom she had bonded with through phone conversations during the
application process. Trying to hold back her tears, Donna said
sincerely, "To meet face to face and be able to hug and hold each
other's hands and let them know that we genuinely care about them.
It's a blessing to be on this side of things. To be a part of a
team that genuinely cares, and this event was just amazing, and it
was amazing to be a part of it." She summed up the day overall, "I
can't think of any way to make it any more amazing other than if
we'd had fireworks. That's about the only way you could have topped
this event."
Overwhelming, in a good way, was the word of choice for the
honored guests. Many shared how they are not used to receiving so
many gifts, and how they are used to being the giver. UBCF's aim
for the "Gifts of Comfort and Hope" Event was to give to these
brave women – one day to spoil and honor them.
"Thank you so much for the event today. You made my mom's day so
extremely special, and she so deserved this day. I cannot thank you
enough on how you made her feel today. It is the caring and
compassionate selfless people in your organization that truly
brightened up my mom's day and her spirit. I can't remember the
last time I've seen her so happy and celebrating a day all about
her was amazing. Thank you again for all that you do," proclaimed
Marie regarding her mother Rosemarie.
The event wasn't just about receiving gifts; it was a
celebration of life and strength. For many attendees, this was
their first chance to connect with others who understood their
struggles, a chance to laugh, cry, and celebrate their journeys
together. The event became a testament to the human spirit's
ability to find strength and connection in the face of
adversity.
The UBCF staff ensured a seamless and supportive experience for
all attendees. The Mattress & Pink Bag Event was a resounding
success, radiating hope and fostering a sense of community. It
provided attendees with the resources they need to navigate their
journeys, the inspiration to face challenges head-on, and the
knowledge that they are not alone. The event ignited a spark of
hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is
strength in community.
The success of the event was made possible by the dedication of
volunteers, the generosity of sponsors, and the support of the
Warwick community. From local
businesses lending equipment to volunteers offering their time and
compassion, every contribution played a vital role in creating a
day of relief, renewal, and inspiration. A big thank you to Warwick
Mall for providing the space and security team services to host the
event and to the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation for
help with spreading the word and recruiting volunteers. Thank you
to All My Sons for being an integral
part of distributing the mattresses and helping to load vehicles.
Thank you to PeopleReady for the support staff. UBCF would also
like to thank the following retailers for providing shopping carts,
shelving and hangers for the Pink Bag Shopping Event: Target, JC
Penney, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy,
Shaw's Grocery Store, and Stop and Shop. Thank you to Newport
Creamery for the providing the delicious ice cream treats that were
enjoyed by all. Pranzi Catering provided delightful hors d'oeuvres
for the guest attendees in the lounge area and the tent for the
shopping event. The entire crew was grateful for the lunch provided
by Pizza Bella. Thank you to Build-A-Bash for the festive balloon
decorations. UBCF is grateful for Luke Rechan Entertainment and
Nicholas van der Wal for capturing
special moments and highlights from the event. UBCF is looking
forward to collaborating with more partners and bring more events
to the region in the future.
The "Gifts of Comfort and Hope" event extends beyond the
attendees themselves. It serves as a beacon of hope for the broader
community, raising awareness about breast cancer and inspiring
others to get involved in the fight. The generosity of donors, the
tireless efforts of volunteers, and the collaborative spirit
between organizations all contributed to the event's success. This
ripple effect of compassion has the power to make a lasting
difference in the lives of those impacted by breast cancer.
About UBCF
United Breast Cancer Foundation is a non-profit founded in 2000
with a mission to make a positive difference in the lives of those
impacted by breast cancer. UBCF is committed to gifting helpful and
supportive donated items and funding breast health and wellness
services focused on education, screening, treatment, recovery, and
wellness. The platinum rated, 4-star charity offers numerous
life-supporting patient and family programs available to women,
men, and families nationwide. Tax-deductible contributions (consult
your tax advisor) may be made towards UBCF's programs. UBCF accepts
contributions through Donor Advised Funds and vehicle and property
donations as well. Combined Federal Campaign #77934.
Media Contact
Beth Reichart, United Breast
Cancer Foundation, 8778224287, beth@ubcf.org, UBCF.org
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SOURCE United Breast Cancer Foundation