“You have cancer” are words I never anticipated hearing. Unfortunately, I heard those words in July of 2021. The last two years have been an unexpected journey; a journey I could not have done alone. I was fortunate enough to be mentored by some amazing women who went through it before me. Since my diagnosis, in two short years, I have helped mentor other women who have been recently diagnosed. The Winona Area Breast Cancer support group was started in 2022 and has grown to over 30 members. Unfortunately, the number continues to grow. The support group has partnered with the Minnesota Firefly Sisterhood, and now we work together to mentor people newly diagnosed with breast cancer and support all survivors. The Winona Health Foundation’s Breast Cancer Fund has been a great resource for the Winona Area Breast Cancer support group. It helped us provide the Breast Cancer Support bags we put together last year. We gave these bags of comfort items and goodies to nine local women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. These bags were to help them know they are not alone, and we are all here to support them on their journey. The ThinkPINK Color Fun Run/Walk is an important event for the Winona community to help grow the Winona Health Foundation’s Breast Cancer fund, which helps us continue our efforts of mentorship, support, awareness and giving. I hope you join me in the walk on Sunday, October 8th. To learn more or sign up, visit ThinkPINK Color Fun Run/Walk. I hope to see you there! Pictured, Laura Schaffner shares a smile and a hug with Jodi Olson, a fellow caregiver with Winona Health Hospice, at the ThinkPINK Color Fun Run/Walk in 2022. Laura Schaffner is a registered nurse with Winona Health Winona Area Hospice.
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