TBBCF Newsletter 2007December

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

TOP 5 FUNDRAISERS

Gina Garreffi
Marcie Brensilver
Jean Logan
Linda Stefanski
Jean Barrasso

WALK PHOTO ALBUMS

Photos courtesy of Shawn Stiles

Look for Photos courtesy of
Essex TV in our January issue

IN THIS ISSUE

Emmy Nominated songwriter's experience inspirational

I felt like "the Kenyan": Helen Lancaster, first walker to cross the finish line recounts her experience

Not Quite a Cocktail Party: Melissa Burns hosts support group for survivors

SPECIAL OFFERS

BJ's Wholesale Club: Special Membership Offer

Bowerbird Gift Wrap Program

bellaPerlina Special Edition Bracelet & Lariat

SAVE THE DATE

October 4, 2008 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. Be on the lookout for an email announcing open registration.

P.O. Box 785
New London, CT 06320
860-245-0402
tbbcf@sbcglobal.net

LOGAN'S HEROES: Walkers rule!
165 Marathoners Make the Journey from Saybrook Point to Harkness Memorial Park in the Second Annual Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. By Anne Rochette

There were cloudy skies and sunny spirits as 165 marathoners took to the roads on October 6 for the second annual Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. The walking marathon is the signature fundraiser of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation. This amazing group of walkers is well on the way to raising over $300,000 for breast cancer research. They have earned their dog tags and the right to be called Logan's Heroes.

Geralyn & Tim
As of this writing, 117 of the 165 walkers have met the fundraising requirement of $1000. Indeed, the average fundraising total per walker was $1800. Participants have until December 31st to complete their fundraising. The top five fundraisers to date are Gina Garreffi, Marcie Brensilver, Jean Logan, Linda Stefanski, and Jean Barrasso.

The Master of Ceremonies for the 6:30 a.m. opening ceremony was Kevin Hogan of Channel 8 News. Among the speakers who shared their reasons for walking were breast cancer survivors Charlene Corkhill of East Lyme, Joanne Hodge of Waterford, and Marcie Brensilver of Stonington. Ashley and Melanie, daughters of Tim and the late Terri Brodeur offered inspiration and encouragement to the walkers as well.

The walk kicked off at 7:00 led by Geralyn McPhail, sister to founder Norma Logan, and Tim Brodeur, husband to foundation namesake Terri Brodeur. The walkers received a spirited send-off from an enthusiastic crew.

The success of the walk is due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of the volunteer crew members. 72 of the 128 crew members who supported the walkers were participating for the second year. They were joined by enthusiastic newcomers including a group of East Lyme Girl Scouts and employees of Sava Insurance. Crew responsibilities included cyclist support, event day advertising, hydration, medical support and massage therapy, opening and closing ceremonies, pit stops, procurement, registration, traffic and safety, walker assistance, walker registration, and walker training. Essex TV cameramen and local photographer, Shawn Stiles, documented the event capturing hundreds of images.

Helen Lancaster
Helen Lancaster of New London was the first person across the finish line at Harkness Memorial Park. She finished the marathon in 5 hours, 40 minutes, and 3 seconds! Helen reported that this time was 11 minutes faster than her first running marathon. Though faster, Helen admits the walking marathon was infinitely harder and much more rewarding than running, adding "I am so glad I took on this challenge and so proud to be a very small part of raising funds to support research for the cure!" Click here to read Helen's chronicle I felt like the Kenyan

Pictured from left to right: Rich Pugliese, Rosemarie Moskow, and Sean Brodeur (front), Michelle Sotille, Marcie Brensilver and Don Brodeur

Pictured here are Terri and Tim Brodeur's daughters, Ashley and Melanie with Alex Interlandi
In spite of the unseasonable warmth of marathon day, the last group of walkers, including Sean Brodeur, Terri's son, and Michelle Sottile, Terri's sister, crossed the finish line at 4:15 p.m. They were accompanied by 16 year survivor and founding member Marcie Brensilver who, once again, walked at the back of the pack in support of the last walkers.

The closing ceremonies capped an exciting day for walkers who celebrated the completion of a demanding physical and mental challenge and for volunteers who shared the satisfaction of a job well done. Tim Brodeur, paying tribute to our founder, Norma Logan, referred to her as the spirit of TBBCF while honoring his wife, Terri Brodeur, as the face of TBBCF. Both women represent what the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation is all about. Also speaking was Geralyn McPhail who reminded us of the meaning behind the dog tags presented to walkers at the finish line.

Melissa Burns, breast cancer survivor and activist, pictured with Brest Buds Team Co-Captain, Heidi Shepherd (right), was the keynote speaker for closing ceremonies. Melissa's message was one of hope and celebration of the walkers. In Melissa's words: "Wow! We did it! For all of you first timers, like me, you can now call yourself a marathoner! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that would be a word I would use to describe myself. But then again, 'cancer survivor' wasn't a moniker I thought I'd use either. As I look out at all of my fellow survivors and our supporters, I am honored to share both titles with you. By being here today, we have all been touched in one way or another by breast cancer. But something more powerful has brought us here today and that is HOPE. We have just walked 26.2 miles. We have each raised at least $1000 because we all have the hope that with our funds, a cure will be found. It may not be tomorrow but we are definitely getting closer! That, I assure you."

Congratulations from all of us at the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation to all walkers and crew on your amazing accomplishment! There are no words to adequately describe our deep admiration and gratitude.

Number of walker registrations		193
Number of walkers who completed the event		165
Number of walkers who walked prior to Oct. 6		4
Walkers who fulfilled fund-raising requirement		117
Number of returning marathoners		44
Number of breast cancer survivors walking the event		13
Number of crew members who participated in 2006		72
Average fundraising total		$1800

What's next... Walkers post-walk checklist.

Remember to thank your donors. We thank you for all the wonderful personal notes you have written to us over the past few weeks. It is so gratifying. It is now time for us to thank the individuals who supported your fundraising. If you need a copy of your profile to help you guide you in writing thank you notes to your donors, please send an email to smaniscalco.tbbcf@sbcglobal.net. We will send you that information.

Remember what we did. Of the 193 registered walkers, 165 marathoners completed the event. Another four individuals completed the marathon at another time. These individuals are foundation volunteers who decided to complete the marathon (along with the fundraising) to honor Terri and Norma and at the same time take on Co-Chair and Team Captain roles in support of the October 6th walk. Our fundraising total is climbing and it is predicted that through the walk and other efforts we will raise nearly $325,000.

Remember that fundraising is ongoing through December 31. Irene Corsino and Barbara O'Connell are our fundraising mentors. They are committed to helping you get to your goal. Let us know if you would like to talk to them.

Look for the results of the online survey in early December. Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. We look forward to addressing any concerns that you have about this year's walk as well as hearing of ways we can improve your experience for next year.

REMEMBER to mark your calendars for the October 4, 2008 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. Be on the lookout for an email announcing that the registration page is open.

Logan's Heroes Dog Tags
By Sandy Maniscalco on behalf of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation Leaders, Board of Directors & Scientific Advisory Committee

In 2005, our Founder, Norma Logan led a team of 30 walkers and 7 crew members in a three day walk from Nassau, New Hampshire to Cambridge, Massachusetts. In the months leading up to the July walk, Norma who was diagnosed at stage four was constantly dealing with the complications associated with the insidious cancer that had metastasized to her liver. Just four weeks before the 60 mile walk she was barely able to walk a tenth of a mile let alone 60 miles. But somehow this extraordinary woman was able to join her teammates on the three day 60 mile course. It was a miracle walk for sure.

Before the walk Norma decided she wanted to do something special for the amazing men and women who had joined her in the fight against breast cancer. She decided she would present each walker and crew member with a personalized set of dog tags. Norma went to an Army Navy Store and ordered the engraved dog tags. One tag captured the event name and date. The other tag simply said, "You are my hero." Love, Norma. She was first to finish the walk on the last day … by choice. At the end of the walk she greeted each walker and crew member by placing the dog tags over their heads and giving them a big Norma hug.

For the members of Team 2005, our dog tags have come to symbolize our commitment to Norma to continue the fight against breast cancer. We wear our dog tags in solidarity as many wear rubber bracelets. These dog tags remind us of Norma's unwavering determination and her incredible spirit. They remind us we are Logan's Heroes. They remind us of the woman who brought us all here today.

Had Norma been here, she would have personally presented each of you with your set of dog tags. Instead she sent us her band of heroes to honor you. Today you became one of Logan's Heroes.

In words I borrowed from Norma, "We share a connection that will never be broken whether you participate in our non-profit, join us on the October 6, 2007 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut, or write a check. Just keep the hope alive. And as Norma often reminded us, "Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have." (Margaret Mead)

I Felt Like the Kenyan
By Helen Lancaster

You know how at all the big running events there always seems to be a Kenyan in the lead? If you've ever seen one you know that TV cameras and bicyclists and support people follow that person, even as they are running at unbelievable speeds. Some who are marathon runners will read what follows and perhaps be disappointed, but everyone should know I just experienced the proudest day of my life.

On October 6, 2007 I had the joy and privilege of taking part in the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation 26.2 Mile Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut.

I have never, ever been first at anything and in fact, when I run I am a back of the pack runner. As I trained for the walk I had friends say to me that I was walking fast, but I really didn't think anything of it.

I began to suspect that something was up about a week prior to the walk when I received a request from the Foundation President, Sandy. She said, "When you check in, make sure you tell the registration people that you are a fast walker. We want to be able to do our best to support you." I arrived at 6 a.m. to check in at Monument Park in Old Saybrook. It was still dark, but strangely warm for an October day in Connecticut. I got my bib, number 102 and walked away from the registration table. After I got my bib pinned on I realized I hadn't said anything so I walked back to the table and told them, "Sandy asked me to let you know I walk fast." They looked straight back at me and said, "Oh yes, we've already been warned." Huh?

We were standing around waiting for the opening ceremonies and my husband, as usual, was already seeing people he knew. I was chatting with my friend Karen, who supports me at just about every event I do, when suddenly there was one of the bicycle patrol people in front of me. He said, "Hi 102, what's your real name?" "Helen." "Hi Helen, we hear you're a speed walker and I just wanted to introduce myself and let you know we are going to do our best to support you. The thing is, because this is all volunteer, we are afraid you are going to get ahead of the pit stops. Let me give you my cell phone number and if you are alone and need anything at any time you call me and I will get a cyclist to you. In the meantime we will do our best to check on you as often as we can." Huh? We haven't even started and my head is swimming.

The opening ceremonies begin and they are so touching. The Star Spangled Banner is beautifully sung followed by several speakers, including the daughters of Terri Brodeur who spoke about their Mom and why they were walking (these girls were young maybe 12 or 14 years old). Then they warm us up with a few aerobic type exercises and we were off. I was sort of mid-pack to start and then one by one I realize I'm passing people and then I am in the lead. I didn't think much about it, as I was more concerned about seeing the directional arrows and getting over the bridge out of Old Saybrook where I felt I knew the route better. As I'm approaching Mile 1 I see some photographers and as I pass one of them says, "You're walking almost too fast for us to take your picture." Huh? Then I turn around and realize I can't see any other walkers - and there had to be 150+ that started with me. Huh? Never mind, just keep going.

The pit stops, every 3 miles, were well stocked and well staffed. The minute they saw me coming they started clapping and cheering so invigorating. I stopped briefly at the first stop to say thank you, grab some water and keep going. The cyclists were already tracking me and catching me about every 5 minutes. They were so nice and showed great concern for my well-being. Swarming around me like bees really.

As I neared the pit closest to the first bridge a policeman doing traffic control yells, "You go girl, you are SMOKING!"

And that is how it went. When I got to the 9 mile pit, I decided to take a quick bathroom break and fill my water bottles up. The crew was fabulous pointing me to the cleanest porta potty and filling my bottles for me. I told them they could teach some of the running events a thing or two about support. Cheering and clapping as I came and went the fuel to keep going. At the 12 mile pit they told me, "You either need to slow down or be willing to continue with no lunch - you're going to be at the lunch stop before the food is ready." I told them no problem, I was used to training with Accelerade and bananas.

I called Bobby at mile 13 so he could meet me at the lunch pit to give me more Accelerade and the next thing I knew the route was leading us through the woods! Those who know me know I'm not a woodsy camp type girl so to say I wasn't thrilled sort of understates the situation. I ended up walking almost 2 miles on this trail yuck! I mean maybe I would have enjoyed it another time, but really. Eventually the trail came back out to road, then to a boardwalk. Just before I reached the lunch pit there was a huge crowd of event crew screaming their heads off that's when I thought, "I'M THE KENYAN THIS IS UNBELIEVABLE!" It was almost surreal.

My beloved, Bobby, was waiting for me, along with the wonderful volunteers who attended to getting me a banana and filling my water bottles again. Lunch was not ready but I didn't even care, I was in the zone. Except, Bobby forgot the Accelerade so he went back home to get it. I took off to walk again and was led into another crazy trail! Good grief. I was so glad to get out of that trail and see civilization again. At this point I was ahead the pit stops but I had plenty of water on my belt and knew of a water fountain coming up.

That led me to the second boardwalk and second bridge. Bobby called me just before the boardwalk and caught up with me at Mile 20 to help me refill my Accelerade. He left and I climbed the big hill there only to be surprised by my dear husband stopping traffic at Mile 21 so I could cross the road. We quickly said bye and I told him I would call him at Mile 24. He said, "I probably should just go to the finish." I responded, "Do what you want, I'll call you either way." At Mile 22, I saw my first cyclist since Mile 13. She said, "Goodness, you're walking so fast we're having a hard time finding you. If you walk this fast, how fast do you run a marathon?" I told her that I thought I was going to finish this walking event faster than I ran my first marathon. She told me good luck and said I probably wouldn't see another cyclist unless I called.

At the Mile 23 pit stop, they went absolutely crazy as I came through and played the theme from Rocky for me. The put pink beads around my neck and gave me cards that said, "Strength and Accomplishment."

At Mile 24 I called Bobby and got the answering machine, (yes dh refuses to have a cell phone), so I assumed he had already gone to the finish mistake - he was running a cold water bath so I could come home and ice my legs and didn't hear the phone. He called me back at mile 24 ½ and said, "I'm sorry I'll be there, I'll be there!"

I made it to the finish and as I came up over the rise, my sister-in-law Gilda, who was diagnosed with breast cancer this past spring and who I was walking for, saw me and started screaming, "Oh Helen, it's you, it's you you're the first one honey you're the first one." Then she ran towards me crying and laughing and grabbed me and we ran through the pink balloon arch together.

My brother Joe, whose wife Katharine I was also walking for, was there, along with my Mom who had a beautiful bouquet of lilies for me. My dh finally made it about 5 minutes later and then a bit later my running partner Pete who trained with me all summer came with his wife Lucille. As we were standing around, the woman cyclist who had been with me the most came over and said, "I just need to get a hug from you, you are so inspiring."

It took me 5 hours 40 minutes and 3 seconds to walk this marathon. Believe it or not, it was 11 minutes faster than the first marathon I RAN! It was also infinitely harder but so much more rewarding. I am so glad that I took on this challenge and so proud to be a very small part of the research for the cure! Thank you so much to all the crew and support staff of the Foundation and to all my sponsors for making this possible!

Speech - Keynote Speaker Melissa Burns

Thank you to everyone at the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation for inviting me to speak today. When I was asked I was a bit hesitant at first. You see, I wasn't sure I would be able to make the 26.2 miles, let alone speak English afterwards, but that quick massage and martini did the trick!

Wow! We did it! For all of you first timers, like me, you can now call yourself a marathoner!! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that would be a word I would use to describe myself. But then again, "cancer survivor" wasn't a moniker …I thought I'd use either. As I look out at all of my fellow survivors and our supporters, I am honored to share both titles with you

By being here today, we have all been touched in one way or another by breast cancer. But something more powerful has brought us here today and that is HOPE. We have just walked 26.2 miles. We have each raised at least $1000 because we all have the hope that with our funds, a cure will be found. It may not be tomorrow but we are definitely getting closer! That I assure you.

My story is one of hope and it began in mid-December 2005, when I was 32 years old. I was in the shower and I found a lump in my right breast. At the time, I was not one who did monthly breast exams, so this lump caught me by surprise. I wasn't overly concerned, though. I was 5 months pregnant with my second daughter and as many of you know, breasts go through many changes during pregnancy. At my next appointment with the obstetrician, I mentioned the lump and all of a sudden everything took a serious turn. I was scheduled for ultrasounds and biopsies. After these, I still thought "not cancer, not me".

Three days before Christmas, I was putting my 20-month-old daughter, Riley, down for her nap when I received a phone call. The surgeon called with the biopsy results and said things looked different they had expected and that she would like to see me that afternoon. I was still in denial until she added, "Oh, and could you bring your husband?"

That afternoon, as my world spun upside down and inside out, I was given a diagnosis of Stage II invasive ductal carcinoma, breast cancer. Not only were they telling me I needed chemotherapy right away but a mastectomy of my right breast was also strongly recommended. In between the "oh my god's," "holy shits," and tears…my husband and I tentatively and with trepidation asked the question for which we were dreading the answer…"What about our baby?" We were relieved -- albeit skeptical -- to hear that because I was in my second trimester and the baby's major organs were fully formed that surgery and chemotherapy were actually safe for our unborn child. I, like many others, was unaware of these developments in cancer treatment. Two of the drugs used in adjuvant therapy of breast cancer, adriamyacin and cytoxin, in combination form a large enough molecule that they do not penetrate the placenta. Our baby was safe.

I went on to have my mastectomy and 4 rounds of A/C before I gave birth to my beautiful miracle baby Kaylie. She was born 6 weeks early but absolutely perfect. When I saw her full head of black hair I had my proof that the chemo hadn't touched her. It was a bit odd - me being the bald one. I finished my treatment with 4 rounds of taxol and had reconstruction.

I wouldn't have known about this wonderful foundation if it wasn't for my dear friend Heather Roche. If foundations like Terri Brodeur didn't fund important breast cancer research, my husband and I would have had a very difficult decision to make. My daughter and I are living proof that the research is paying off and we are getting closer to a cure. And that is precisely why I say that my story is one of HOPE.

Each discovery made possible through the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation and other good charities chasing a breast cancer cure, represents HOPE to breast cancer survivors. And we all are survivors…if a week, a year, or a generation.

Doctors Erica Mayer and Andrea Oliver at Dana Farber Cancer Institute and Dr. Samitt Chatterjee at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories, are just a few of the researchers touched by angel Terri Brodeur. Each researcher -- each find -- is a building block to the survival of another mom, grandmother, sister, aunt or friend. As Terri Brodeur grantee Dr. Oliver said, "I believe that we are on the cusp of finding a way to possibly eradicate breast cancer as a source of mortality within the next generation."

I didn't personally know Terri Brodeur but after hearing her story, I feel as if I did. As described by her own family, Terri waged a battle that "was defined not by how the cancer impacted her physically but how she triumphed emotionally and spiritually…" and by her actions, she "left a legacy of courage and love that will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to know her."

There is a job to be done and those of us in this beautiful park are not sitting on the sidelines. It seems the least we can do in Terri's memory. It's the least I can hope for, for MY daughters.

Not Quite a Cocktail Party By Sandi Kahn Shelton, Register Staff

Melissa Burns, left, of Guilford, talks with Kim DiRaffaele, also of Guilford, at the first meeting of a breast cancer support group for younger women. (Sandi Kahn Shelton/Register)
Melissa Burns says she got another one of those calls again today. She picked up the telephone, and there, on the other end, was a frightened young woman struggling with a diagnosis of breast cancer.

Burns, a Guilford mom, has been there. Just before Christmas of 2005, at the age of 32, she was five months pregnant when she noticed a lump in her breast during her morning shower. She thought it was just a side effect of pregnancy, but instead it was stage 2 breast cancer. She underwent an immediate mastectomy and chemotherapy, and her baby - a healthy baby girl - was delivered six weeks early.

She entered what she calls "the world of cancer," having no idea what to expect.

"I went to support groups, but most of the women there were much older. They were sympathetic and wonderful, but they weren't dealing with the same issues I was. I was worried about my children and my marriage and my sexuality and my fertility, and they didn't have those concerns right then," she recalls.

Through her involvement in cancer care - she's on a committee at Yale that is studying ways to enhance the compassionate care at the Cancer Center - she's become known as a person who is interested in talking to other young women, and several doctors now refer patients to her.

"Every time I get one of these calls, and sometimes there are several in a week, I just want to become her best friend and hold her hand and let her know she's not alone," says Burns. "But I can't. I also realize that every cancer diagnosis is different, and s ome of the other women I know might be a better match for them. That's why I decided to start a young women's breast cancer support group."

Her support group - so new it doesn't have a name yet - met for the first time Thursday, and will meet at her house on the second Thursday of each month from now on. It's open to women 45 and under who have been diagnosed with cancer, either breast or any gynecological cancer.

This isn't going to be a typical support group, Burns says - no sitting in a circle, going around the room telling the cancer story. "I want it to be a Girls' Night Out, where our common bond is that we're cancer survivors," she says. "I want people to be free to gravitate to each other as they want to, and I want it to be light and positive. Cancer doesn't define us, it's just part of who we are."

The future meetings will address issues that young women typically face: psychological wellbeing (Burns plans to invite a psychotherapist who is herself a breast cancer survivor); sexuality; marriage; pregnancy after treatment; health and nutrition; meditation; career problems; and best ways of helping their young children cope.

"I'm not expecting miracles right away," she says. "But I want women to have a place to go to receive comfort and talk to other women who've been there. We feel so alone when we're battling this disease. I want this to be like a wine and cheese party, light and fun."

Dena Bowling, 28, of Norwich, is planning to be a regular member. She was diagnosed on July 3 of this year, just three weeks after she'd moved from Texas to Connecticut. Far from home and with a husband in the military and a 4-year-old daughter, she was overwhelmed and had no idea where to turn, when her surgeon recommended she call Burns.

They became immediate friends.

"I was so relieved to talk to her," Bowling says. "She answered so many questions I had: what this was going to be like, what a patient really feels like. It's a much different perspective from what the doctors tell you, somebody who's been there. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of other women. I've felt so alone."

Kim DiRaffaele, 43, of Guilford, says that she's attended a support group since her diagnosis in 2005. She is the mother of three children, who were 14, 10 and 6 at the time of her illness. "At first I thought I didn't want to talk to other people about cancer," she says. "But as things went along, I found out I needed to. Not only do you learn stuff from other people, but it keeps you from going crazy. No one truly understands what you're going through the way your support group friends do."

Rose Ciardiello, 42, of Guilford, is also planning to be a regular member. She was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at the age of 38, soon after she'd finished breast-feeding her youngest child, who was a year old. Since then, the cancer has returned in her other breast.

"I attended a support group and it helped for a while, but no one was my age, and even the younger members didn't have kids," she says. "A group like this will bring lots of younger women together. It won't be a 'woe is me' kind of thing, but a place where you can have a good time and talk to other people who are going through the same thing. It's a place to give and get hope."

Emmy nominated songwriter's experience inspires melody

Walker and Emmy Nominated Songwriter, Jill Gaudelli (left), is pictured with Brest Buds teammates, Karen Hersher (center) and Catie Canetti (left)
Jill Gaudelli is a very talented pianist and Emmy nominated songwriter. "I feel very blessed to have the ability to express myself through music. I have been writing songs for a very long time and it really gives me great pleasure for people to hear and enjoy my music."

She has been writing and performing children's music for the last 13 years. She has written and produced over ten children's CDs. Her catchy tunes have proven to be an enormous success amongst her target audience, motivating a wide range of kids to sing and dance along. She is currently producing a series of music videos aimed at school age children (grades preschool to 4) that address the very serious growing problem among children in the U.S. in which one out of every four children is obese and lack a healthy lifestyle.

Jill is mother of two school age children. "My two girls Reese (age 5) and Jordan (age 16) are the most important and precious gifts in my life.

Jill is a marathoner who participated in the 2007 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut in support of Melissa Burns and her Brest Buds teammates and in honor of all breast cancer survivors. When asked what inspired her to write a song about the October 6 Walk, Jill says, "I was so moved and inspired after the TBBCF walk, a song was just a natural step. I have always felt that music can affect people very deeply, and my hope is that this song will inspire others to help and support women who are fighting and living through the battle of Breast Cancer. Jill musical tribute will be featured in the January/February Logan's Promise Newsletter walk montage.

Lyrics:
You made it! You kept in stride You were never alone
Tomorrow, you'll feel some pain but your heart will know You kept the pace it's not a race but you've WON
Did you laugh? Did you cry? Did you learn? Did you try?
Did you trust? Did you need? Did you heal? Did you believe?
Together, we will win this fight with every step we take Never give up Keep your strength and walk on
Did you hope? Did you pray? did you dream? Did you change?
Did you battle? were you weak? Did you fight? Did you believe?

Bowerbird Gift Wrap Program

The Bowerbird in Old Lyme has selected the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation as the recipient of the proceeds from their 2008 gift-wrap program. The program runs from November 1, 2007 through October 31, 2008.

The Bowerbird charges a nominal fee for gift-wrapping purchases and then donates 50% to local non-profit organizations. They recently wrapped up their 2007 gift-wrapping campaign to raise funds for the Estuary Council of Seniors based in Old Saybrook and the Alzheimer Assn; CT Chapter. Each organization was presented with a check in the amount of $2819. In the past fourteen years, The Bowerbird has donated over $40,000.00 to 20 local non- profits.

Pictured presenting the 2006-07checks are from L-R Paula Ferrara, Executive Director for the Estuary Council of Seniors, Connie Cliffe; Pres. of the Board ; Chris Kitchings, Jennifer Torgersen co-owners of The Bowerbird, and Pam Howard, Development Director for the Alzheimer's Association.

bellaPerlina Special Edition Breast Cancer Bracelet and Lariat

bellaPerlina is the creation of Andrea Panullo and Betsy Drake Turner. Together they design and create individual jewelry pieces on site.

Their love of color and design in combination with the privilege of being a part of the thriving small town retail community of Madison, Connecticut, allows Andrea and Betsy to continue to provide distinctive affordable jewelry to an ever growing and ever discriminating clientele.

They have designed a bracelet and lariat in support of Brest Buds of the Shoreline in their Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. The bracelet is $40 and the lariat is $65. Andrea and Betsy will donate 30% of the sales from these special edition pieces to the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.

bellaPerlina | 673 Boston Post Road | Madison, CT 06443 | (203) 245.4850 | www.bellaperlinajewelry.com

Thanks To Our 2007 Sponsors and Donors

The Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF) believes every breast cancer patient deserves life-saving and life-enhancing treatment options. We promote that belief through our promise: 100% of every donated dollar is directed to research. Corporate sponsors play a critical role in helping to achieve the goals of TBBCF by providing critical financial support to cover administrative costs and fundraising event expenses. TBBCF is grateful for the involvement of our corporate sponsors in helping us keep our promise. In addition to our sponsors, there are also a large number of businesses and organizations who have supported us through the donation of goods or by hosting fundraising events on our behalf. We hope you will review the list of 2007 sponsors and donors and consider patronizing these great organizations throughout the coming year!

Thank you Alpha Imaging, AT&T, Ed Bartelli Inc, Blu-Prints Unlimited, Carlin Contracting Company Inc, Kostin Ruffkess & Company Lawrence and Memorial Hospital, Minuteman Press, Mohegan Sun, Mystic Army Navy Store, Old Saybrook High School, Outback Steak House, Pfizer Inc, Saybrook Point Inn, Surety Company of the Pacific, The Day and The Logan Family.
2007 Donation List
Thank you to all the individuals and businesses for the donation of goods and time over the past year.
Angel Haven
Attawan Beach Association
bellaPerlina
BJ's Wholesale Club
Black Hall Club Golf Tournament
Blue Man Group
Bob's Discount Furniture
Coca-Cola of Southeastern NE
Coffee's Country Market
Copper Beach Inn
CVS Pharmacy, Groton
d.d.Nickel Make-up
David E. Moskow, D.M.D
Dawn & Tom Trombley
East Lyme Middle School Students
Essex Board of Trade, Paint the Town Pink
Essex Television Group Inc
Fat Betty
Flanders Fish Market
Foxwoods Resort
Fripperies
Garde Arts Center
General Woodcraft
Great Harvest Bread Co
Harp and Hound LLC
High Times
Independent Electronics & Communications
Jo Malone Fragrances
Johnny & the East Coast Rockers
Johnson Controls Inc.
Lake Compounce Lenny & Joe's Fish Tale
Liv's Oyster Bar
Magical Memories
Majestic Jewelers
Mermaid Inn of Mystic
Morning Glories Floral Design & Pottery
NASCAR
NIZA
Norwich Inn & Spa
Old Lyme Country Club Golf Tournament
Old Lyme High School Students
Old Saybrook High School Students
Old Saybrook Parks & Recreation Department
Old Saybrook Police Department
OSKA
Palumbo's Automotive Unlimited
Penny Lane Pub
Pepsi Bottling Group
River Tavern Dinners at the Farm
RiverGods
Riverview Wellness
S & P Oyster Company
Sam's Club
Saybrook Point Inn
Scott's Orchard Farm Market
Scrapbook Clubhouse
Shipman's Fire Equipment Company
Tumbleweeds for Cookin at McCooks
Wal-Mart, Waterford
Waterford High School Tennis Team
Why Ever Not

Thank you to the organizations and individuals who conducted fundraisers our behalf of TBBCF.

May 25 - Old Saybrook High School Sixth Annual Walk to Cure Cancer chaired by Old Saybrook High School Seniors: Lizah Carey and Jack Gallagher
May 26 - Waterford High School Tennis Tournament
June 19 - Old Lyme High School fundraiser in conjunction with the regional lacrosse team season. Fundraisers were Old Lyme High School Seniors: KC Risom and Ashley Miller
June 24 Stash's Café Band Bash
June 30 through August 7 - Cookin at McCooks Tuesday Night Summer Concert Series
July 11 - Black Hall Country Club Golf Tournament
July 26 - Old Lyme Country Club Golf Tournament
August 31 - Dinners at the Farm at Mt Archer Farm, Lyme
September 17 - Dinner at Liv's Oyster Bar
September 19 - Evening of Shopping in Madison hosted by bellaPerlina, Jo Malone Fragrances and d.d.Nickel Make-up Studio to benefit Brest Buds of the Shoreline Walk Across Southeastern Connecticut Walkers
September 19-23 - Girls Night The Musical at the Garde Arts Center
September 29 - Magical Memories and Scrapbook Clubhouse scrappink events. Note: the Scrapbook Clubhouse event is sold out.
September 30 - Car Wash at Palumbo's Automotive Unlimited in Guilford to benefit Brest Buds of the Shoreline Walk across Southeastern Connecticut Walkers
October 1-31 - Essex Board of Trade Paint the Town Pink
October 18 - Survivors in Fashion Show, featuring TBBCF's own Marcie Brensilver, at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino.
October 25 - J. McLaughlin A Day of Pretty in Pink
October 25-27 - Waterford High School WaterforDrama presentation of the Odd Couple, Female Version

TOP 5 FUNDRAISERS

Gina Garreffi

Gina Garreffi is an entrepreneur, single mom, and breast cancer survivor. She is also the top fundraiser for the 2007 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. Gina was diagnosed with breast cancer with lymph node involvement in June 2005. In the year that followed her diagnosis she underwent multiple surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. An automobile accident in the summer of 2006 prevented Gina from registering as a walker for the 2006 event but she wanted to be involved so she signed up as a crew member.

When asked about her fundraising success for this year's event she replied, "I sent out letters to my repeat business clients and the response was overwhelming! I never imagined that I would raise that much money (to date over $8,000) for research. I should not have doubted my clients, because they came through with spiritual and emotional support when I was going through treatment two years ago."

When Gina's friend Dawn heard she was planning to do the 2007 walk, she not only teamed up with Gina as a walker but also got her co-workers at an oncology group to join in as well. While Gina's fundraising total is over $8,000, this amount does not reflect the more than $1,300 that she shifted to the fundraising efforts of her Oliver's Angels teammates.

Gina has a sign on the wall in her living room entitled Journey. The message reads: "The bend in the road is not the end of the road unless you fail to take the turn." Gina wanted to make sure she took the turn that was on her road. Crossing the finish line at the 2007 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut was part of Gina's journey.

Marcie Brensilver

Marcie Brensilver is one of the founding members of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation (TBBCF). Since the inception of TBBCF in March of 2006, Marcie has filled numerous roles for this all volunteer organization. In 2006 and 2007 she served as Chair of the Stash's Café Band Bash ( the Walker Training kick-off event), Training Walk Leader for both walk seasons, and Co-Chair of the Sponsor Recruitment Committee. Marcie was the top fundraiser for the 2006 Walk across Southeastern Connecticut. She also participated in the 2005 Komen 3-Day as part of Norma Logan's Bust a Move Team when she was the highest fundraiser for the 30 person team.

"Life can be too short. Start with dessert!" Those are the words 16-year cancer survivor Marcie lives by. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1991 and underwent bilateral mastectomies and chemotherapy. Marcie is well-known in Southeastern Connecticut for her community service and her volunteer efforts in counseling other breast cancer survivors. Neither the surgeries nor the subsequent chemotherapy kept her down. She now tap dances, tutors at elementary schools and walks marathons. She is involved in fundraising for four non-profit organizations, as well as caring for her 97-year-old friend who is a 40-plus year cancer survivor herself. Marcie's husband, Dr. Howard Brensilver, describes Marcie as "the most optimistic person I know". If you have a competitive spirit, Marcie is a formidable fundraiser and tough to beat!

Jean Logan

At the heart of the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation(TBBCF) is a core group of committed volunteers with a proven track record of fundraising ability. Jean Logan is one of that core group of founding leaders. Since the inception of the Foundation in 2006, Jean has filled numerous roles for the organization. In 2006 and 2007 she served as Co-Captain for Walker Registration and as a Training Walk Leader. Jean is also the Accounts Receivable Manager for the Foundation, a significant year-round volunteer role.

Jean's generosity goes well beyond her volunteerism in that she and her husband Steven are also Foundation sponsors. Jean is sister-in-law to our late founder, Norma Logan. Both Jean and her son, Max, also participated in the 2005 Komen 3-Day as part of Norma's Bust a Move Team. In the 2006 and 2007 walk seasons, Jean participated both as a walker and volunteer. Steven, Max and the Logans' other son, Cy have also participated in both events as crew members. One of Jean's goals is to help keep "Logan's Promise" the legacy of her late sister-in-law, Norma.

Linda Stefanski

Linda (second from left) during 2007 Walk
Linda Stefanski is a member of a four-person walking group known as the Pink Peeps (Deb McGowan, Tracy Stedman, Diane Dole, and Linda). They get together practically every Sunday morning to walk. Linda recalls that on one of the walks in October 2006, Deb mentioned that she had read an article about the TBBCF Walk that took place that October 14. She asked if anyone was interested in walking the TBBCF in 2007. Without any hesitation, the Pink Peeps took on the challenge. According to Linda "we were motivated by the fact that 100% of the proceeds would go directly to research."

When asked about her individual fundraising success, Linda's reply was that "It was basically due to the support and generosity of the people of North Stonington, my co-workers, friends, and families. We were excited about participating in such a worthy cause. We were also motivated by the fact that we are all healthy and able to walk and felt we should do something for those individuals who could not walk." Linda also noted that a good friend had suggested the Pink Peeps hold a fundraiser and this friend actually volunteered to made the contacts for the donation of the venue and the bands. Tickets to an event at Jonathan Edwards Winery in North Stonington were sold and family and friends supplied the food. Money raised from this fundraiser when combined with the team's own personal contributions, enabled all the Pink Peeps to exceed the $1,000 required threshold to participate in the walk.

The Pink Peeps trained throughout the summer not knowing how they would manage to walk 26.2 miles in one stretch. On the day of the walk they discovered their concerns were groundless. As Linda stated "we were amazed at how well it was organized. There was no need to carry water or snacks as everything we could need was provided for us."

Jean Barrasso

When asked why she walks, Jean responded: "I walk because it breaks my heart to have children growing up without their Mom. I can still see Terri's young family at her wake. My sister's best friend died of breast cancer - leaving two teenagers - getting memories of their Mom from my sister. (Her note with her contribution I carried with me during my training walks - 'In memory of my friend Barbara, I miss her so'). I walk because I can. Because these children need their Mom and she shouldn't have to battle and die from breast cancer."

Jean continued "I walk because of Norma's courage - a small example is her courage to produce The Patient is Waiting video. My walking is such a small thing compared to the changes this courageous woman has made. While I literally sobbed when I saw the video the first time in that darkened hall - what has remained with me is her fight and determination -- despite how ill she was -- for eliminating this disease."

Taking part in the Walk across Southeastern Connecticut for the second year allowed Jean to feel as though she were making a difference. The monetary support of Jean's friends and family made it possible for her to make a difference, as the firth highest fundraiser, in the fight against breast cancer. As important to her was the encouragement she received from the countless people along the marathon route including "the many friends from Pfizer, the small children waving signs, the Stack children handing out water, and Phil M. with a huge smile".

The reasons for walking vary from walker to walker; however, most would agree with Jean that participating in the TBBCF marathon walk "is an incredible experience".

TBBCF is a nonprofit group dedicated to providing critical funding to researchers in search of a cure for breast cancer. Our pledge is to direct 100 percent of total gross fundraising dollars toward breast cancer research.