HERS Breast Cancer Foundation Holds Fourth Annual People with Purpose Luncheon

Breast cancer supporters and survivors from across the country came together on Thursday, April 25th, for HERS Breast Cancer Foundation’s (HBCF) Fourth Annual People with Purpose award program and event. The event was founded in 2010 to honor the individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors.

The HERS acronym stands for Hope, Empowerment, Renewal and Support. The theme of this year’s event was renewal. HERS Breast Cancer Foundation provides hope to all breast cancer survivors; they empower survivors to feel proud of their “new normal,” they also help in the renewal of self-image and give the support that provides confidence and ambition to continue thriving.

The organization honored four individuals who are recognized as People with Purpose. These people are committed and recognized for their inspirational actions and accomplishments. The Hope Award was awarded to Sandra Wing, a cancer survivor, Chairperson and Founder of the Sandra J. Wing Healing Therapies Foundation; the Empowerment Award went to Jolly Rechenberg, CEO of American Breast Care (ABC); the Renewal Award was awarded to Peggy McGuire, Executive Director of Women’s Center Resource Center (WCRC); and the Support Award was awarded to Steve Dukleth, Co-President and General Manager of Oakland Audio Visual Services, Inc. (OAVS).

Following the award ceremony, HBCF’s keynote speaker Lauren Cahn took the stage. Giving an inspiring and heartwarming speech, this breast cancer survivor and Huffington Post journalist, talked about her introduction to HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, the Alaska to South America boys, and her own personal ups and downs during her fight with cancer. Following Lauren’s speech, Neil Walsky shared his story about the journey he and Jesse Frechione took this year, cycling from Alaska to South America to raise money and awareness for HBCF and breast cancer in honor of his mother.

The People with Purpose award ceremony and event was a great celebration of supporters, survivors and those responsible for building a better community. If anyone is interested in supporting the HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, which helps women and their loved ones survive the battle with breast cancer while serving any women regardless of their financial status, donations are being accepted on the HBCF website.