Beyond Pink Team: Who We Are. What We Do.

The Beyond Pink TEAM began 35 years ago with a mission to increase mammography utilization and provide a breast cancer support group. It all began in 1988, when the Cedar Valley Committee for Breast Cancer Awareness was started as a collaborative effort of area hospitals and other health organizations. In 1997, the name changed to the Cedar Valley Cancer Committee to include other cancers. Thanks to the hard work of the committee and the generous donations from the Cedar Valley, the Cedar Valley Cancer Committee continues to grow.

In 2006, the name Beyond Pink TEAM was selected because members realized the group had gone beyond pink trinkets, to Taking action, Educating, Advocating, and Making a real difference both locally and nationally. Beyond Pink TEAM continues to be the most active member of the Cedar Valley Cancer Committee. The Beyond Pink TEAM is the only local breast cancer coalition in the area and the only comprehensive breast cancer organization in Iowa.

We are all volunteers with various backgrounds and skills. We have been meeting the needs of people living with breast cancer for 35 years. Just as when we first began, we have continued to provide a support group for breast cancer survivors. This is called the Touch of Courage and meets the first Monday of each month, unless it’s a holiday. The group meets at the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, 3117 Greenhill Circle in Cedar Falls at 1:30 p.m. These survivors visit, occasionally have speakers, and work on heart shaped pillows which are donated to clinics and doctor offices for patients.

An additional BPT All Cancer Support Group began in 2006 and meets from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 pm to Meet, Mingle, and Share. A program/speaker begins at 6:00 p.m. The group meets 4 times a year on the third Tuesday of January, April, June, and September at the Cedar Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, 3912 Cedar Heights Drive, Cedar Falls. Light refreshments are served.

When more and more women and men were financially struggling during treatment for breast cancer,  the Beyond Pink TEAM stepped up and the Beyond Pink Fund was established to financially assist breast cancer patients with medical, transportation, and necessary expenses. In 2022, the Beyond Pink Fund was able to help 105 individuals with $111,248. This averaged $2,129 per week or $9,271 per month of financial assistance needed. For the first 5 months of 2023, the Fund has assisted 61 individuals with $69, 814. This averages $3,324 per week or $13,962 per month. A definite increase. There is a great need for financial assistance for women and men during breast cancer treatment.

One grant recipient sent this, “Thank you so much for this wonderful grant. It is such a relief to have this financial support. It takes some pressure off for sure. Just wanted you to know how much your work is appreciated.”

Another recipient shared, “I received the gas gift cards - Oh Thank you So So very much! I will use them and be very blessed. I will always think of you! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”

BPT has gone beyond our initial Breast Cancer Awareness education to Igniting the Cancer Conversation. Since 2016 Ignite has addressed the role of Immunology, Environment, Holistic healthcare, the History of Cancer and its’ Treatment, Breast Cancer Metastasis and Tumor Dormancy in trying to bring an end to cancer. Check out Ignite’s latest, The Cancer Journey, a compilation of resources and videos for anyone who’s life has been touched by cancer. 

The BPT doesn’t just stop with educating our community and financial assistance, but advocates for all of us nationally. The Beyond Pink TEAM is a member organization of the National Breast Cancer Coalition and has 2 volunteer members who represent you on the national board. The National Breast Cancer Coalition’s mission is to end breast cancer through the power of action and advocacy. Founded in 1991, the National Breast Cancer Coalition (NBCC) is a collaboration of activists, survivors, researchers, policymakers, grassroots groups and national organizations. NBCC links hundreds of organizations -and tens of thousands of individuals from across the country into a dynamic, diverse coalition that gives breast cancer a meaningful voice in Washington, DC, and state capitals; in laboratories and health care institutions; and in local communities everywhere. Find out more at: Stopbreastcancer.org 

All this would not be possible without the support of the various volunteers and donors who give of their time, talents, and financial support to continue the mission of the Beyond Pink TEAM – a non-profit organization that provides breast cancer prevention, education, support, and advocacy for comprehensive, quality health care for ALL in the Cedar Valley and surrounding communities.

NOTE:

For additional information on the Touch of Courage Support Group, contact Pat Buls at 319-610-4424.

For the All Cancer Support Group and programs, contact Angela Hamilton at 319-231-3143hile I do not know all of what the future holds, I do feel confident in