PINK HOUSE NEWS

This summer, we're celebrating the people, moments, and connections that remind us healing is never a journey we take alone. From Monica's inspiring message about choosing joy each day to Maggie's powerful Story of Strength, this edition is filled with reminders that hope grows through community, resilience, and the courage to keep moving forward.

Sometimes we can be hard on ourselves, especially during high-stress times, if we’re not feeling well, or when we’re experiencing fear or anxiety—all of which are common when navigating breast cancer. But turning negative self-talk in a positive direction has been proven to improve mood and outlook, which also correlates with better health outcomes. And it's a habit you can learn! Like anything else, exercise will help your positive inner voice grow stronger. Here’s one way

Carolina Breast Friends recently welcomed our Survivors and Thrivers to The Pink House for a special Survivor & Thriver Night—an evening where flowers became much more than beautiful arrangements. They became a way to connect, heal, and give back. Guided by Blair, founder of Petal to Purpose, participants learned the art of floral arranging while sharing conversation, laughter, and encouragement with others who truly understand the cancer journey. Each person created two beau

Maggie Fogel This article was written by a Queens University student as part of a community storytelling partnership. Maggie Fogel has learned how to appreciate life to the fullest. Married for 20 years to whom she calls “her best friend,” Maggie currently resides in Charlotte, NC with her husband and two children. After earning her masters in mental health from the College of New Jersey, she opened her own practice here in Charlotte as a therapist. In 2017, Maggie was diagno

A Message from Lisa Dale Levinson, Executive Director of Carolina Breast Friends Lisa Dale Someone recently asked me if summer is our "slow season" at Carolina Breast Friends. I couldn't help but laugh.I'm convinced there's a secret meeting where everyone else decides to relax for the summer. At the same time, nonprofits collectively say, "This seems like the perfect time to launch new initiatives, plan major events, meet with donors, write grants, and somehow remember to dr

As we welcome summer, we’re filled with gratitude for the incredible support that continues to fuel Carolina Breast Friends' mission. A new year brings a sense of renewal, a quiet invitation to reflect on where we’ve been and gently step forward into what’s next. At Carolina Breast Friends, that forward movement is never taken alone. It’s shaped by shared stories, steady support, laughter in the midst of hard seasons, and the unwavering belief that hope is stronger togeth

A Message from Lisa about some special initiatives & programming for and about our Survivors & Thrivers As the summer sun fills our days with warmth and possibility, the Pink House continues to shine as a place of comfort, connection, and hope for all those impacted by breast cancer. The momentum behind Carolina Breast Friends is rising as it expands its culturally responsive programs and extends support beyond the walls of the Pink House by creating new pathways to healing,

Healing doesn’t stop at treatment. Sometimes healing looks like rest, resilience, community, and learning practical tools to help rebuild from the inside out. We are excited to offer several upcoming experiences for our Survivors, Thrivers, and Co-Survivors! Space is limited for these free events, so register now by visiting our Sessions Calendar. AYA RESET & RESTORE RETREAT Sunday, July 12 | 1:00–3:00 PM Palestra Spa & Studio For Young Survivors & Thrivers (Age 45 & Under) T

Ringing Her Own Bell: Sandy Cannupp’s Story This article was written by a Queens University student as part of a community storytelling partnership. Get to Know Sandy Sandy Cannupp Sandy is a native Charlottean who currently lives in Gaston County, North Carolina, with her husband of 15 years, their 4-year-old daughter, Lily, three dogs, and three chickens. In her free time, she enjoys helping at her daughter’s daycare, attending Bible study groups, going on jogs, and spendin

At Carolina Breast Friends, we know how important it is to have support available in your preferred language. That’s why we are excited to share that through August 15, we have a bilingual intern, Valarie Love, helping support our Latina community. Read on to learn more!

We have an incredible lineup of sessions and events coming your way. In addition to dozens of our usual sessions of support, education, self-image, nutrition, and wellness, here are some special events and workshops for breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers. Mark you calendars now! ☀️ June 6 | METster Family Picnic Day A special day for our METster community and loved ones to gather, connect, laugh, and simply enjoy time together outdoors. More details coming soon! 🫀 July 20

Beginning 2026 with Strength, Connection & Heart A new year brings a sense of renewal, a quiet invitation to reflect on where we’ve been and gently step forward into what’s next. At Carolina Breast Friends, that forward movement is never taken alone. It’s shaped by shared stories, steady support, laughter in the midst of hard seasons, and the unwavering belief that hope is stronger together.

LaTia Edwards is a licensed clinical mental health therapist, a mother, and a Charlotte native whose journey through breast cancer is rooted in resilience, reflection, and grace.

Stress. We all have it. And research shows that the phrase "can't handle the pressure" is more about our bodies than our minds. This is because when we're stressed, our bodies mount a chemical response. This response can affect our emotions, but it begins and ends in the body. For breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers, this can be a double whammy, because dealing with cancer is an ongoing stressor and the fallout from that stress can further weaken an already compromised body

Carolina Breast Friends is proud to share a meaningful research opportunity from North Carolina State University focused on improving life after breast surgery. As an organization dedicated to supporting Survivors and Thrivers, we believe it is essential to stay connected to advancements in technology, design, and research that can enhance comfort, confidence, and overall quality of life. This study is led by Dr. Yuanqing Tian , Assistant Professor of Industrial Design, alon

Beginning 2026 with Strength, Connection & Heart A new year brings a sense of renewal, a quiet invitation to reflect on where we’ve been and gently step forward into what’s next. At Carolina Breast Friends, that forward movement is never taken alone. It’s shaped by shared stories, steady support, laughter in the midst of hard seasons, and the unwavering belief that hope is stronger together.

Ten years ago, I came to Carolina Breast Friends as a consultant. At the time, my role was to help the organization create its first official marketing plan. What I didn’t know then was that I was building a plan I would soon be hired to bring to life. Like so many nonprofits, CBF was pouring every ounce of energy into serving its mission. There’s never a shortage of meaningful work when you’re supporting breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers, so carving out space for brandi

Welcome to the Nov/Dec Edition of the Carolina Breast Friends Newsletter! In this special year-end edition, we pause to reflect on the voices, stories, and relationships that brought our mission to life throughout 2025.

Our Metastatic Thrivers holding the bags that WAM designed and provided. WAM is one of our most-active volunteer groups. For the Women at Microsoft (WAM) group, partnering with Carolina Breast Friends has been more than a volunteer opportunity; it has been a deeply personal and purpose-driven connection. Learn about their motivations and experiences in this Q&A. Like so many in our community, many WAM members have been touched by breast cancer through loved ones, colleagues,

Survivors and Thrivers embarked on "Pharmacy in Your Kitchen" field trip to the Kings Drive Farmers Market, then prepared their bounty using a healthy recipe we're happy to share!