Wings of Hope Newsletter Edition 05
- Carolina Breast Friends
- Oct 13
- 6 min read
Welcome to the September/October Edition of the Carolina Breast Friends Newsletter!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when the mission of Carolina Breast Friends shines even brighter. At The Pink House, we’re reminded daily why this work matters: Survivors and Thrivers walk through our doors seeking connection, healing, and hope, and thanks to your support, we are able to offer programs and services completely free of charge.
As we prepare for our signature event, Roaring in Pink: A Night in Paris, this newsletter is filled with stories that reflect both the heart of our mission and the community that makes it possible. In this edition, you’ll hear from Melissa Martin of Proper Flower, who is designing the breathtaking atmosphere for Roaring in Pink; you’ll celebrate recent milestones like our Pink Boots Ball and the first-ever EmpowHER Latina Day Retreat; and you’ll discover practical wellness tips and powerful stories of strength, like Debbie Morris’ journey of “quiet resilience.
”We’re also excited to share a special From the Heart feature with Charmaine Tyson, our Operations Manager and a Thriver herself. Charmaine is truly the heartbeat of The Pink House, welcoming every visitor with compassion and ensuring Survivors and Thrivers find not only what they need, but also a place where they belong.
As you read through this edition, may you be reminded of the courage, beauty, and resilience within this community—and the role you play in ensuring no one faces breast cancer alone.
Designing Hope with Melissa Martin of Proper Flower
For Melissa Martin, owner of Proper Flower, floral design is about more than beauty, it’s about creating spaces that uplift, inspire, and heal. As the creative mind behind the breathtaking design for Roaring in Pink: A Night in Paris, Melissa shares how her work goes hand-in-hand with the mission of Carolina Breast Friends.
In this special interview, released during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Melissa opens up about her passion for supporting Survivors and Thrivers, why the mission of CBF is so close to her heart, and how design can serve as a powerful expression of hope and resilience.
Watch Melissa's full interview below:
Charmaine Tyson — The Heart of The Pink House
When you walk through the doors of The Pink House, one of the first faces you’ll see is Charmaine Tyson, our Care Manager, Metastatic Breast Cancer Thriver, and the heart and soul of this special place.
Charmaine first came to Carolina Breast Friends in 2013 as a young Survivor, newly diagnosed and searching for direction. “I walked through The Pink House doors with tears in my eyes,” she recalls. “I didn’t know where to turn or what to do next. But here, I found understanding and people who truly got it.” Through mentorship, support groups, and the stories of other Survivors and Thrivers, Charmaine found strength, hope, and the courage to move forward.
After a recurrence in 2016, she returned to The Pink House not just as a participant, but as a woman on a mission to give back to the community that helped her heal. For the past eight years, she’s done exactly that. Whether greeting a first-time visitor with a warm smile, offering a comforting word, or fitting someone for a free wig in The Pink Boutique, Charmaine’s compassion touches everyone who walks through the door.
Though CBF has always provided free wigs, bras, prostheses, and head coverings, Charmaine imagined a beautiful, welcoming space where Survivors and Thrivers could be fitted for these in comfort and style—a place that would help them embrace the experience and feel like themselves again. With the support of Executive Director Lisa Dale and a dedicated volunteer, that dream became a reality. “It brings tears to their eyes,” Charmaine says, “not because they’re sad, but because they can see themselves again. That’s what makes it so powerful.”
“The Pink House means everything to me,” she continues. “Every story I hear is unique and special. I feel like a proud sister, auntie, and friend to so many. Seeing people relax, smile, and find hope again fills my heart.”
Her message to others walking this path is one of grace and resilience:
“This isn’t an easy walk, but you can get through it. Take one day at a time. Live fully. Love deeply. Create memories. And remember, it’s okay to not be okay.”
Every day, Charmaine turns her own journey into compassion in action—a living reminder that healing grows stronger when it’s shared.
Connection, Celebration, and Healing at The Pink House
From our signature Pink Boots Ball to retreats, field trips, and the launch of new programs, the past two months have been full of moments that brought Survivors, Thrivers, and supporters together. Each gathering was a reminder of the strength of our community and the mission of Carolina Breast Friends to ensure no one walks this journey alone.
Pink Boots Ball: A Garden of Hope
This year’s Pink Boots Ball was an unforgettable celebration of Survivors, Thrivers, and the community that surrounds them. Guests enjoyed an evening of delicious food, lively dancing, and heartfelt connection—all in the spirit of honoring resilience and raising support for the free programs at The Pink House. The room was filled with joy, gratitude, and hope, making it a night to remember.
Pharmacy in Your Kitchen: Farmers Market Field Trip
Survivors and Thrivers enjoyed a vibrant field trip to the Kings Drive Farmers Market, where colorful scavenger hunts led to baskets of fresh produce. Back at The Pink House, Chef Cheryl Hoover transformed the finds into a bright Farmers Market Salad with Lemon Basil Dressing—a fun, flavorful reminder that food can be both healing and inspiring.
EmpowHER Latina Day Retreat
At Wing Haven Gardens, CBF hosted its first-ever EmpowHER Latina Day Retreat, a day of healing, laughter, and connection created specifically for Latina women facing breast cancer. Through reflection, drum circles, and moments of renewal, participants found strength in community and joy in shared experiences. Special thanks to Todd DeGarmo for making this transformative day possible.
Cancer & Beyond: A New Chapter with The After Cancer
In partnership with The After Cancer and with generous support from B&C, CBF launched Cancer & Beyond — a hybrid program providing Survivors and Thrivers with integrative wellness tools, one-on-one support, and community connection. With two launch events already held at The Pink House and a third on the way, this new initiative is ensuring that healing and support continue well beyond diagnosis and treatment.
Better Sleep
Restful sleep isn’t just about feeling refreshed — it’s a vital part of healing and overall wellness. Research shows that quality sleep helps regulate stress hormones, strengthen the immune system, and restore both body and mind. Yet for many Survivors and Thrivers, sleep can be disrupted by treatment side effects, anxiety, or lifestyle changes.
In our latest Wellness Tip blog, we share practical strategies to create healthier sleep habits, from simple bedtime routines to mindful practices that calm the nervous system and prepare the body for rest. These small changes can make a big difference, helping you feel more energized, balanced, and resilient each day.
Debbie Morris’ Journey of Quiet Resilience
Debbie Morris has lived many lives—Navy Lieutenant Commander, teacher, world traveler, and twice a breast cancer Survivor. Diagnosed first in 2011 and again in 2023, Debbie has faced both journeys with grit, faith, and an unshakable sense of humor. Along the way, she has leaned on her family, friends, and faith, learning that healing isn’t just physical—it’s also emotional and spiritual.
Now, embracing what she calls “quiet resilience,” Debbie continues moving forward one step at a time, reminding us that strength is often found in presence, honesty, and community.
The Power Behind Roaring in Pink
Roaring in Pink is so much more than an event; it’s a labor of love made possible by an incredible team of partners and friends who pour their talent, creativity, and heart into bringing it to life. From breathtaking design and dazzling production to couture fashion and heartfelt leadership, this powerhouse group has come together to make a difference for Survivors and Thrivers.
In this special video, hear from the team behind the magic — Luis Machicao, Molly Grantham, Kurt Coleman, Bryan Paschal, Nick Iyoob, Melissa Martin, and Lisa Dale — as they share why they feel honored to support Carolina Breast Friends and the free programs at The Pink House.
