Wings of Hope Newsletter Edition 08
- May 4
- 5 min read
Updated: May 6
Welcome to the March/April Edition of the Carolina Breast Friends Newsletter!
As we move further into 2026, the power of community continues to shine through every connection, every moment of growth, and every story shared at Carolina Breast Friends.
In this issue, we’re excited to introduce a fresh way of bringing our stories to life. Mission Moments brings you closer to the real experiences that define The Pink House and the heart of our community.
This month, you’ll hear from our beloved Charmaine, a Thriver whose journey with CBF has come full circle, from finding support at The Pink House to now providing it to others as part of the team. Her story is a powerful reflection of what makes this community so special.
You’ll also hear from our Executive Director, Lisa Dale Levinson as she shares where we’re headed, catch up on meaningful moments across our community, and find space to reset with this month’s wellness tip. Plus, don’t miss LaTia Edwards’ inspiring Story of Strength and a heartfelt thank you to the Big Wigs and supporters behind the impact of Wiggin’ Out.
Thank you for being part of this community, and for helping ensure no one faces breast cancer alone.
In the Spotlight: A message from our Executive Director
As we close the first quarter of 2026, I find myself both humbled and energized by what we are building together at Carolina Breast Friends.
This year is already shaping up to be one of meaningful growth, deeper impact, and intentional expansion. In just a few short months, we have strengthened our core programs, expanded access to support services, and continued to meet individuals exactly where they are in their cancer journey with compassion, dignity, and community.
We see increased engagement across our programs from new participants entering our support circles to returning Survivors and Thrivers leaning in as mentors, advocates, and leaders. This is the power of community in motion.
We are especially excited about the continued evolution of our day retreats and the Cancer and Beyond initiatives, which are already transforming how we support individuals after treatment by addressing the often-overlooked challenges of survivorship with innovation and care. At the same time, we are laying the groundwork for expanded outreach through initiatives such as our Pink Boutique Mobile Unit, which brings critical resources directly into underserved communities across the greater Charlotte region and beyond. All of this is possible thanks to the generous funding from our incredible partners, B&C and Todd Degarmo.
Behind the scenes, we are also investing in infrastructure, technology, and strategic partnerships to ensure that our growth is not only ambitious but sustainable. Every decision we make is grounded in one goal: to deepen our impact and extend our reach to those who need us most.
None of this happens without you. Because of your belief in our mission, we are not only supporting individuals today but also building a stronger, more connected future for every person facing breast cancer tomorrow.
The momentum is real. The need is growing. And so are we.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
With gratitude and determination,
Lisa Dale Levinson
Executive Director, Carolina Breast Friends
Mission Moments: Charmaine’s Full Circle Story
Some stories capture the heart of Carolina Breast Friends in a way words alone never could. And Charmaine’s is one of them.
A 13-year Thriver, Charmaine first walked through the doors of The Pink House in search of comfort, connection, and understanding. What she found was more than support; it was a community that would become part of her story in a lasting way.
Today, as a longtime team member and a beloved presence at The Pink House, Charmaine stands on the other side of that journey, meeting others with the same support, encouragement, and hope that once met her. In this month’s Mission Moments, she reflects on her experience, from her first steps through the doors, to the care she received, to the purpose she now lives out each day.
Her story is a powerful reminder of what makes The Pink House so special and how community can transform not just a moment, but a life.
Heart Care for Breast Cancer Patients (Virtual Program)
During this informative virtual session, Dr. Denzil Harris shared insights on the connection between breast cancer treatment and heart health, empowering Survivors and Thrivers with knowledge to support their long-term well-being. Watch a recording of the session in our Breast Cancer Video Library on our YouTube Channel here.
Heart to Heart – A Valentine’s Date Night Experience
Our Heart to Heart event created a meaningful space for Survivors, Thrivers, and their loved ones to reconnect through guided conversations, shared experiences, and tools to deepen emotional connection.
Rest & Restore Retreat — Powered by Palestra Spa & Studio
Thanks to the generosity of Palestra Spa & Studio, Survivors and Thrivers enjoyed a restorative afternoon of wellness experiences designed to promote relaxation, healing, and reconnection.
Queens University of Charlotte Volunteer Day
Volunteers from Queens University of Charlotte supported our mission by assembling comfort care bags and helping prepare The Pink House, bringing care and encouragement to those we serve.
La Casa Rosada con Latinas
At La Casa Rosada, participants engaged in meaningful, Spanish-language conversation around health and wellness while exploring personal strength and resilience through guided reflection and community connection.
Wellness Tip: Reducing Your Stress Load
Stress has a way of quietly building, showing up not just in our thoughts, but in our bodies, our energy, and our ability to feel present in our daily lives. For Survivors and Thrivers, learning how to recognize and gently reduce that load can be an important part of the healing journey.
In this month’s Wellness Tip, we explore simple, practical ways to release what feels heavy and create more space for calm, clarity, and care. These small shifts can make a meaningful difference, helping you move through each day with greater ease and intention.
Take a few moments to pause, reflect, and explore what it might look like to lighten your load.
Stories of Strength: LaTia Edwards — A Journey of Grace & Healing
At 34, LaTia Edwards’ life changed with a breast cancer diagnosis—but her journey has been defined not by fear, but by intention, resilience, and grace. From navigating physical and emotional transformation to rediscovering herself in survivorship, LaTia’s story is a powerful reminder that healing takes many forms.
Through community, self-compassion, and the support of The Pink House, she continues to embrace each day with purpose—meeting herself where she is and extending that same grace to others.
Gratitude: Partnerships That Strengthen Our Mission
At Carolina Breast Friends, we are continually reminded that our mission is made possible by people who choose to show up for others, and this year’s Wiggin’ Out campaign is a beautiful reflection of that.
We are so grateful for our 2026 Big Wigs and the incredible communities standing behind them. This year’s Superheroes theme could not be more fitting. Each of these individuals has stepped outside their comfort zone to support people they may never meet, rallying their networks, building teams, and working toward an ambitious $185,000 goal.
What stands out most is not just their commitment to fundraising but the heart and purpose behind it. Through their efforts, they are raising awareness, sharing our mission, and creating meaningful connections that expand Carolina Breast Friends' reach. Because of this campaign, we can continue offering free programs and services that provide strength, comfort, and community to every Survivor and Thriver we serve.
To our Big Wigs and to everyone supporting them, thank you. Your energy, generosity, and willingness to show up are what make this work possible.
This campaign is a powerful reminder that people showing up for people is at the heart of everything we do.
