On June 12, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition will host its second annual Shining Light Awards at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington. The breakfast will honor individuals and organizations that have made a difference in the local battle against breast cancer. This year, for the first time, the public was invited to nominate those most deserving of the Shining Light Awards for recognition. The response exceeded expectations. A panel of independent judges—including Diana Dickson-Witmer, M.D., Tynetta Brown, Donna Stinson, Bill Strickland and Delaware Today executive editor Suzanne Loudermilk—joined together to select the four most deserving candidates for the awards. To learn more about the Shining Light Award winners and sponsorship opportunities and to make reservations for the awards ceremony, visit www.debreastcancer.org.
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Spotlight on Philanthropy
Sussex County Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors
The Sussex County Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) is a business and Realtor group focused on promoting women in the real estate business in Sussex County. They raise money to train new members each year. In 2011, the WCR decided to expand their fundraiser to also benefit a local charity, the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Since then, they have been putting on the fundraiser, “Bras for a Cause,” each June to bring together local businesses, community members and breast-cancer survivors for a fun and spirited evening. The event has grown bigger each year and so have the donations. In four years, nearly $90,000 has been raised for DBCC through the WCR. For their tremendous philanthropic spirit, leadership in fundraising and commitment to encourage and motivate others to join the cause, the Sussex County Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors is an exemplary philanthropic leader.
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Spotlight on Healthcare Delivery and Research
Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute at Christiana Care Health System with medical director Nicholas J. Petrelli, M.D.
As medical director of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute at Christiana Care Health System, Dr. Nicholas J. Petrelli has overseen the establishment and expansion of the Breast Center and Multidisciplinary Breast Cancer Clinic. The number of mammograms, breast-cancer patients seen, cancer patients on clinical trials and funding for clinical as well as basic science research has increased exponentially under his leadership.
Genetic counseling, under the direction of Zohra Ali-Khan Catts, has allowed the hospital to evaluate families with a history of cancer, provide genetic counseling to individuals and offer testing for genetic mutations. The community health and education department, under the direction of Nora Katurakes of the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute, and Christiana Care’s outreach navigators and community partners offer exceptional care to women across the state and deliver outstanding outcomes in health-care delivery and research.
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Jacquie Connell and daughter Brit DelleDonne |
Spotlight on Survivorship
Jacquie Connell
Jacquie Connell was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer in the spring of 2009. At the time of her diagnosis, the cancer had already spread to her bones. She was told she probably had about two years to live. That was almost six years ago. Connell is a true role model, living with a positive, courageous and strong spirit. A talented artist, she began a monthly class, Inner Art, to teach painting to cancer survivors at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center & Research Institute at Christiana Care Health System. She has volunteered with DBCC numerous times and provided one-on-one support to countless women she’s met along her journey, offering encouragement, hope and friendship.
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Delmarva Broadcasting Company of Central Delaware: Cristian Tijerino, Mark Petchey, Amy Reed, Dana McDonald, Mike Kazala, Gary Schofield, Sharon Adams, Mark Schollenberger and Steve Monz |
Spotlight on Business
Delmarva Broadcasting Company of Central Delaware
​Delmarva Broadcasting Company of Central Delaware provides ongoing exposure and support to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition on four radio stations: Eagle 97.7 FM, Cool 101.3 FM, La Exitosa 930 AM/104.1 FM and Delaware 105.9 FM. Under the leadership of general manager Mike Kazala, DBCC staff members are featured on live morning-show interviews, public-service announcements and the weekly “In Touch With Delmarva” program. The station also donates items for DBCC’s fundraising events, and its staff volunteers and hosts events throughout the year to join the fight against breast cancer in Delaware. As an employer, Delmarva Broadcasting of Central Delaware promotes the importance of breast-cancer awareness, education, support, financial resources and other programs.
