United Breast Cancer Foundation’s Disaster Relief Event a Great Success
Huntington Station, NY (PRWEB) December 15, 2017 -- The United Breast Cancer Foundation (UBCF) hosted its first disaster relief event for breast cancer patients and survivors on December 9, 2017 in Doral, Florida. High-quality donated items were provided to women, men and children affected by breast cancer and the recent natural disasters in Florida, including Hurricane Irma. Throughout the course of the day, UBCF distributed over $1.1 million in donated Tempur-Pedic® mattresses and other goods.
UBCF has a long-standing partnership with Good360 and Tempur+Sealy. This partnership enables UBCF to receive donated Tempur-Pedic® mattresses. UBCF then distributes the beautiful mattresses to women, men and children directly impacted by breast cancer. Ms. Kaitlin Fitzgerald from Good360 and Ms. Laura Alvarez from Tempur+Sealy were both in attendance and volunteered during the event.
Many other products were provided to event participants, including household items, small appliances, personal care products, clothing and baby items generously donated by Bed Bath & Beyond and Buy Buy Baby. Other donors include: Keurig, Nike, Burt’s Bees, First Aid Beauty and The Honest Company. The majority of UBCF's clients come from low-income households. For many, purchasing basic necessities is challenging. A new mattress and household goods are luxuries many simply cannot afford but desperately need. The added stress of rebuilding after a natural disaster makes these purchases even more difficult and yet much more important.
UBCF serviced nearly 100 breast cancer patients and survivors at the event. Applicants attended the event with spouses, loved-ones, children and friends. UBCF’s Disaster Relief event impacted more than 240 people, including nearly 60 children 18 and under.
Dana, a 32 year old breast cancer survivor, shared a very heart-felt thank you immediately after the event. “Let me first begin with my tremendous gratitude for the extremely generous donations and work you did for me and so many other breast cancer patients, survivors and their families today. You sent us home with not only a brand new Tempur-pedic mattress, but also new king pillows, pillow cases, curtains and beauty bags for other young women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. My life changed forever when, at the age of 30, I was diagnosed with stage 2 IDC breast cancer. Soon after my bilateral mastectomy I began experiencing extreme discomfort when trying to sleep. For nearly two years, my sleep has steadily declined to the point of insomnia. My doctor recommended many times a new mattress, which we could not afford. When I received information about your program, I felt my needs and pain had finally been answered. Today, laying on my new mattress, I felt like my body melted. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for your kindness. I was overcome with joy and emotion today and I will be forever grateful. Thank you for all you do to help women with breast cancer!”
Upon reading Dana’s words, UBCF Executive Director, Ms. Stephanie Mastroianni had this to say, “My heart was deeply touched by Dana’s message – this is the very reason we do the work we do. My entire team felt the incredible impact of what we all worked so hard to achieve this past Saturday. While our work is challenging, clients like Dana make our efforts well worth it."
UBCF extends great thanks to Good360, Tempur+Sealy, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, CustomSpace Miami warehousing and all the wonderful volunteers who assisted event participants and Team UBCF throughout the day-long event.
Background on UBCF
UBCF is committed to offering breast health and wellness services focused on cancer prevention, screening, treatment and overall wellness. UBCF’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer and carries it out through seven life-supporting patient and family programs available to women, men and families nation-wide. UBCF never denies services to anyone regardless of age, race, gender, ethnicity, income or medical insurance coverage. If you are in need of breast health services, please visit ubcf.org or call toll-free, 877-822-4287. Tax-deductible contributions may be made towards UBCF’s programs. UBCF accepts vehicle and property donations as well. Contributions may be mailed to UBCF, P.O. Box 2421, Huntington, NY 11743, or donate through the Combined Federal Campaign, #77934.
Beth Reichart, United Breast Cancer Foundation, http://ubcf.org, +1 (877) 822-4287 Ext: 702, [email protected]
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