Wings of Hope Newsletter Edition 02
- Carolina Breast Friends
- Mar 28
- 4 min read
Welcome to the March/April Edition of the Carolina Breast Friends Newsletter!
At Carolina Breast Friends, we know that community is everything. The work we do at The Pink House is only possible because of dedicated volunteers, partners, and supporters like you who help us uplift and empower breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers every day.
In this edition, we’re excited to share stories of resilience, healing, and impact—from our Wiggin’ Out Big Wigs rallying the community, to a look at one of the practitioners who serves our constituents, to the volunteers who make our mission possible.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us. Read on to see how, together, we’re making a difference!
Read the full article below or download the PDF.
A Conversation with Michelle & Tara
Excitement is building as we gear up for Wiggin’ Out 2025! In this special conversation, Michelle Weber, Director of Development at Carolina Breast Friends, sits down with Tara McGee-Walker, a breast cancer Survivor and 2025 Big Wig, to talk about what this campaign means to her. Tara shares her personal journey, the support she found at The Pink House, and why she’s stepping up to raise awareness and funds for others facing breast cancer.
This year, Wiggin’ Out is bigger than ever, and for the first time, you can join a Big Wig’s team to help expand the reach and impact of this campaign. Visit our Wiggin’ Out page to learn more, support your favorite Big Wig, or even join a team!
The Healing Power of Sound with Lucía Davis
For Ana Lucía Divins, music is more than melody. It’s a refuge, a source of strength, and a path to healing. As a Holistic Voice Therapist and Therapeutic Singer, she has volunteered her time and talent at The Pink House since 2022, using sound therapy to support breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers.
Ana puts her whole heart into giving back with her gift and skills. She's also steadfast about basing her work on a solid foundation—most recently by earning her Holistic Voice Therapist certification from the British Academy of Sound Therapy. With this milestone, she will continue leading sound therapy sessions at The Pink House, guiding participants through breath, movement, visualization, and voice to help center and ground them.
Our Survivors and Thrivers describe Ana's sessions as soothing, cathartic, and transformational—a powerful reminder that healing comes in many forms.
To learn more about Ana Lucía and her work, visit Azul Healing.
Strength in Community
At Carolina Breast Friends, every gathering at The Pink House is an opportunity for connection, healing, and empowerment. Here’s a look at some of the incredible moments we’ve shared recently!
Survivor-Thriver Galentine’s Night: A night of laughter, reflection, and sisterhood, where Survivors and Thrivers connected through fun conversation starters and heartfelt storytelling. The evening ended with a calming meditation session, reminding us of the strength in shared experiences.
Resilient Hearts Day Retreat: Led by Lori Ives-Godwin, this retreat introduced participants to HeartMath techniques that help manage stress, regulate emotions, and shift toward balance and resilience.
Special thanks to Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc. for underwriting this impactful day!
Mentor Training Summit: An empowering day where our dedicated peer Mentors gained tools to better support other Survivors and Thrivers. We are grateful to Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc. for making this training possible to help strengthen the network of support we provide through our Mentoring Program.
Visit our Sessions Calendar to see our upcoming activities.
Mindfullness & Breathing Techniques for Wellness
Practicing mindfulness and intentional breathing can be a powerful tool for managing stress, anxiety, and emotional well-being throughout the breast cancer journey. Whether you are living with breast cancer or not, this video will guide you through simple yet effective breathing techniques designed to help you be more grounded, present, and in control—no matter where you are in your healing process or daily life.
A COLLABORATION WITH QUEENS UNIVERSITY:
HELEN DANSKER’S UNSTOPPABLE SPIRIT
Helen Dansker refuses to let metastatic breast cancer define her. Since her diagnosis in 2018, she has faced tremendous challenges—including the loss of her husband just days after her mastectomy—but she continues to embrace joy, purpose, and community every day.
An active member of The Pink House and the Charlotte Metsters, Helen finds strength in connection, whether she’s gardening, crafting, or cooking for her grandchildren. Her message to others facing a diagnosis? "Do as much as you can, for as long as you can, and be happy."
THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING VOLUNTEERS
April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and we are beyond grateful for the incredible individuals, corporate groups, and service providers who make The Pink House a place of hope and healing. Whether you lead workshops, provide services like Ana Lucía Divins’ sound therapy, support our events, or help maintain our space, your generosity helps ease the journey of breast cancer Survivors and Thrivers.
A special thank you to JE Dunn Construction, Panther Heating & Air, and McKenny's Inc. for installing our HVAC system and Sparkle Squad for their gutter services—your support helps keep The Pink House warm, welcoming, and safe.
If you're interested in volunteering, we’d love to hear from you! Email Ashly at adollar@carolinabreastfriends.org to get involved. Thank you for making The Pink House a true home for Survivors and Thrivers!
With gratitude, Lisa Dale & The Carolina Breast Friends Team Edition 02 | March/April 2025