Month: April 2016

Pink Keynote Speaker, Jenny Peterson: Cultivate A Sense of Hope

Posted on by komenaustin2016

Four-year Komen Austin breast cancer survivor, gardening enthusiast, speaker and author, Jenny Peterson connects people to the natural world to enhance a healthy lifestyle of balance and joy. We at Komen Austin are thrilled to have Jenny Peterson as our keynote speaker at our 5th annual Pink Party this year!

Aside from being a speaker of wise words, Peterson has been creating gardens since 2001 beside her team at J Peterson Garden Design. Peterson can create elegant courtyards, funky meditation spaces, lush tropical retreats to the crafting of the perfect front yard oasis. She incorporates native Texas plants in gardens that are drought tolerant and low maintenance.

Below is a Q & A with our MAD About Pink! keynote speaker Jenny Peterson.

Jenny

Jenny Peterson

What do you look forward to most at MAD About Pink! being the keynote speaker?

I am thrilled to be the Keynote speaker at Pink – it’s such an honor to speak on behalf of Komen Austin. I’m looking forward to having fun while meeting new people and talking about what Komen Austin does for women like me.

How and when did gardening turn from a hobby to a full-time passion of yours?

I come from a family of gardeners, so I have been gardening for some time, but it wasn’t until about 2005 that I started my business, J. Peterson Garden Design. A friend from high school was the general manager at a local car dealership, and he gave me the job of upgrading the landscaping – I took the job and off I went! Then in 2009 I began writing about gardening, and in 2014 started writing and speaking about gardening and wellness.

Final CoverYou have many talents and writing is one of them. What inspired you to write “The Cancer Survivor’s Garden Companion: Cultivating Hope, Healing & Joy in the Ground Beneath Your Feet?” Is there another book in the making?

 I found my garden to be so healing during my own treatment and recovery, and I wanted other people going through similar difficulties to know that the garden is there to help them, too. Wherever you are in your life, whatever you are facing, the garden can help you to find peace and hope.

You are a 4-year breast cancer survivor. Tell me a little about the journey and what Susan G. Komen® services you were provided with.

I had just gotten engaged to Brett, my longtime love. I moved into his house in south Austin and within 3 weeks began going through the diagnostic process for breast cancer. Being self-employed, I was uninsured, and my biopsies were going to total $15,000 – not something I had set aside. With one phonecall, Komen Austin turned what was one of the darkest and most frightening times in my life into one of hope. Because of Komen Austin, I was able to focus on my health without worrying about how to pay for it. I will always be grateful.

What is one piece of advice that you would like to give to those that are being affected with breast cancer?

So many times, people diagnosed with cancer are encouraged to have a “positive attitude.” A positive attitude is nice, but what I encourage others to do is to cultivate a sense of hope. Hope is much deeper and more profound than simply being positive, and it can come from many sources. You can have hope for a cure, hope for peace with your diagnosis and prognosis, hope for meaning in the midst of difficulty. Hope is the one thing I cannot live without.

Who is your biggest inspiration?

My mother, Sue Nybro – she was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 49 (the same age I was at diagnosis), and died of metastatic breast cancer at age 60 when I was 26. My mother was a kind, strong, generous woman – everything I strive to be. She showed me how to live with hope, no matter what your circumstance, and to give thanks for what you have been given. I give thanks for the many people who have surrounded me and held me up during my journey, and Komen Austin is at the top of that list.

We can’t wait to hear Jenny Peterson speak on behalf of Komen Austin at MAD About Pink! Pink will be a night to recognize all those who have been affected by breast cancer.

-Komen Austin

What to Wear: MAD About Pink!

Posted on by komenaustin2016

Founder of Laurel Kinney Personal Styling, personal stylist and wardrobe consultant Laurel Kinney rocks the Austin fashion world helping men and women express their true selves through personal styling while keeping in mind the psychological aspects of dressing.

By: Laurel Kinney

Are you excited to participate in the Komen Austin’s MAD About Pink! Party, but struggling to figure out what to wear to this 60’s-themed event? No matter what your age, body type, or personality, you can still dress within the theme and feel like yourself. Why not start by seeking inspiration from the stylish women of Mad Men, and look for pink-hued dresses based on your favorite character?

Joan-Inspired Dresses

If you gravitate towards the independent, hourglass-shaped, bold style worn by Joan Holloway, you might look for a subtly sexy sheath dress. This waist-defining style will flatter your curves and make you feel va va voom, and women of any age can look sexy in this shape without showing too much skin. Check out these ultra flattering Joan-inspired looks below:

Betty-Inspired Dresses

Betty Draper made quite the transformation over the years, but tended to stick to feminine, floral, more voluminous frocks. If you’re on the petite side, or if you have wider hips in relation to your shoulders, a pretty fit-and-flare style dress might be just the ticket! The early to mid-60’s are the inspiration for these pretty pink frocks below:

 

Megan-Inspired Dresses

The late 60’s were when hemlines got a little higher, the colors a bit bolder, and the super stylish Megan Draper’s artistic and wild spirit expressed the late 60’s vibe to a T. If you have wider shoulders than hips, have a more athletic build, or carry your weight in the middle, you might just want to try out a leg-lengthening shift dress a la Megan Draper. Look for shifts with bold bright prints, bell sleeves, or embellishment at the neck. You might even bring out those go-go boots to complete the look!

Still need help? I’ve curated a shopping list of pink 60’s themed dresses, including plus & petite options plus the dresses shown above right here.

 

#IAmKomenAustin – Volunteers Think Pink!

Posted on by komenaustin2016

Happy National Volunteer Appreciation Week!

Every year we celebrate our wonderful volunteers that set aside their time and volunteer for Susan G. Komen® Austin. The success of Komen Austin events and fundraising is unimaginable without the help from our volunteers who are the heart and soul that power our mission.

Volunteers for Komen Austin come from all areas: sororities, fraternities, university groups, school districts, Komen Austin board members and Pink! chairs. Anyone can volunteer for us and we are always welcoming new volunteers.

“We need a lot of human capital and energy to get to the point where we can say we have eradicated this disease,” said Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Each second, minute and hour that you spend volunteering with Komen is an extra moment of hope for those affected with breast cancer.

We have asked a few of our Board of Directors, Pink! Co-Chairs and our very own Interim Executive Director on their input of why volunteering for Komen Austin is so impactful.

Randy and Deb Davis Groves
Jennifer and Don Stevens
Richard and Martha Coons
Amy Mosier and Karin Foster
Karen and Mike Shultz

Why did you choose to volunteer with Komen Austin?

Karen Shultz: I am compelled by the mission to save lives and end breast cancer. I have lost several friends and a daughter in law last year to metatstatic breast cancer, so the issue is personal to me.  I believe no women should die of breast cancer because she could not afford and receive quality health care to fight this devastating disease.

Jennifer Stevens: Two of my aunts had breast cancer and both ended up passing away. My mother and I both live with concern for our health because of the prevalence of breast cancer in our family. When I look at my daughter I know we have to find a cure and I believe Komen is the fastest path forward. I like Komen’s hands on mission. Raising money and providing services for those who need them now and funding for a cure. It’s a can-do attitude and I respect that mission.

Karin Foster: My husband’s family has a long history of breast cancer, he lost his mother to breast cancer while we were still in college over 30 years ago. After his sister (and my best friend) was diagnosed with Stage 3 Breast Cancer at the age of 45, I flew to Denver to be with her during her second chemo treatment (to help take care of her and her then 3 year old son). After returning to Austin I knew I had to do more to help other women battling Breast Cancer, so I emailed the Komen Austin office asking to volunteer. That was in October of 2011 and I’ve been volunteering ever since.

Deb Davis Groves: I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. I am one of four in my mother’s family to have breast cancer and between us we have 6 cases of breast cancer.  My mother’s Aunt Gracie passed away from breast cancer. I am also a two-time cancer survivor – thyroid and breast.  After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I basically reinvented myself.  I took a year to regroup.  I had worked as a volunteer in non-profits for 28 years.  I was having panic attacks at the thought of having cancer again.  So I purposefully looked for a way to turn my panic into a positive energy to help others who were dealing with breast cancer.  A friend, Gene Austin, connected me to the Komen Austin Affiliate and to Christy Casey-Moore. I liked Komen Austin’s mission of helping the underserved women in the Austin Community through their numerous community based partnerships.  I believed this to be a good fit for me as I was so fortunate to have such a great team of doctors that got me through and continue to get me through my cancer journey.  I am also very determined that we find a cure for Breast Cancer as I have two daughters and a son.  I will NEVER STOP until we find a cure!  Susan G. Komen has led that fight nationally and financially in finding a cure for Breast Cancer!

Martha Coons: Deb Groves asked me to co-chair the first Perfectly Pink Party and I did.

Amy Mosier: As a breast cancer survivor, I recognize the fundamental role Komen Austin plays in the community. I continue to be inspired by the abiding dedication and outstanding commitment of the staff, Board
members, interns and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide vital support and services to women and men fighting breast cancer in Austin and surrounding areas. I want to share my positive energy and optimistic attitude with others by remaining involved with this dynamic and vital organization.

Volunteer Party 1

When did you start volunteering for Komen Austin?

Karen Shultz: About 6-7 years ago.  I’ve served on the board of directors in several capacities, I have done the race and fundraised over the years, and served as co-chair for last year’s Pink! Party.

Jennifer Stevens: I started volunteering for Komen in college as a part of the philanthropy mission of my sorority.  Seeing the power of the people present at that Race for the Cure® so long ago really hooked me.  I have been active since that time and am about to complete six years serving on the Board of Directors for Komen Austin.

Martha Coons: The initial Perfectly Pink Party was my first volunteering for Komen Austin.

Deb Davis Groves: I started volunteering in the front office of Komen Austin in January 2011.

Amy Mosier: Following my breast cancer diagnosis in June 2014 and during treatment, I became actively involved in fundraising for Komen Austin. Although I had participated in the Komen Austin Race for the Cure in the past, I decided to form my own team, The Breast Is Yet To Come, which has raised close to $25,000 over the past two years. I am now a cochair for this year’s MAD about PINK fundraising gala.

What is the most rewarding part of volunteering?

Karen Shultz: The most rewarding part is knowing that your service is vital to the success of our mission.  There is a direct correlation to the time, talent, treasure put in and the help that women receive as a result of the volunteer work I do.

Jennifer Stevens: The most rewarding part of volunteering is knowing my efforts are directly linked to helping someone in my community.

Karin Foster: Watching the many survivors we have volunteering to help others. These women are the LEADERS in our organization, you see them volunteering at every Komen event. It inspires me to know that these women have been in the trenches of the battle against breast cancer and are now leading our community in the fight to make sure that no woman (or man) will have to go without the necessary screenings and treatment to beat this disease. No one should ever battle breast cancer alone!

Martha Coons: The most rewarding part of volunteering was making the money that we were able to give back to the community in our quest to treat and cure breast cancer.

Deb Davis Groves: Hearing the stories of the women and some men that we have helped along the way with their breast cancer diagnosis through our many community partnerships.  Talking to the people on the phone or being with their in the Survivor Tent….seeing their courage and their determination to battle this horrific disease. Probably my most favorite memories are in the Survivor Tent during the Race for the Cure:It was my first year as the Survivor Committee/Tent Co-chair. We had a door prize for the person who had the most recent breast cancer diagnosis.  One of the women said that she had been a survivor for 7 years and was just re-diagnosed.  I have never seen a group of PINK women move so fast in my life.  They all literally engulfed that women with love and hugs.  It was a priceless moment for me as I saw this BIG PINK FLUFF of LOVE in our tent area….all crying, hugging, laughing and loving with that young woman.  I knew in that moment that I was exactly where I was supposed to be…helping these women find some happiness, support and celebration as we are all victimized by breast cancer. Every year seeing the Survivors and Lifers gather together for their Race Picture….moves me.This past year having the Survivor/Lifer Path with the Hand Print banners….watching all of us put our hands in the paint and slapping our handprint on the banner was so special!  It was a slap at breast cancer that we are real and it is not going to win.

Amy Mosier: I’m inspired by being part of a community that shares the same passion, is incredibly supportive of one another and works as a team to reach a common goal that is very near and dear to my heart. It is evident how much the LOCAL services Komen Austin provides, helping to save lives and provide much needed support to those battling breast cancer.

race volunteer

What events have you volunteered for with Komen Austin?

Karen Shultz: The Race for the Cure, co-chaired for the 2015  Pink! Party, hosted a Pink Ribbon Circle party, Pink in the Park, Austin Spurs Pink Night, Kendra Scott Gives Back, Concert for the Cure with iHeart Media…the list goes on.

Jennifer Stevens: I have volunteered at Race for the Cure and Pink.  I have chaired committees for the Board and the Board itself.  I co-chaired Pink last year.

Karin Foster: Weekly Office Administrative Support – almost 5 years
Pink Party – 4 years
Race for the Cure – 3 years
Breast Cancer Awareness Advocacy Day at the Capital
Wacoal Fit for the Cure
#Amplify Austin

Martha Coons: Perfectly Pink Party and volunteering my home for videos to be made.

Deb Davis Groves: Started as the office volunteer in January 2011
Survivor Committee Co-Chair 2011 – 2015
Pink Party Founder and Co-Chair – 2012, 2013, 2014
Pink Ribbon Circle – 2014, 2015, 2016 and on
Komen Board of Trustees – 2014, 2015, 2016 and on
Komen Chair Transition Committee – finding the new Komen Austin Executive Director – 2015-16
Donor – 2011 – and on

Amy Mosier: Komen Austin Race For the Cure, Team Captain 2005, 2014 and 2015.Served on the fundraising committee for Race for the Cure 2015. Cochair for MAD about PINK Gala 2016.

What do you hope for the volunteer community at Komen Austin in the coming years?

Karen Shultz: We have a large and dedicated group of volunteers.  I hope to gain new volunteers and Ambassadors who have passion for our mission, to help spread awareness and education about breast cancer and help us raise much needed dollars we need to continue our highly successful grant program that we award to our community health partners each year. Our work is so vital to the community for quality, affordable health care to fight breast cancer.  Our impact is very significant in the greater Austin area.

Jennifer Stevens: I hope we keep recruiting new community leaders to our mission.  1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer.  The Komen mission should be every employer’s mission.  Everyone in Austin needs to get involved and understand that their time and their financial support stay here and help people in our community.  We need all the help we can get.

Karin Foster: That we are able to continue growing our base of support. I’m not sure the local community truly understands what the differences in services the Komen affiliate offices provide in contrast to the national Komen organization.  I honestly believe that once you volunteer with Komen Austin, you’ll be an advocate for life. WE ARE SAVING LIVES LOCALLY through advocacy, education, patient navigation, screenings, treatment and support.

Martha Coons: My hope for the volunteer community at Komen Austin is that it continue to expand.

Deb Davis Groves: I want us to continue to grow our presence in the Austin community so that they clearly hear, know and understand that Komen Austin is about saving lives in the fight against breast cancer!  I want them to understand what our mission is and the partnerships that we have available that will help the underserved women and men who are fighting this horrific disease.  I want these victims to know that they are not alone.  I want everyone to see the work that Susan G. Komen does locally through their affiliates, nationally and internationally in the fight against breast cancer and the intentional goal to find a cure.  I want the community to clearly know that “I WILL NEVER STOP”….“WE WILL NEVER STOP” in this battle against breast cancer that affects 1 in 8 women!

Amy Mosier: My hope is that Komen Austin’s volunteer community continues to grow, thrive, and educate Austinites so that they can, in turn, recognize the rewards of being a part of this organization

MAD about Pink! is coming up! What do you look forward to most about Pink! this year?

Karen Shultz: I’m looking forward to the attire and what fun outfits we’ll see with this year’s Madmen 60’s theme.  We aim to have fun and enjoy ourselves.  We also recognize some very deserving people and organizations who have contributed so much to our success over the past year.  It’s our second largest fundraiser and it has become one of the most fun parties to attend in Austin.

Jennifer Stevens: The event is always fun, informative and entertaining.  I most look forward to seeing old friends and new faces there – all coming together to support the fight against breast cancer.

Karin Foster: Loving the MAD MEN retro theme and amazing support of our local community. It’s going to be one heck of groovy night .. hoping to build the Komen Austin support base (with folks who will come back year after year) and raise a HUGE amount of money to provide breast health services and support for the women (and men) of the greater Austin area!

Deb Davis Groves: I love everything about this incredible party.  It has been exciting to watch it grow since I founded it 5 years ago.  Of course, the champagne and Kendra Scott purchase will be first!  The VIPink Cocktail Reception sponsored by Lexus Austin is a must!  The whole evening is a fabulous celebration benefitting Komen Austin….but it is a wonderful opportunity for Komen to help our guests realize who we are and what we are about!  “Our mission is simple:  to save lives and end breast cancer forever!”

Amy Mosier: MAD about PINK will be a celebration of the remarkable work of the Komen Austin foundation and all that they provide for the greater Austin community. The staff, Board members, interns and volunteers work tirelessly and ardently to provide year‑round women’s health advocacy, community education initiatives, and help to ensure a continuum of care in all forms. The evening will also be an incredible tribute to, not only those who have been personally afflicted with this terrible disease, but also to their co-survivors and care partners. We will recognize all who’ve cried, laughed, hugged, held hands, provided support, encouragement and embraced the journey alongside their loved ones who have fought hard and lost, who continue to fight, and those who’ve fought and survived. I feel very blessed to be a part of this amazing event.

Get Fit For Pink!

Posted on by komenaustin2016

The countdown has begun! Komen Austin’s 5th Annual Gala – MAD about Pink! is right around the corner (April 30…mark your calendars!)

We are excited for our second largest fundraising event to take place. Fundraising at Pink! brings together the people who strive everyday within the breast cancer community to raise awareness on the impact that Susan G. Komen® makes locally and globally in breast cancer health services.

We at Komen Austin are all about maintaining a healthy lifestyle so with Pink! right around the corner, we are ready to know the fastest and best way to get fit just in time for the gala.

We asked the fitness guros and they have answered.

Love Cycling Studio, MOD Fitness and Wanderlust Yoga haved shared their tips on getting fit for the gala below!

MOD Fitness

Mod Fitness

Tell me about Love Cycling Studio/MOD Fitness/Wanderlust Yoga and the fun classes you offer.

Love Cycling Studio: We are dedicated to elevating your indoor cycling experience in Austin by offering unparalleled service, personalized treatment and an inspiring 45 minutes. We hope you can sweat out what stresses you, release what weighs you, tap into what’s inside you and enjoy more of what life offers you. Our goal is to build your confidence, encourage and inspire you, transform and move you from the moment you walk in the door. LOVE Cycling Studio was born out of a shared passion for the ride experience combined with a strong bond of friendship. Our joy and enthusiasm for this type of fitness led us to believe we could make a long time dream come true. We’re each strongly dedicated to ensuring the experience one has at LOVE is one of warmth and friendship first, followed by an amazing and inspirational work out.

MOD Fitness:  MOD Fitness is a barre-based workout that takes an athletic approach to the principles of ballet, pilates and yoga to achieve visible results. We’re more than your average barre studio! We combine innovative strength and resistance training, cardio, and stretching into a full-body workout. You can expect a long, toned physique, better posture, and increased flexibility. We offer a variety of different barre-based classes ranging from our signature MOD Barre class, to MOD Kick, our kickboxing class, and MOD Burn, our interval training class.

Wanderlust Yoga: Wanderlust is a yoga studio based in the heart of downtown Austin. Our studio has the most incredible and talented team of instructors in what I believe to be the country! We infuse classes with live musicians, provide outdoor rooftop yoga classes next door at our neighbors Brazos Hall, and bring people together not just for yoga but for the community events as well. We host art shows and create workshops, and are always getting involved with the community to give back through fundraiser classes and more.

wanderlust _k

Wanderlust Yoga

Komen Austin’s 5th Annual Gala: MAD about Pink! is right around the corner! What is your best tip for our guests to get fit for Pink?

Love Cycling Studio: LOVE Cycling Studio is a place for everyone. No matter who you are or what shape you are in, fitness is as much about how you are inspired to meet a goal with the help of others as it is the physical act.

Tip 1: Motivation comes when you’re engaged in the activity. Show up and you’ve accomplished the hardest part.
Tip 2: Participate in what’s being asked of you before you compete with person next to you.
Tip 3: Make the workout yours and pace yourself.
Tip 4: Be patient, results take sometime, however every day you move – strength will follow.
Tip 5: Bring a friend with you and turn them into your accountability partner.

MOD Fitness: Our tip is to find a workout you enjoy! If you enjoy it and have fun, you’re much more likely to stick with it – and we believe consistency is the key to fitness! At MOD, we’ve created a workout, environment, and culture where our clients have fun while working out, even if they’re sweating, shaking, and burning!  

Wanderlust Yoga: Finding happiness, contentment and peace with yourself. The truest beauty shines out from within.

MOD Fitness 1

MOD Fitness

What makes Love Cycling Studio different than other indoor cycling studios?

Love Cycling Studio: We are devoted to exceptional SERVICE, determined to deliver an INTENSE 45-minute workout, committed to COMMUNITY contribution, aim to TREAT all guests as personal friends, INSPIRE with awesome instructors and unite us all as a TEAM. We’re the first studio in Austin to offer the state-of-the-art Schwinn A.C. Performance Plus bikes with Carbon Blue technology. Enjoy built-in USB charging ports in every locker. Charge it up while tapping it back! Experience the sensation of cooling down with chilled, eucalyptus-spritzed face towels after your ride. Both the men’s and women’s lockers rooms are equipped with soothing showers, complimentary towels and spa-like amenities. We serve complimentary coffee to kick start your ride and your day. No matter your need, you will be received with warm, hospitable service by our entire team from the moment you walk in until you depart. We offer locally-owned and operated CLEAN water. With every purchase, 50% of the profits support recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. CLEAN water is sourced from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer located just outside Elgin. (Did you know that Carrizo-Wilcox is actually the second largest aquifer in North America? Yep, it’s true.) The water goes through a proprietary purification process including reverse osmosis and ultra-violet filtering and comes in recycled PET and BPA-free bottles!

Are there any Wanderlust Festivals in Texas? If so, tell me about that.

Wanderlust Yoga: We have hosted two Wanderlust Austin festivals and most recently there was a Wanderlust 108 Festival in Houston.

Have any prestigious people tried out your classes?

MOD Fitness: Yes! Ben Kweller and Robin Tunney.

Wanderlust Yoga: Yes, we have had incredible people from all walks of life in studio for yoga.

You were generous to contribute to our raffle at the Pink! Gala. Can you give our guests a hint of what will be raffled off?

MOD Fitness: We are raffling off one month of unlimited barre classes! The winner can take classes at either of our locations and the prize is a $170 value.

Wanderlust Yoga:  Amazing classes to Wanderlust!

Do any of the instructors have a connection to breast cancer? If so, can you tell us a little bit about that.

Andrea Megan Knight

Andrea Megan Knight

 

Instructor Andrea Megan Knight from Love Cycling Studio: Our connection to survivors and those that have lost their battle to breast cancer run deep. We have a number of regular LOVE guests and led a class in memory of my father, a breast cancer oncologist, who past away from cancer… Breast cancer has touched the lives of many we love, both men and women.

 

 

Vanessa Janes

Vanessa Janes

Instructor Vanessa Janes from MOD Fitness: My mom Cindy, 60 years young, was diagnosed with breast cancer in January 2016 after a routine mammogram. Thankfully, even though we have no prior history of breast cancer in our family, she followed the advice of her doctor and was diligent about getting regular mammograms. As a result, the cancer was caught early. Her diagnosis was invasive lobular carcinoma, Stage 1A. She had a lumpectomy in February 2016 and began radiation therapy in March. She’s always been very committed to living a healthy lifestyle, and has responded this experience by seeking even more information about how nutrition and exercise can support her rapid recovery. Her spirits are high and her prognosis if very good. Our family has been so proud of her strength during this time, and are looking forward to celebrating her last day of radiation later this Spring!

 

Wanderlust Yoga: Many of us have family members, friends and the yoga community that have been affected by breast cancer. Wanderlust has a passion to help find the cure for breast cancer. We have held donation classes benefiting breast cancer and regularly donate to non-profits that help the breast cancer community.

 

Join Komen Austin at the party of the season and enjoy a “Mad Men” themed evening full of vibrant people, raffle packages, entertatinment and a live auction. Grab a ticket before it is too late!

-Komen Austin