Our History, Mission and Skills, by Co-Founder John Parker
A while back, my best friend and co-founder Joe D’Urso lost his mother, Gloria, to breast cancer. A few years later, a good friend of mine received her second breast cancer diagnosis, at age 38. Then, two years ago, my mother was diagnosed as well. At that time, I was stunned, angry and frustrated and I became determined to do something about it. The idea was hatched to organize an annual event to raise awareness of the many facets of this disease. I was thankful to get the support and commitment of some of my best friends – each of whom bring tremendous compassion, energy and skills to the table.
PinkFest launched in August 2006 – as a Jersey Shore event that I’m pleased to say my mom attended. Though our roots stem from a desire to help women facing breast cancer, with each annual event, we’ll be able to direct funds to any number of organizations who support women coping with a cancer diagnosis. These are strong, independent people facing scary health circumstances, decisions and treatment… all while juggling jobs, friends, and family needs. Your participation can make a big difference at a difficult time in their lives. We hope you’ll join us for a fun, energizing event this year – and every year – as we cheer these women on to do battle, survive and live life to the fullest.
What is Cancer and Careers?
A groundbreaking program that provides practical advice, interactive tools and education events to employees with cancer and their employers, coworkers and healthcare providers.
What Resources does Cancer and Careers Offer?
Cancerandcareers.org &
espanol.cancerandcareers.org:
An interactive website with over 100 articles, downloadable tools, charts and checklists covering everything from telling your boss, to scheduling treatments, and knowing your legal rights.
Free Publications:
Cancer and Careers’ growing library of materials includes English and Spanish versions of The Living and Working with Cancer Workbook, the Most Important Resources for Working Women with Cancer, and On The Go Guide Series. Publications are distributed to individuals, support groups, hospitals and cancer organizations nationwide.
Cancer and Careers Community Seminars:
Nationally-held seminars addressing the unique challenges of cancer in the workplace. In addition, Cancer and Careers offers a downloadable seminar-in-a-box tool kit with complete presentation and takeaway materials for cancer centers and support organizations to use for community seminars and events of their own.
Educational Series for Healthcare Professionals:
A four-part seminar series, accessible via a webinar/teleconference, and archived on cancerandcareers.org for replay anytime. The seminars provide concise, targeted information on combining work and cancer treatment so healthcare providers can effectively inform their patients. Includes a printed companion guide.
Online Career Coaching Center:
Offers cancer survivors free access to professional career coaches who address individual questions on how to manage their careers during and after treatment, as well as articles on universal professional development issues that affect employees with cancer.
Support Group:
A monthly New York City-based support group for employees currently undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
Cancer and Careers Online Diary:
An interactive tool for women to share their personal experiences of working and living with cancer.