My determination to end breast cancer began long before I knew there could be a way to help.
I learned as a young girl that breast cancer knows no limits to its path of physical, mental and emotional anguish. Fortunately, progress in early detection, treatment options and better survival rates have increased across the decades.
But, breast cancer is still a sly opponent. It can strike the healthiest of women and men in the prime of life with no risk factors.
Today, I'm committed to driving breast cancer research forward with specific emphasis on Prevention and Metastatic disease.
I'm proud to establish the Jessie H. Bruninga and Frances G. Sutkowski Breast Cancer Fund at Emory University Winship Cancer Institute. Winship exemplifies innovative research at its finest with the best and brightest researchers in the U.S.
My beloved mother, Jessie H. Bruninga, was diagnosed with breast cancer in the late 1950s. She fought courageously with optimism and carried on for her family. When my mother died of metastatic breast disease, my brothers and I realized how much our mother and dad had taught us about courage, patience, compassion and love.
Years later breast cancer took the lives of my husband's mother, Frances G. Sutkowski, and my best friend, Susan G. Komen. Suzy passed away in my arms August 4, 1980.
My passion ignited in the fight against breast cancer and continues as a lifelong commitment. My loved ones inspire me and fuel my energy in striving to wipe out the threat of breast cancer for all people.
Please join me to support the Jessie H. Bruninga and Frances G. Sutkowski Breast Cancer Research Fund with your financial gift.
Together we can help improve metastatic breast cancer outcomes and accelerate the chance of prevention.
Thank you as we honor brave courageous women everywhere.
With appreciation,
Linda B. Washkuhn-Sutkowski