State marks first IBC Awareness Day
Posted on 21. Dec, 2023 by ibcneco1 in News
(Boston — December 21, 2023) — The state marked the first Inflammatory Breast Cancer Awareness Day with a series of events and a proclamation.
Members of the IBC board of directors, partners and policy makers met at the State House to mark the day. Representative Sean Garballey spoke about the significance of the event and presented a proclamation signed by Governor Maura Healy.
Representatives Joan Meschino and Vanna Howard also participated in the program.
The IBEW Local 103 in Dorchester displayed a message on their digital billboard on Route 93 announcing IBC Awareness Day. Thanks to assistance from Denterlein Communications, the day received a significant amount of media coverage.
Programs actually began in the summer and fall leading up to the day, October 10. Tufts Medical Center hosted an educational table distributing information about inflammatory breast cancer. Table displays were also set up in health centers and libraries in Boston and the north shore.
Community crafting programs brought together crafters with IBC survivors to share information about IBC. The resulting donation of more than 120 chemo hats for breast cancer patients were presented to Tufts Medical Center and Beth Israel Hospital. Participating knitters were: Ina Pratt, Kathy O’Brien, and Catherine Hocker of Whitman, from the Council on Aging; Stitch House in Dorchester, Wicked Good Yarns in Braintree, and Auntie Zaza Fiberworks in Easton. A number of individual knitters, including supporter Stephanie Fall, also donated.
In addition, another group of crafters organized by Rene Taber of Milton created more than 60 heart pillows for women undergoing breast surgery. Thanks to all who donated their time, guidance, and crafts.
Planning for 2024 has already begun. For more info on how to get involved, contact Sue at 781-447-0848.