INTRODUCTION

As the Gallery Chairman, I must first say thank you to all the participants (models) who so courageously shared their stories and shed their outer skin to portray the reality of breast cancer to help others. Many thanks to our Unveiling Breast Cancer….A Gallery Gala Committee, all the volunteers and sponsors! Without you this would not have been possible.

A special thank you to Thomas Bruce Studio for your exceptional work and dedication on the portraits and to Big U Productions for your dedication on the video “Making of the Gallery” to bring the portraits to reality by the stories attached to them.

As a newbie on the board for Faces of Courage I have to say I am broken in now. It was Peggie Sherry, the Faces of Courage founder, who asked me kindly if I would handle this event and put the pieces of her year dream puzzle together. I had no idea of the capacity this would excel to or what I got myself into. With that and a breath to spare, I say thank you Peggie for entrusting myself and our wonderful committee to handle this special project that will continue on its course to success even after this opening Gala night.

On a personal note, I myself am a cervical cancer survivor 9 years now and can relate to the experience of a fight and the unknown. Fortunately for what I do today in the field of nuclear medicine, I am rewarded daily by trying to help save a life and surround myself with courageous people who may need reassurance and support. This event has brought me to a new level of admiration and understanding to all who beat breast cancer, endured the pain, scars and emotions and for those who may still be fighting, there are many. You’ll see in the gallery I have a friend fighting again today. This has become personal once again.

The reality of breast cancer revolves around awareness: to be aware, know your options, listen to your instincts and follow the right path to recovery. I have witnessed in recent months The Faces of Courage Foundation has brought so much support and hope to many families and I am proud to be a part of it. The Gallery was completed to “share” the experiences to all and emphasize you are not alone.

With many thanks to everyone who joined to support us for this cause, I hope you enjoy your time at the Breast Cancer Gallery Gala night.

Warmest Regards,

Cassandra P. Beitzel, MBA
Chairman, Breast Cancer Gallery Gala

Dir. of Marketing
VyMed Diagnostic Imaging, Tampa
PET/CT Fusion Center