Director's Corner - What's New at Going Beyond the Pink
Stepping into the role of Executive Director of Going Beyond the Pink, I find myself excited, deeply honored and, if I’m being completely transparent, a little nervous, too. I know firsthand how overwhelming a breast cancer diagnosis and the journey that follows can be, and I also know what a difference access to information, resources, and compassionate support can make. I’m looking forward to growing into this role, listening and learning from our survivors, families, volunteers, Board members, partners, and supporters, and helping Going Beyond the Pink reach even more individuals in our community who have been impacted by breast cancer.
There is already so much happening at GBTP! Our 4th Annual Pose-for-Pink Fashion Show is just around the corner, and we’re signing up models, vendors, and sponsors. This event is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our community, support our mission, and, of course have some fun along the way. If you’d like to walk the runway, showcase your business, sponsor the event, or simply learn more, we’d love to have you involved.
I’m also thrilled that our Mammogram Access Program is LIVE! We are connecting uninsured individuals in our community with free screening mammograms and diagnostic imaging services - care that could quite literally save a life. Early detection is something I care deeply about, and expanding access to screening while strengthening community support is central to the work ahead. Please help us spread the word so this program reaches the people who need it most.
Also in this month's newsletter we share the store of a local artist and breast cancer survivor who has turned her experience into creative expression and how she's using her art to give back to the Going Beyond the Pink community.
I’m grateful to be beginning this next chapter with all of you, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together!
Withe Gratitude,
Maggie
Strike a Pose! Be Part of the 4th Annual Pose-for-Pink Fashion Show!
Join us Saturday, October 24 as Going Beyond the Pink presents its 4th Annual Pose-for-Pink Fashion show! If you've ever dreamed of walking the runway and being cheered on by your adoring fans - this is the event for you! This amazing event will be held Saturday evening, October 24, 2026, at Independence Mall and registration is officially open for Models, Volunteers, and Vendors!
Pose for Pink is more than a fashion show, it's an unforgettable evening of fashion, fun, inspiration, and celebration as we honor the strength, courage, and resilience of our breast cancer survivor community. Whether you're walking the runway, supporting behind the scenes, showcasing your business, or cheering from the audience, you'll be part of a night that celebrates hope, sisterhood, and survivorship.
If you've been looking for a meaningful way to get involved, now is the perfect time!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
We can't wait to bring our community together for another incredible evening filled with confidence, connection, and celebration. This is one event you won't want to miss!
Spread the Word! Free Screening Mammograms For Uninsured in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties
Breast cancer impacts hundreds of individuals across our region every year. Early detection is one of the most powerful tools we have to improve outcomes but for many, the cost of screening and diagnostic services can be a major barrier.
Going Beyond the Pink's new Coastal NC Mammogram Access Program helps bridge that gap by providing financial assistance for those who need breast health services but cannot afford them. Our goal is simple: No one should miss a potentially life-saving mammogram because of cost.
Through the Coastal NC Mammogram Access Fund, eligible participants receive financial assistance for:
- Screening Mammograms
- Baseline or annual breast cancer screening.
- Diagnostic Mammograms
- Additional imaging when symptoms or abnormalities are present.
- Biopsy Services, when recommended by a healthcare provider after diagnostic imaging.
Services require a physician referral and are provided through trusted imaging and medical providers in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties.
And of course, participants also receive access to Going Beyond the Pink’s online breast health education resources, empowering women to stay informed and proactive about their health.
To learn more, email us at mammo@goingbeyondthepink.org
If you know someone who could benefit from this program - please SHARE this information!
Pink Squad is Now Available To ALL of North Carolina Breast Cancer Survivors!
Pink Squad, Going Beyond the Pink’s exclusive online wellness and survivorship platform is growing! Our vibrant online community is now available for breast cancer survivors throughout NC and beyond. If you have a friend or relative who is a breast cancer survivor, feel free to invite them to join for FREE!
Members have access to FREE live expert-led programming, group coaching sessions, and interactive classes designed to support your mind, body, and spirit. Each month join live sessions with cancer care professionals including nutritionists, exercise specialists, and wellness coaches - all focused on topics that matter most to survivors and care partners.
Pink Squad is here for you and now you can invite your breast cancer survivor friends and family to join too!
Sign up now!
August Monthly Workshop - Body Scans and Breathing for Stress and Rest
Join us on Wednesday, August 19 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in the GBPT office for an interactive workshop on using body scans and breathing tips for stress and rest. Kara Kenan will lead us through several proven techniques that will help reduce stress and promote restful sleep.
August 19 2026- 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink Office. Onsite space limited to 12 - Click to Register.
July Workshop Recap - Natural Care for Your Skin After Breast Cancer
Our July monthly workshop featured Lisa Hansen owner of Bumpandfuzzies all natural bath and body products. Lisa shared how she got into the business of making natural skincare products when her sister, Stephanie was going through treatment for breast cancer. Her products are all natural and infused with love.
We all got to see and try her amazing products and even got to bring some home! And - great news - Lisa will be teaching small, intimate soap making classes starting September 4th at Poplar Grove Historic House and Plantation. Would you like to experience all-natural soap making? To sign up or get more information email Lisa at bumpandfuzzies@gmail.com with your name, email, and phone number. Classes are $65 with all supplies included.
INA®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant
Going Beyond the Pink and Savor Health have partnered to share an amazing resource with you (psst... it's free!). Ina®, The Intelligent Nutrition Assistant provides personalized, evidence-based nutrition support 24/7 “on demand” to help cancer patients.
Learn more & sign up to get free access to INA here: https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/ina
Creating with Purpose - Turning Survivorship into Art and Impact
For local ceramic artist Kathleen Kalish, navigating a high-risk breast cancer diagnosis became the inspiration for something unexpected: a creative project filled with humor, beauty, resilience, and generosity. After a routine mammogram in 2025 revealed atypical ductal hyperplasia and doctors estimated her lifetime breast cancer risk at nearly 40 percent, Kathleen ultimately chose a prophylactic double mastectomy. After researching her reconstruction options, she chose Aesthetic Flat Closure (AFC), a decision she says offered her a more straightforward path with fewer surgeries.
As Kathleen imagined her life after surgery, she began channeling the uncertainty and emotion of the experience into her art. The result is The Boobless Project, a collection of special-edition, hand-thrown Cortado Cups playfully stamped with “BOOBLESS” or “BOOBIES.” Some feature 22-karat gold embellishments inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold—a fitting symbol of embracing the beauty and strength that can emerge from change.
Even more meaningful to us at Going Beyond the Pink, Kathleen is using her art to give back. All net proceeds from her Boobless Project cups benefit GBTP, helping us continue supporting people in our community impacted by breast cancer. We’re grateful to Kathleen for sharing her story, celebrating her choice to go flat, and transforming a deeply personal experience into something that can help others. Learn more about The Boobless Project and shop the collection.
Get Involved: We're Still Looking for Volunteers
Do you have free time and would like to help others? Are you experienced with social media and Canva? Then Going Beyond the Pink needs you!
We are currently seeking dedicated volunteers to support our team with a few hours of administrative assistance each week. From helping with day-to-day tasks to supporting behind-the-scenes operations, volunteers play a vital role in helping us serve breast cancer patients and survivors in our community.
If you have experience with Canva, social media, or general administrative support, we would especially love to hear from you but a passion for our mission is what matters most. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real impact, build skills, and be part of a compassionate, purpose-driven organization.
Interested in joining us? Reach out today, we’d love to connect and find the right fit for you!
Survey Opportunity - Calling All Metastatic BC Survivors
Shop GBTP Custom Merchandise
Looking for a way to show your support for GBTP? How about rocking some GBTP-branded t-shirts or sweatshirts? They make great gifts for friends and loved ones and help support the work we do. Shop our GBTP t-shirts, sweatshirts and mugs here.
Help Us Continue Helping You!
Since 2017, Going Beyond the Pink has been helping the breast cancer community in Southeastern North Carolina with support resources, care bags, educational materials, survivorship workshops and financial assistance to help cover rising out-of-pocket medical costs for breast cancer patients.
Your continued support of our mission has a direct impact on our local community. To date, we’ve awarded over $110,000 in financial assistance and provided thousands of support resources to our breast cancer community. Supportive resources are shown to improve breast cancer survival rates by up to 64%!
Your support helps our breast cancer community beat the odds!
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Words to Live By
"My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." — Maya Angelou
Coming Up!
