The Pink Perspective | July 2026
In June, we were delighted to welcome Holly Konrady from the Novant Health CORE Program for an engaging and restorative chair yoga workshop. Participants discovered how gentle, mindful movement from the comfort of a chair can improve flexibility, balance, and relaxation while supporting both physical recovery and emotional well-being. Holly guided attendees through accessible exercises designed for all ability levels, demonstrating that staying active doesn't have to be strenuous to be effective. Beyond the movement, the workshop provided a peaceful space for participants to reconnect with themselves, reduce stress, and embrace self-care alongside others who understand the cancer journey. Thank you to Holly for sharing her expertise and helping our attendees prioritize health, healing, and wellness! In the News - Your heart and your cancer share more risk factors than you might thinkA major global study links breast cancer and an irregular heartbeat to the same lifestyle habits and says changing two of them could make a real difference. Why it matters: If you've been treated for breast cancer, protecting your heart is already on your radar. New research suggests that two habits — drinking alcohol and smoking — raise your risk for both breast cancer and atrial fibrillation (AFib), a common irregular heartbeat. Tackling them together could pay off in two big ways. What the study foundResearchers analyzed data from 204 countries and looked at 58 risk factors in women 55 and older. Published July 8 in the Journal of the American Heart Association, it's the first study to use machine learning to map where breast cancer and AFib overlap across the globe and why. In roughly 40% of countries studied, rates of both conditions tracked closely together. The highest-risk zones were in Western nations, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, and much of Europe , all places with greater exposure to alcohol, smoking, sedentary lifestyles, and diets linked to both cardiovascular and cancer risk. What this means for breast cancer survivorsThis research adds to a growing body of evidence that heart health and cancer recovery aren't separate conversations. Many breast cancer survivors face an elevated risk of cardiovascular issues — from the effects of certain chemotherapy drugs and radiation to the natural aging that happens while in treatment and survivorship. AFib, which causes an erratic heartbeat and raises the risk of stroke, is one condition worth knowing about. This study suggests that the same steps you'd take to lower your cancer risk — cutting back on alcohol and quitting smoking — are the very same steps that reduce your AFib risk, too. What you can do now
The bottom lineYour body doesn't treat cancer and heart disease as separate issues — and neither should your care. This study is a reminder that integrated lifestyle habits aren't just good for one condition. They're a two-for-one investment in your long-term health. Note: This article is for informational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. Speak with your care team before making any changes to your treatment or lifestyle plan. INA®, The Intelligent Nutrition AssistantGoing 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 Get Involved: We're Still Looking for VolunteersDo 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 SurvivorsShop GBTP Custom MerchandiseLooking 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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– Judy Garland
Coming Events!
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Going Beyond the Pink
Friends, We're so excited to announce that Maggie Fisher is Going Beyond the Pink's new Executive Director! If you have come to a monthly workshop, attended the REACH Survivor's Symposium, or called us with a question or needing support, you already know her. Maggie Fisher, Going Beyond the Pink's new Executive Director Maggie joined GBTP in 2024. As our Director of Programs and Outreach, she has grown the REACH Survivor's Symposium, adding both attendance and new program components. She...
Registration Now Open for the 4th Annual Pose for Pink Fashion Show! Mark your calendars! We're excited to announce that Going Beyond the Pink's 4th Annual Pose for Pink Fashion Show is happening on 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...
July Monthly Workshop - Skin Protection & Self-Care Post-Treatment Join us next Wednesday, July 15th from 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. for our monthly workshop on Safe Sun, Healthy Skin: Skin Protection and Self-Care Post Treatment. This will be an informative workshop presented by Des Yeager, certified Oncology Skincare provider and owner of Pure Love Skincare in Wilmington, NC. Cancer treatments can leave skin more sensitive and vulnerable, making proper skin care and sun protection especially...