Director’s Corner — March 2026

As I write this month’s Director’s Corner, I realize it will be my last in this role. After many meaningful years serving as Executive Director of Going Beyond the Pink, I’ll be stepping out of this position at the end of March.
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When I first began this journey, I could never have imagined the extraordinary community that would grow around this work. Together, we’ve supported thousands of individuals navigating breast cancer through care bags, education, financial assistance, workshops, and programs like REACH and Pink Squad. But more than programs or numbers, what I will carry with me most are the relationships—the survivors who trusted us with their stories, the families who leaned on our support, the volunteers and partners who believed in this mission, and the incredible people who have worked alongside me.
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This organization has always been deeply personal to me. My heart remains fully committed to ensuring that Going Beyond the Pink continues to thrive and grow well beyond my time in this role. I’m grateful that I will remain connected as a member of the Board of Directors and in support of the Programs Committee, and I look forward to continuing to champion the mission in new ways.
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I also feel incredibly confident in the leadership guiding the organization through this next chapter. Cindy Anzalotti, our Interim Executive Director, brings thoughtful leadership and a steady hand during this transition, and I trust that our team and board will find the right person to take Going Beyond the Pink to the next level—reaching even more individuals who need connection, knowledge, and support.
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I’m especially grateful for Maggie, whose dedication, compassion, and friendship have meant so much to me personally and professionally. Working alongside her has been one of the greatest joys of my time here. I will miss our daily collaboration more than I can put into words. Watching her lead and grow programs—especially REACH Survivor’s Symposium, which has always been my favorite program in GBTP’s history—has been incredibly rewarding. I’m thrilled that REACH will be part of my final days in this role, and I know Maggie will continue to make it even better year after year.
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As I step away from this role, I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family, taking good care of myself, and remaining open to whatever opportunities the world may place on the path ahead.
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Most of all, I leave this role with deep gratitude—for the trust you’ve placed in this organization, for the community we’ve built together, and for the belief that no one should have to navigate breast cancer alone.
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Thank you for allowing me the privilege of being part of this journey.

With gratitude,

Kara

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​HURRY! Spots are filling FAST...
Don't Miss Out!

REACH Survivor's Symposium - Mar 27 & 28, 2026

The REACH Survivors Symposium is happening March 27–28, 2026 at the beautiful Halyburton Nature Center in Wilmington, NC. We are almost sold out - so don't delay!

The event kicks off Friday evening with a wine reception and a special video screening to set the tone for connection and inspiration. On Saturday, March 28, we’ll dive into a full day of educational sessions and hands-on experiential workshops—blending expert insights with real-world tools to support your whole-person wellness.

This year we are offering Pay-What-You-Can registration. We believe cost should not be a barrier to survivorship education and community so we are asking for a minimum contribution of $20 - but we recommend $100 to help cover our costs.

With this model:

• You choose what you can contribute
• A minimum $20 contribution is required ($100 is recommended) to confirm your seat and support event costs
• We ask that you select an amount that reflects both your circumstances and your commitment to showing up fully

This approach helps ensure participants are invested in the experience, while keeping REACH accessible. Click here to REGISTER NOW!​

March Workshop - Fueling Recovery & Resilience: Nutrition for Survivorship

Discover how food can support your body’s recovery and strength. This month we will be joined by Susan Sullivan, RD, LDN, CNSC of the Novant Health NHRMC Cardiac and Vascular Institute to explore anti-inflammatory eating, maintaining a healthy weight, and practical nutrition tips to help you feel your best in survivorship.

March 11, 2026- 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink Office

Onsite space limited to 12. Click to Register.​

February Workshop - Heart-Smart Survivorship

Our February workshop featured Taylor Schneider, Sara Weaver, and Holly Konrady from Novant Health's Zimmer Cancer Center's CORE Program - a cardiac rehab program for cancer patients. They shared the importance of caring for your heart after cancer treatment focusing on physical activity, stress management, and understanding the cardiovascular effects of certain cancer treatments—helping us to build lifelong habits for heart health and healing.

What We Learned

To better understand the impact of this monthly workshop, participants completed a brief pre- and post-survey.

Before the session, many participants were unsure about two important facts:

• That everyone — not just those with pre-existing heart conditions — should monitor their heart health after cancer treatment.
• That physical activity does not have to be intense to benefit heart health.

After the workshop, responses showed stronger understanding in both areas, reinforcing how important education is in survivorship care.

We also saw meaningful growth in confidence. Participants reported feeling more capable of taking steps to improve their cardiovascular health and more confident in practicing stress management techniques in their daily lives. Even more encouraging, attendees overwhelmingly shared that they would strongly recommend the workshop to others and felt fully supported and included in the space.

Heart health after cancer isn’t optional - it’s essential. And we are honored to walk alongside our community as we build lifelong habits for healing.

Have You Joined Pink Squad Yet?

Pink Squad, Going Beyond the Pink’s new online wellness and survivorship platform, is officially live—and there’s still time to join!

Members gain access to FREE live expert-led programming, group coaching sessions, and interactive classes designed to support your mind, body, and spirit. Each month features sessions with cancer care professionals— including nutritionists, exercise specialists, and wellness coaches—focused on topics that matter most to survivors and care partners.

You’ll find classes in yoga, meditation, gentle stretching, cooking and nutrition, managing side effects of treatment, and more—all accessible from the comfort of home. Whether you’re seeking new tools for self-care, practical guidance for survivorship, or a welcoming community that “gets it,” Pink Squad is here for you.

💗 Spots are limited, so click here to sign up and join our vibrant community!

In the News - Breast Cancer Risk: What Survivors Should Know

Why it matters:​
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A new study published in The Lancet suggests about 28% of breast cancer cases may be linked to six lifestyle factors that people can potentially change. For survivors, these habits can also influence overall health, energy, and long-term wellness.

The six risk factors identified:

• High red meat consumption
• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
• High blood sugar
• Obesity or excess weight
• Alcohol use
• Low physical activity

Breast cancer risk is complex — genetics, hormones, and age also play major roles. But lifestyle choices can still support healthier survivorship and may help reduce risk.

What survivors can do:

• Move regularly: Aim for about 150 minutes of activity per week (walking, yoga, gardening, strength training).
• Eat more plants: Reduce red/processed meat and increase vegetables, beans, and whole grains.
• Limit alcohol: Try alcohol-free days or keep intake to no more than one drink per day.
• Support healthy blood sugar: Avoid sugary drinks and choose fiber-rich foods.
• Avoid tobacco smoke: Quit smoking and minimize secondhand exposure.

The bottom line is that you can’t control every risk factor, but small lifestyle changes can support long-term health after breast cancer. Focus on progress, not perfection.

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​

Healthy Cooking: Mint Chocolate Chip Milkshake (Shamrock Shake Recipe)

This surprisingly health and delicious dessert recipe tastes just like chocolate mousse!

Ingredients

• Spinach
• Milk of choice – almond milk, coconut milk, or even oat milk all work. If not looking for dairy-free, you can use regular cows milk
• Ice
• Avocado
• Banana – peeled, cut into pieces, and frozen
• Mint extract or fresh mint leaves
• Mini chocolate chips – we love mini chocolate chips can also use cacao nibs
• Protein (optional) – add a boost of your favorite protein powder.

Instructions

1. In a high-speed, blender place the spinach, milk, ice, avocado, banana, mint extract, and collagen or plant-based protein if using.
2. Blend on either a ‘smoothie’ setting or on high for 60 seconds or until creamy and smooth. Optional: Add the cacao nibs or chocolate chips, pulse for 10 seconds.
3. Pour into two tall glasses and top with a few additional mini chocolate chips or cacao nibs.

Enjoy!

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

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