An October to Remember!

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to every individual, business, and community group that supported Going Beyond the Pink throughout October. Your generosity and energy make all the difference.

This October, our team participated in 20 community events, reaching more than 250 people with life-saving breast health education. From the Fashion Show to the Pink Ribbon Luncheon, we’ve been blown away by the incredible outpouring of support and partnership. It’s been a whirlwind month—and while our team is a little tired, our hearts are full.

A huge thank-you to Hotworx for their incredible month-long fundraiser, raffle, and silent auction; to the Sandpiper Bay Golf & Pickleball Tournaments; WildTide Lacrosse; Southport Massage & Foot Retreat; Recharged IV Functional Wellness; the Lindsay M. Benton Foundation; Wilmington Christian Academy; Window Ninjas—and so many others who hosted events both big and small. Because of you, we can continue providing critical support and education to breast cancer patients, survivors, and families all year long. We promise to make every dollar donated count.

We’re also thrilled to have launched the Pink Squad program, giving breast cancer patients and survivors 24/7 access to digital health programs designed to help them truly thrive through and beyond treatment.

Finally, as we enter November—National Family Health History Month—I encourage you to take time to update your family’s medical history. Knowing your risks can be one of the most powerful tools in prevention and early detection. we recommend using our family medical history tracker. And don’t forget to follow along on social media for our month-long Journaling Challenge—a simple, mindful way to reconnect with yourself and your health.

With gratitude,

Kara

Save the Date! REACH Survivor's Symposium is March 27 & 28, 2026

We’re thrilled to announce the return of the REACH Survivors Symposium—our signature survivor-focused wellness event—happening March 27–28, 2026 at the beautiful Halyburton Nature Center in Wilmington, NC. This year’s theme, Rooted in Resilience: Thriving Through Every Season of Survivorship, invites participants to explore what it means to grow, heal, and thrive at every stage of life after a breast cancer diagnosis. Whether you're newly navigating survivorship, living with metastatic disease or years beyond treatment, this is a weekend you won’t want to miss.

New this year, the 2026 REACH Symposium kicks off Friday evening with a cocktail 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.

More details and registration info are on the way soon, but for now, be sure to mark your calendar and plan to join us in the heart of nature for this empowering and uplifting gathering.

October Workshop - Building Resilience After Breast Cancer

Thanks to all who came out for our October monthly workshop - on Building Resilience after Breast Cancer, presented by Tiffany Cripps.

As always it was a great opportunity for our survivors to come together to learn and share the shared experience of survivorship.

November Workshop - Taking Shapes: a Meditation and Art Experience

Join us on Saturday, November 15 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink office for our November workshop, Taking Shapes: a Meditation and Art Experience. Join us for a transformative experience that combines meditation with neurographic art. In this class, you'll start with guided meditation to help clear your mind and release energy blocks. Then, using creative shapes, you’ll learn to transmute negative energy and rewire thought patterns through neurographic art.
All skill levels are welcome, and materials will be provided. Leave with a unique piece of art and a deeper understanding of yourself in a supportive environment. Embrace creativity and mindfulness on your journey to healing and self-discovery!

Your instructor is Beth Blair, Artist, Reiki Master and Intuitive Coach. Beth is happy to share her experience with meditation and art as transformational tools. She is a retired massage therapist and personal trainer. She has been a self-taught artist and uses art for her personal healing and self-development journey. Neurgraphic Art is her latest favorite process that bring healing by creating new neural pathways in the brain.

Join us SATURDAY, November 15 2025- 11 a.m. - 12: 30 p.m. at the Going Beyond the Pink office to connect with other survivors and learn more. Registration is required! Click here to register.

Pink Squad is LIVE!

Heal & Thrive 🌸

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

Pink Squad is your virtual space to connect, learn, and thrive with others who understand the breast cancer journey. Members gain access to 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.

👉 Join today and start your journey of empowerment and connection.

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

The 2025 Pink Ribbon Luncheon Was a Huge Success!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for this year’s Pink Ribbon Luncheon supporting the Mammogram Access Fund! This sold-out event was filled with laughter, inspiration, and generosity — from our hosts and emcee sharing their “why,” to amazing floral arrangement, and a lively auction - there were so many heartfelt reminders of how many lives are touched by breast cancer.

Because of this event, Going Beyond the Pink will launch the Mammogram Access Fund in January, helping hundreds of local women access the potentially life-saving screenings they need.

See event highlights and photos at https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/mammogram-access-fund.

A special thanks to the small, but mighty planning committee who brought back the Pink Ribbon Luncheon and made it an incredibly memorable and successful event!

Pose for Pink Fashion Show Highlights

What an unforgettable evening! This year’s Pose for Pink Fashion Show was a beautiful celebration of strength, style, and survivorship. Our incredible models—each a breast cancer survivor or caregiver—lit up the runway with confidence and joy, reminding us all what it truly means to thrive beyond diagnosis.

A heartfelt thank-you to our Fashion Show Committee for support in planning to make this event such a success.

Check out photos from this year's show here: https://www.goingbeyondthepink.org/pose-for-pink-fashion-show

In the News - Study Finds Some Breast Cancer Treatments Raise Heart Risk — Survivors Can Take These Steps Now

Researchers developed a new model to estimate your 10-year risk of heart failure or cardiomyopathy after treatment for early-stage breast cancer according to a recent article posted in JAMA Oncology.

The study followed more than 26,000 women with invasive early-stage breast cancer and tracked outcomes up to 14 years.
At 10 years, risk estimates grouped survivors into categories: roughly 2% in the low-risk group, 6% in the moderate group, and 19% in the high-risk group.
Key risk factors included older age (especially 65-79), use of anthracycline chemotherapy, history of hypertension/diabetes/obesity/smoking, and prior cardiovascular disease.
Notably, endocrine therapy did not show a meaningful association with increased heart‐failure or cardiomyopathy risk in this model.

What survivors should know

Your breast cancer treatment has long-term cardiovascular implications. If you’ve undergone systemic therapy (especially anthracyclines) or have existing heart/vascular risk factors, this model suggests you may fall into a higher risk bracket for heart issues.
This doesn’t mean you will definitely develop heart disease — but it signals the value of proactive monitoring. For example:
- Talk with your oncologist and a cardiologist if you received anthracycline therapy or have high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a history of heart disease.
- Ask for a baseline cardiac function check (echocardiogram, perhaps) and periodic follow-ups if appropriate.
Lifestyle counts — heavily. Because the model shows traditional cardiovascular risk factors (hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity) stack on top of treatment‐related risk, survivors should prioritize:
- Keeping blood pressure and glucose in healthy ranges
- Maintaining a heart-healthy weight and staying physically active
- Avoiding or quitting smoking
- Reviewing medications and health conditions with both your oncologist and primary care provider/ cardiologist

What you can do now

During your next survivorship follow-up, bring this research up: “I understand there’s a 10-year heart-failure risk model after breast cancer treatment—can we assess where I stand?”
Ask your care team: “Given my treatment and my health history (age, blood pressure, diabetes, etc.), should I have a cardiology referral or additional cardiac testing now?”
Make one lifestyle adjustment this month (e.g., start or renew a gentle aerobic exercise program such as walking or swimming, reduce sodium/sugary foods, or schedule a blood‐pressure/ glucose check) and track it.
If you haven’t already, join a support program or survivorship wellness initiative that addresses both cancer recovery and cardiovascular health — because your care doesn’t end when treatment ends.

Bottom line: This new risk model gives breast cancer survivors and their healthcare teams a sharper lens through which to view long-term heart health. Use it to guide discussions with your providers today — not just tomorrow.

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: The Most Amazing Butternut Squash Soup

1 medium butternut squash, cut in half, seeds scooped out
1 large shallot, diced (or use ½ medium onion)
½ cup almonds, soaked, drained, skinned *or use blanched almonds
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can full fat coconut milk
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoons nutmeg
½ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon ground sage
Avocado oil
Sea salt and pepper to taste
Author: Angela Dennison, RD, Wellness House

Ingredients

Preheat oven to 425 F. Cut butternut squash in half, scoop out seeds (set aside seeds to roast later!). Place both halves on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (skin side down). Rub a small amount of avocado oil on each half, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake for 45-60 minutes or until fork tender. Take out of the oven and allow to cool.
Warm soup pot over medium heat with avocado oil. Once warm, put diced shallots in. Allow to cook ~3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add all seasonings, pepper, salt, stir to coat and sauté for 2 more minutes.
Scoop out ¾ of the squash, add to soup pot along with coconut milk, almonds, mix well and allow to simmer for 3 – 5 minutes. Add broth and allow to simmer for 15 – 20 minutes.
Allow soup to slightly cool. Blend soup in blender (blend in batches!). Add soup back into pot on low heat – taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.
Take the remaining ¼ roasted squash bit by bit and add into soup while squishing/softening with your fingers. Stir into soup.

Enjoy!

Volunteers Needed!

Landis Bernota, a senior at UNC-W is currently seeking volunteers to participate in a one-time, anonymous online survey to assist with his Honors Thesis research. His project focuses on understanding the role of hope in treatment adherence among women with a history of cancer treatment. To determine eligibility, participants will first complete a short (5-7 minute) screening questionnaire provided via the QR code on the above flyer or by this link. Eligible participants will then be directed the full survey via a link. If there are any questions, please feel free to reach out to Louis directly at lmb2321@uncw.edu or by phone at 910-962-3808.

Recruiting Participants - Couples’ Communication about Metastatic Breast Cancer Study

Researchers at the University of Connecticut are seeking individuals with metastatic breast cancer to participate in a study about couples & intimacy. We hope the findings from the study will be useful for individuals facing metastatic cancer by identifying communication practices that help couples manage the challenges of cancer on their relationship. Eligible participants will be asked to complete a 45-minute online survey that

includes scales and open-ended questions. Interested participants can complete this brief 5-minute screening survey: https://tinyurl.com/UConnMBCStudy

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!

Donate Now!