317-255-7465

March 2025 • Pink Ribbon Connection Newsletter

A Letter from the Executive Director

I want to share the news with you all that I am going to retire from Pink Ribbon Connection on June 1^st of this year. I have loved being the executive director since 2008. Now that I am 68 years old, I find I need a different kind of schedule in my life. My husband, Darrell, is 72 years old and we have some things we want to do together while we are active and able.

Serving as executive director of this organization has been the highlight of my career and I am so grateful to have served in this role all these years. I have met the most amazing, determined, brave and caring people and I will cherish these memories for the rest of my life.

It is important that you know you will see no interruption of service whatsoever. We are in the midst of the search process now and will have a new executive director in place before I leave. Our mission and our culture will remain the same. We are committed to being here with practical assistance for any breast cancer survivor in Indiana. The free mastectomy bras, prostheses, post-surgical garments and wigs are an important part of our mission and will remain so. Our local peer counseling program is an important way we provide emotional support to women going through breast cancer and will continue to operate across Indiana. The monthly educational sessions will still be offered in our office. Our fashion show is scheduled for October 11^th and we want to fill the ballroom with 1,000 guests. We are in the midst of recruiting our survivor models and still have some spots left, so please let us know if you are interested.

Thank you for the support you have given to me and to Pink Ribbon Connection. Please continue to do so as we enter a new era for this organization.

With gratitude,

Dori Sparks-Unsworth

Join Us as We Celebrate Dori

May 15th, 2024 ~ 4pm-7pm

Southeast Community Services

901 Shelby Street ~ Indianapolis, 46203

Dori has done so much for Pink Ribbon Connection and touched the lives of so many in the breast cancer community over the last 17 years. Please join us as we wish her well on her retirement and thank her for her many years of dedicated service.

Should you wish to give Dori a retirement gift, please consider donating to Pink Ribbon Connection in her honor.

2025 Stars of Pink Fashion Show

Save your seat!

Saturday, October 11th, 2025

Indianapolis Marriott Downtown

Reservations are now on sale:

$125 each or a table of 10 for $1,250.

Payment methods:

Check-Payable to Pink Ribbon Connection (Preferred method. PRC does not have to pay a processing fee for checks)
Credit card

You may choose to pay all at once or use monthly installments for individual tickets with easy automatic payments. Please include your guest's name or table captain. The earlier you get your tickets, the better spot you will have in the ballroom.

Click here to start your purchase!

This is a fabulous event that you don't want to miss!!

Numerous Sponsorship Benefits!

Do you know of a company that may be interested in being a sponsor for the show? Sponsorships are available for $1,250-$10,000. Please contact our office: info@pinkribbonconnection.org for details.

We are looking for a few more Breast Cancer Survivors to walk in our fashion show. Call or email us if you would like to be a model in this year's show.

Upcoming Events

Empowering Survivorship:

The Role of Physical Therapy in Breast Cancer Recovery

with Dr. Erica Herron and Dr. Carolyn Cebalo

Thursday, March 20th

1139 Shelby Street ~ 46203

(Free parking at the Goodwill)

Join us for an informative and empowering session designed specifically for life after breast cancer treatment. Explore the many benefits of physical therapy, focusing on how it can enhance quality of life during and after treatment.

*Restoring strength and mobility

*Managing shoulder and neck pain

*Issues related to scar tissue from surgery and radiation

*Prevention and management of lymphedema

*Regaining abdominal strength and flexibility after DIEP reconstruction.

*Pelvic floor health - pain with intercourse and urinary leakage

Whether you're in the midst of treatment or adjusting to life as a survivor, this talk will provide valuable insights and practical tips to help you feel stronger, more comfortable, and more in control of your body as you continue your healing journey.

This session is not just about surviving—it's about thriving!

if you would to join us for this free session. Free dinner will be served.

Meet The Therapists

Erica Herron and Carolyn Cebalo, two experienced and compassionate therapists, bring a combined 50+ years of clinical expertise to the table. Both have specialized knowledge in breast cancer rehabilitation and are certified lymphedema therapists, helping patients manage and prevent lymphedema. In addition, they are pelvic floor specialists and manual therapists, skilled in a variety of techniques to address the unique needs of patients, particularly those recovering from cancer treatments and surgeries. Together, Erica and Carolyn are committed to helping you regain your strength, mobility, and confidence, providing expert care with a focus on your individual journey.

Many Volunteers are Needed for This Bras & Breakfast

Please call the office or email us if you can volunteer.

You are Cordially Invited to a Spring Garden Brunch

Saturday, May 10th ~ 10am-12pm

The Tea Room of Rustic Root

$40 per person

You will not want to miss this beautifully appointed, lavish, intimate experience. Pamper yourself, your mother, your sister, your dearest friends. Enjoy this decadent affair hosted by Tammy Hanna, an expert in tea parties. There will be plenty of savory delicacies, delectable desserts, an abundance of tea, and the most lovely way to spend a Saturday morning.

Reservations are required; please have payment ready. Call 317-591-9497 to RSVP. High tea attire is not required, but is delightfully encouraged.

Enter to Win a Week Stay in Florida!

We Need Supplies

We NEED Bras

We are in need of 38B/C & 40B/C mastectomy bras. If you have any to donate please drop them by our office at 1139 Shelby Street, or contact us at

317-255-7465 to make arrangements to have them picked up. We appreciate your generosity!

Every Day Ways to Support Us

Purchase a T-Shirt

Pink Ribbon Connection t-shirts come in all sizes. Show your support and raise awareness by purchasing one of our new t-shirts.

Order yours today!

Donate Your Car

Pink Ribbon Connection now accepts your donated vehicle! Just call our office at 317-255-7465 and let us know you want to donate your car to Pink Ribbon Connection. We will then call our towing partner, Hanna's Wrecker Service, and a representative will call you and make an appointment to pick up your car. They will come, with identification, at your convenience, to tow the car to their lot. They hold regular car auctions and will auction off the car, with the proceeds donated to Pink Ribbon Connection.

You will receive a tax receipt for the amount your car sells for at the auction. The receipt will be mailed to you by Pink Ribbon Connection. Every cent of the money stays right here in Central Indiana to assist breast cancer patients and their families with support, resources and information.

Enroll in Kroger's Community Reward Program to keep your points AND support Pink Ribbon Connection. It's easy, it's free - click here to get started!

Sign in or create your account
Select "find an organization"
Search "Pink Ribbon Connection"

PLEASE NOTE: This is separate from Kroger Fuel Points.

Donors & Volunteers

We would like to thank last month's donors and volunteers.

We would not exist without you, your kindness, and your support. Thank you!

Corporate Donors

Huse Culinary

Jazz Pharmaceuticals

Kendra Scott

Kroger

Liberty Mutual

Live Nation

Milestone Ventures

PayPal Giving

Pfizer

Reis Nichols Jewelers

Total Quality Logistics

Individual Donors

Monica Bates

Jerome & Melissa Branscum

Michael & Cathy Chappell

Rhuperdia Crowe

Linda Ferguson

Brooklynn Glenn

Debra Jones

Angela Love

Toni Peabody

Michael & Missy O'Maley

Jan & Bill Oglesby

Olajumoke Oyegbola

Kathie & Steve Simpson

Patricia Smith

Christine Ward

Volunteers

Jaden Helterbrand

Nancy Skiles

Board of Directors & Staff

Board Chair

Beth Kiggins

Vice Chair

Dawn Holt

Treasurer

Jessie Wylie

Secretary

Jennifer Baker

Jodie Ferise

Cathy Gray

Ann Kavalec

Karla Bibbs Lovelace

Stephanie Probst

Bessie Proffet

Victor Schneider

Colleen Bolden Smith

Teia Stapleton

Executive Director

Dori Sparks-Unsworth

Office Manager

Brenda Beard

Resources & Videos

Cancer Support Community (CSC) announces select hybrid program offerings hosted in-person. Consider joining in-person or virtually while maintaining a high level of safety as operations return to normal and taking every preventative measure possible. Not all programs will have an in-person option available initially. Review The Companion for in-person programs, events, news, and more.

Karuna Precision Wellness Center is an integrative wellness center for cancer survivors. Located at the Indianapolis Healthplex and offers many services virtually. Therapies are focused on three key areas; mental/cognitive health, physical health, and nutrition. Financial assistance is available for clients at 350% of the federal poverty level or those who are suffering financial hardship due to medical bills. For more information visit Karuna Precision.

Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) has published a "Guide for the Newly Diagnosed." You may view it online or purchase a printed copy.

Free Personal Intimacy & Wellness Guides for anyone who needs it! These guides are crafted for the patient and their specific needs. Personal Intimacy & Wellness Guide - Reclaiming Intimacy