PWP MEMBER IN THE SPOTLIGHT

MARY LANK

Mary Lank has been a member of Penn's Woods for about 4 years. She is retired from US Civil Service and she and her husband, Jerry, have been very active in the local community charities. Mary was diagnosed with breast cancer over five years ago.  A after undergoing more testing, an 11-pound adrenal gland tumor was found. The breast cancer saved her life -- if she hadn't had the MRI, the adrenal tumor would have gone undiagnosed. She is a healthy survivor and looking to help others facing the problems that cancer treatment brings.  Mary has a special message for members of PWP who would like to help in her latest endeavor:

                Ladies, I am in Stage 1 of organizing a Sertoma Club called Busom Buddies.   The mission of this club will be to provide needed services to women going through the challenges of Breast Cancer.   Of course the charter members will be very involved in developing the detailed mission and establishing the by-laws, etc.  First step for me is to find out if I have 25 interested potential members.  Once that is established, we will go to Stage 2 which is drawing up the by-laws, mission statement, etc.  Then we elect officers and move forward.. 

                I have become aware that there are more and more young mothers finding themselves victims of breast cancer.  I also feel there is a need to provide some service to these young women that does not get covered by HMOs, etc.  I envision being a sort of Good Samaritan, by providing meals, babysitting while they go get a hairdo, massage, or just while they go to their appointments.  Sometimes they could use an evening or day off with their spouses or other children.   Maybe they need a ride to an appointment, and on and on.   You get the drift.  Anyway, I felt if there are any other survivors interested or just interested citizens, please let me know.   Any funds raised by the club will be returned to the community 100%.  As we grow, our mission may grow, but to start, I am mainly interested in finding out if any of the members are aware of any specific needs and if not, then we will reach out into the community and find those in our area who need help.  I know the need is there, and I want to be a part in making life a little more comfortable until the CURE is found.  Anyone interested in joining, please call me 697-3196 or email me lankfamily@comcast.net, for any details, suggestions, questions, etc.

                My first commitment is to find out if there are 25 interested people before I go any further.  Thanks so much,

Mary Lank