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Posts Tagged ‘Breast cancer awareness month’

Sarah Ellery Receives the Linda Rainford Award

We are thrilled to share a moment of immense pride for the entire My Hope Bag community. Our incredible Founder and CEO, Sarah Ellery, who is the heart, hands, and spirit behind everything we do, was presented with the Linda Rainford Award by the Desert Cancer Foundation of Arizona.

This meaningful award is given to individuals who go above and beyond to bring comfort, hope, and compassion to those affected by cancer. Anyone who has met Sarah knows just how deeply this describes her. Her presence radiates kindness, and her leadership is rooted in genuine care for every woman navigating a breast cancer diagnosis.

Through her vision and unwavering dedication, My Hope Bag has supported countless women across Arizona, delivering personalized bags, offering connection and comfort through home visits, and ensuring that no one walks their journey alone. Sarah’s commitment has shaped this organization into a trusted source of hope during some of life’s hardest moments.

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Lin Sue Flood, who emceed the event with grace and warmth. Her thoughtful presence made the celebration even more meaningful.

Please join us in celebrating Sarah for this incredibly well-deserved recognition. Her work continues to inspire us every day, and we are honored to walk beside her in this mission of hope and healing.

Mr. Pink at ASU

October 21, 2025 – aKDPhi Sorority at ASU held their event of the year, Mr. Pink Pageant at ASU’s Tempe Campus. MHB’s Kristin Olafs spoke to the audience about My Hope Bag and how much we appreciate aKDPhi Sorority sponsoring My Hope Bag during this month of October.

The men competing for Mr. Pink, wore bras for one of the sessions. They had a talent competition, and each shared what his superpower was.  The men were questioned on their commitment as well as various initiatives. The audience voted on who they thought fit the bill and each vote cost $1. Those funds went to breast cancer research. Kristin concluded that these are great young representatives to spread the word on breast cancer awareness.

Texas Roadhouse in Scottsdale

October 22, 2025 – Texas Roadhouse, Scottsdale, held its Support Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 10% Dine to Donate event, on October 22. Stacey and Jenilee, new Hope Sisters for My Hope Bag, participated in the event.  They were sharing with guests about My Hope Bag as well as some breast cancer statistics. Stacey and Jenilee can’t wait for next year when they have another opportunity to visit with the guests of Texas Roadhouse, Scottsdale.

At last count, Texas Roadhouse collected just under $2000 in donations for My Hope Bag.  Thank you, Axel Diaz, 657 Marketing Manager, for making this opportunity available for My Hope Bag.

Fireside Chat to Raise Awareness

October 23, 2025 – JPMorgan Chase hosted a Fireside Chat with their employees. My Hope Bag was invited to be on a panel with two other women: one a JPMorgan Chase employee and the other, a representative from Impact One. Sarah Ellery and Angie Jones represented My Hope Bag.  The panel was individually asked questions on how their nonprofit helps women with breast cancer while the Chase employee shared about her breast cancer journey.

This was a great way for the breast cancer community to share their knowledge with this wonderful company, about breast cancer and how our respective nonprofit serves women and men with breast cancer.  There was a time when those attending were able to ask questions. The event was shared with other employees via Zoom. Thank you to JPMorgan Chase for hosting this event and including My Hope Bag for the panel.

Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser

Texas Roadhouse is doing its part for Stompin’ Out Breast Cancer with fundraisers at two locations.

The Scottsdale location is presenting 10% Dine to Donate on October 15 & 22 from 3:00 pm to close. Present the flier (on your phone) to your server, and 10% of your meal will be donated to My Hope Bag.

Texas Roadhouse in Gilbert will be accepting donations throughout October. Please inform your server how much you would like to donate to receive a gift from them. It’s a definite win-win for both great restaurants.

Thank you, Texas Roadhouse.

Scottsdale Flyer

Scottsdale Texas Roadhouse fundraiser flyer

Gilbert Flyer

Gilbert Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser Flyer

Our message in October during breast cancer awareness month

By Lizzy Ellery, MHB Vice President

You’re probably already aware that breast cancer awareness month happens in October. As soon as you start seeing Halloween and fall decorations in the stores, you’re likely to see a sea of pink accessories as well, in an effort to promote awareness.

Over the years, we’ve heard a lot of mixed emotions when it comes to the hype of October. Taking out the commercialism aspect of the month, we choose to look at it as a great time to remember to schedule your mammograms, bring awareness to prevention techniques, and share important resources.

So, before you do anything else, get your mammogram scheduled! Imaging centers may already be booked for October, but at the very least, get it scheduled so you can move on and have one less thing on your to-do list. My Hope Bag (MHB) partners with Solis Mammography to offer free mammograms to those who are uninsured or underinsured. Please do not let money stand in the way of your prevention.

Mammograms are still the best way to detect breast cancer early. When it is caught early, it is generally easier to treat. It may not be big enough to feel or cause symptoms, but would be visible for imaging machines to pick up (CDC, 2021). We always urge women (and men) to be their own advocates. If you feel like something is not right or have concerns, contact your doctor, and get an appointment as soon as possible.

We’ve got a lot of information all October long. Stay tuned!

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