Update from the Breast Cancer Recovery Staff

Mon, 27 Jul 2026 15:17:00 GMT

Why We Are Not Hosting an In-Person Fundraising Event This Year

As you know, Breast Cancer Recovery runs on a small team: a half-time Executive Director, a full-time Program Director, and a seven-member volunteer board. Right now, both of us on staff have some news to share.

Klara's update

Klara Hartfiel, our Program Director, had a recurrence of breast cancer. What many don't know yet is that it has been diagnosed as Stage 4, metastatic to the bone (her rib). She completed radiation in May, and all signs point to the cancer being eradicated there. In July, she started long-term treatment.

My update

Two years ago this month, I had my right knee replaced, and it's doing great — I'd recommend it to anyone who needs one. My left knee is a different story. I tripped on a carpet back in early April, and something's been off ever since. An MRI last week confirmed I did quite a number on it: two torn MCLs, a leaking cyst, and floating particles. I'll need surgery to clean it up sometime this summer or fall.

And then there's this: twelve years ago this month, I had my first breast cancer diagnosis. My annual mammogram on July 1st found a new cancer in the same breast — Stage 1A ductal carcinoma in situ, HER2 positive this time. The good news is that it's very small, which is why surgery is the first step. I met with my surgeon in July, and my mastectomy is scheduled for the first week of September. The hope is that the mastectomy alone will be enough, without needing radiation or chemotherapy.

What this means for BCR

Klara and I are both still working — just shorter hours for the coming months.
Instead of an in-person fundraiser, we're hosting an Un-Golf Outing this year. Do *not* save the date — just buy your tickets and stay home!

How can you help?

Upcoming Events we will need volunteers to help us with, or potentially host:

Friday, September 18 | Fundraiser: Wine & Bourbon Tasting in Waunakee
Saturday, October 3 | Education Day in Pewaukee
Wednesday, October 7 | "Training" for a Couch to .2K with a gathering at Hilldale's green space in Madison
Sunday, October 18 | The Pink Bag at Mayfair Mall in Wauwatosa

We will have more opportunities to assist us as dates are confirmed.

Klara and I are taking this all in stride, one day at a time. The support of family, friends, and the entire BCR community — our board, volunteers, and supporters — is what keeps us going.

With gratitude,

Megan Purtell

Executive Director

United by the Fight

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 20:43:12 GMT

From all walks of life, these women have joined to share stories, sorrows, smiles and support in their battle against breast cancer. They are together,

united by the fight.

By Chris Martell

Wisconsin State Journal

Originally published in the WISCONSIN STATE JOURNAL DAYBREAK, Monday, October 19, 1997

Interview with founder Ann Haney

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:49:57 GMT

Ann Haney is president and CEO of the Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation Inc.,which she founded in 1997.

A breast cancer survivor, she is currently undergoing treatment for a cancer reoccurrence. This interview took place in July [2001].

Originally published in Madison Magazine, October 2001.

Natural Healing

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:53:05 GMT

bcrecovery

Update from the Breast Cancer Recovery Staff

Why We Are Not Hosting an In-Person Fundraising Event This Year

United by the Fight

From all walks of life, these women have joined to share stories, sorrows, smiles and support in their battle against breast cancer. They are together,

united by the fight.

By Chris Martell

Wisconsin State Journal

Interview with founder Ann Haney

Ann Haney is president and CEO of the Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation Inc.,which she founded in 1997.

Natural Healing

Women who have experienced breast cancer are finding strength in nature and each other.

by Julie Eppers Salvin

Reflections of a Breast Cancer Survivor

Connecting with others along the journey to heal

By Terri Pedace, RN,

Wisconsin State Journal