bcrecovery

I Had Other Plans for This Fall...

Wed, 26 Aug 2026 16:16:27 GMT

12 Years Later

Twelve years ago, in July 2014, I had my first breast cancer diagnosis. DCIS stage 0; due to my family history of breast cancer in 5 maternal relatives, including my mother, a lumpectomy was scheduled. Post-surgery, the biopsy showed that it was a slow-moving stage 1A. 6 weeks of radiation, and I thought I was done with cancer.

On July 1 this year, 12 years after my first diagnosis, almost on the exact same date, my annual mammogram 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, so surgery is the first step. I met with my surgeon in July, and my mastectomy is scheduled for September 16. The hope is that the mastectomy alone will be enough, without needing radiation or chemotherapy.

How am I feeling? Annoyed . I had other plans for this fall - travel, work events, including our mini-golf outing! The nurse who called to let me know that it was cancer- I think I surprised her with my annoyance. Not a response I think she expected. Most of all, I am annoyed because I also hurt my left knee and want that healed first.

Is this a normal feeling? YES! Some with a diagnosis are scared, rightfully so; others are surprised. All feelings are correct when you find out you have cancer.

The question everyone asks is, "How can I help?" I am lucky and have support financially, physically, and emotionally for my treatment from my family, friends, and the Breast Cancer Recovery board and volunteers.

Which is also why, 29 years on, Breast Cancer Recovery's Infinite Boundaries Retreats are still a wonderful place to have these thoughts and discussions with other women with breast cancer.

I’m proud to have served as Executive Director of Breast Cancer Recovery for the past 10 years. I’m grateful for a place where women can connect, heal, and feel understood—and our partners and supporters make that possible.

Many women still need that support. Our Infinite Boundaries Retreats provide a safe place to heal emotionally and connect with others who understand.

Will you join me by registering today for our UnGolf Outing ? Your support helps make these retreats possible for women who need them most.

No Greens Fees. Just Good Deeds. "Register today"

Thank you

Megan Purtell, Executive Director
Breast Cancer Recovery

Next week, our other reason for not hosting an in-person event.

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

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 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

I Had Other Plans for This Fall...

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