Breast Cancer Recovery is pleased to announce our 2022 Ann Haney Award recipient: Klara Hartfiel!

This award is inspired by our founder, Ann Haney. Nominations told stories of women's breast cancer journey that has been an inspiration to others around her, and whose light has shined brighter. The nomination committee was so inspired by the journey of all our 2022 nominees, and all they do to support women with breast cancer in your community.The award was presented at our Party on the Pier: Thriving for 25Years! on Thursday, May 12 at Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center. Klara was nominated by Kari Cataldo.

Klara's journey has been an inspiration to others After finding a lump initially speculated to be a clogged milk duct from breastfeeding her daughter, Klara was diagnosed with breast cancer a month after her 28th birthday. In the midst of that shocking diagnosis, she had two very young children and was pursuing her nursing degree. She had no family history of breast cancer at the time. Admirably, Klara navigated through surgery and chemotherapy, took care of her 3 year-old son and 1 year-old daughter, and earned her Registered Nurse associate's degree!

She is truly an inspiration to all breast cancer survivors but especially young survivors. She participates in the Young Survivor Coalition, supporting and guiding other young women in similar situations. Most notably, Klara has volunteered and subsequently worked as Program Director for Breast Cancer Recovery Infinite Boundaries retreats for the past nine years. Unfortunately, Klara was diagnosed with a breast cancer recurrence in 2021, requiring surgery and chemotherapy for the second time and additional radiation. Genetic testing recently identified that she has a mutation in a gene that causes breast cancer, and this led to the discovery that three of her cousins carry the same gene mutation. Despite the tremendous strain on her health, Klara continued to lead Infinite Boundaries retreats, including the final Madeline Island retreat just two weeks after her first round of chemotherapy! Her incredible strength is evident in that she also finishing her bachelor' degree in nursing with a 4.0 GPA while undergoing active cancer treatment! Klara's perseverance through adversity and dedication to helping others is a remarkable inspiration to all the survivors who she has helped along her journey.

Klara's contributions to breast cancer support and awareness Klara is very vocal about why October is pink, raising breast cancer awareness by teaching others about the many types of breast cancer. More importantly, she educates the public that breast cancer can be diagnosed before age 30. She participates in Susan G. Komen and Relay for Life walks. In fact, she was the honorary survivor for Relay for Life in Beaver Dam in 2017. She frequently attends webinars through Young Survivor Coalition, CancerCare, and Living Beyond Breast Cancer. Advocating with the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Coalition in 2019, Klara voiced her concerns to her State Legislators at the Wisconsin State Capitol. She encouraged insurance coverage of extra screenings for women with dense breasts and ensuring statewide access to the Wisconsin Well Woman Program.

Klara's contributions to her community. Klara has used her healthcare knowledge and breast cancer experience to volunteer as a Grapevine partner with the Wisconsin Women's Health Foundation. She connects directly with community members to share health information, support, and resources about chronic disease prevention. In addition, Klara has spoken at various wellness days at various clinics and organizations while promoting Breast Cancer Recovery. Klara has supported other women diagnosed with breast cancer. Klara has supported other women diagnosed with breast cancer in countless ways through her work with Breast Cancer Recovery. She attended her first Infinite Boundaries Retreat at Madeline Island in 2011. Subsequently, Klara volunteered for All Stages retreats in 2013 and 2015 as well as for a Metastatic retreat in 2014. At the time, she was working as an RN, including a year in the urgent care/emergency room setting and six years in home health nursing. In 2016, Klara used her nursing experience and compassion for breast cancer survivors to become the Program Director for Breast Cancer Recovery. The job consists of attending and leading all Infinite Boundaries Retreats, chairing the Retreats/Programs committee, recruiting retreatants and volunteers, and representing BCR at various events throughout the year. Klara leads the retreats with enthusiasm, compassion, empathy, and grace. As each of the five retreats per year has anywhere from 5-12 attendees, Klara has helped hundreds of women heal emotionally! She is the first contact for survivors who are considering attending a retreat, and she shines at using social media for recruitment and support. In addition, she has been an integral part of updating and improving retreats over the past six years, incorporating self-compassion into the curriculum, seeking ways to recruit more women of color, and developing a retreat to meet the needs of young survivors.

About Klara It is indisputable that Klara embodies the spirit of Ann Haney. At each Infinite Boundaries Retreat, she responds with compassion, flexibility, and discernment to the diverse needs of up to 14 retreatants. Over the past year, Klara managed all of this while handling her own horrific cancer treatment with dignity and grace. She has touched the lives of several hundred breast cancer survivors and women living with metastatic breast cancer, and she continues to selflessly shine her light and warmhearted smile on all of those around her!