I am thrilled to announce that I recently joined the Board of Directors at Candy’s Place, a Cancer and Wellness Center.
For me, joining the board is so much more than a professional opportunity — it’s a personal one.
My mom, Sue DeFine Armento, and me on my wedding day, May 27, 2018
I don’t often talk about my personal connection with cancer, but now seems like the right time to share a little bit more.
A few years before I was born, my mom Sue was diagnosed with breast cancer.
As any woman can agree about their experience with breast cancer, it’s more than just a terrifying diagnosis; it takes a toll on a person physically, mentally, and emotionally.
At only 27 years old, she endured surgery and radiation treatment. Thankfully, she won her battle in a relatively short amount of time since her cancer was caught at an early stage.
Candy’s Place didn’t exist at that time, and although she had support from her family and friends, I know it’s something that she could have tremendously benefited from.
My mom now volunteers at Candy’s Place with a support group for individuals with breast cancer.
“Giving back to humanity and helping to strengthen the lives of those battling breast cancer is very important to me,” she said. As an advocate for this cause, it gives me a profound sense of fulfillment which I’m very grateful for.”
When someone is going through the fight of their life, nothing is more important than feeling secure and as comfortable as possible. Candy’s Place provides that sense of “home” for all clients, and so much more.
They’re advocates and caretakers, confidants and friends. Whether it’s helping a client find a look that makes them feel more like themselves, or pairing a client with the right stress management technique, Candy’s Place is there.
I’m honored to serve on this board and to help continue their mission forward.
The Story of Candy’s Place
Candy’s Place was founded by Penny Cunningham in memory of her sister, Candice Vincent-Mamary. Candy led a very active and healthy lifestyle, and although she was a non-smoker, she was diagnosed with end-stage lung cancer in 1997.
Before she passed, Candy told her sister Penny that she wanted something good to come out of her disease.
She wanted a place for those living with cancer to go and feel comfortable during treatment, while offering services to help them and their family members cope with their disease.
Penny kept her promise to her sister and founded Candy’s Place in 1998. The organization soon became a valued resource for those living with cancer and their families.
Join me for #CandysVirtuALL Fundraiser
All Activities. All Locations. All Month.
For the entire month of October, we will continue to honor Candy’s legacy with our Annual Fundraising Walk.
The event will take place all month long, and you can participate in a number of creative new ways.
Any activity is valid as long as there is movement. Hiking, kayaking, cycling, running, or even gaming are all options.
It is $25 to register and includes a downloadable bib, and a Candy’s Place branded mask that can be worn on the day or your activity. Since our walk is typically 2 miles, we ask that the length of your activity is equal or greater than the 2 mile mark.
Be sure to take a selfie or video of your activity and share it on social media using the hashtag, #CandysVirtuALL!
Candy’s Place heavily relies on the good people and businesses in NEPA who support us financially because of the strong belief in the good work Candy’s Place is doing.
To register click here: https://cancerwellnessnepa.org/product/2020-virtuall-registration/
What: 2+ mile activity of your choice
When: October 1-31, 2020
Where: Anywhere – local or global, inside or outside! (please follow social distance guidelines)
Registration: $25/person*
*Includes a branded mask that can be picked up at the Candy’s Place office and event bib can be downloaded after registration and worn on the day or your activity.