In eighth grade, Lauren Scalise’s mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the same time, the middle-schooler had an assignment to write a personal narrative about something important in her life.
“I chose to write about the impact cancer has had on my family and how I coped with it. As I was sitting in front of the class reading my paper and crying, I realized that I wanted to do something so that other children could have a better experience,” said Scalise.
Scalise and her sisters, Emilie and Samantha, started Strides for Survivors, a fundraising walk that would benefit TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation. Their mother, Stephanie, had been supported by TurningPoint, so the beneficiary of the fundraiser seemed to be a perfect fit.
It was during TurningPoint founder Jill Binkley’s own experience as a breast cancer patient, she saw a void and also saw how the launch of TurningPoint could be a game-changer for breast cancer patients on the road to recovery. The nonprofit is focused on improving the quality of life for breast cancer patients and survivors (both men and women) by providing, promoting and advocating specialized and evidence-based rehabilitation.
Located in Sandy Springs, the clinic’s comprehensive services include physical therapy, massage therapy, counseling, exercise classes and education programs for patients and healthcare providers.
“It was not until October 2015 that I got to first-hand experience the wonders of TurningPoint,” shared Stephanie. “The breast cancer journey can be long and treacherous, but with the knowledge and support TurningPoint gives, both in and out of the treatment rooms, is invaluable. There is nothing else out there that compares to this organization. My weekly appointments got my strength back and allowed me to get back to the day to day of being mom, wife and teacher.”
Samantha added, “After all the support and help towards recovery that TurningPoint gave to our mom during her recovery, the least we could do was help fanatically support more women and their families through their journeys.”
This year’s Strides for Survivors will take place 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Chastain Park across the street from The Galloway School. This is the second year of the walk and the sisters have a goal of raising $10,000 for TurningPoint.
To support this fundraiser, Lauren, Samantha and Emilie are seeking volunteers for the day. Volunteers can help throughout the walks set up, and those unable to attend the walk can support the cause by purchasing T-shirts or raffle tickets.
“We hope that we can bring attention to TurningPoint and all that they do for people. We also want to let them know that there are always people and places to help throughout and after the journey of breast cancer,” said Emilie.
Over the past 15 years, nearly 4,000 women have been supported by TurningPoint.
To volunteer with Strides for Survivors: stridesforsurvivors@gmail.com
Information on TurningPoint Rehabilitation Center: myturningpoint.org
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