Celebrating Resilience and Community at the 2024 Living Beyond Breast Cancer Butterfly Ball

On November 16, 2024, I had the honor of attending the Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) Annual Butterfly Ball, an event that brings together a community of patients and advocates to raise critical funds for LBBC mission-driven breast cancer initiatives. This year my patient Anna Crollman was recognized as the 2024 Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Honoree. To see her celebrated for her bravery, resilience, and unwavering dedication to supporting others in their breast cancer journeys was inspiring.

The Butterfly Ball itself is a celebration of individuals like Anna, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of community in the fight against breast cancer. The evening is always filled with powerful stories and shared moments of triumph, but this year was particularly meaningful. Anna’s recognition was more than just a personal achievement—it was a collective acknowledgment of the incredible support system we have in the breast cancer community, one that includes patients, caregivers, advocates, and organizations like LBBC that make such a profound difference.

I was especially touched to celebrate this special occasion with my patients Dana Donofree, Abby Match, Chelsey Pickthorn, and Michelle Rechenberg. These women, among so many others at the event that night share a unique bond that goes beyond breast cancer—they are part of a sisterhood that stands together in strength and solidarity.