Dear Friends of WPFT,

When 2010 rolled in, I was excited and overwhelmed. I hated watching the ball drop in Times Square without my husband. Seymour and I always made a ritual to watch, and then dance to Auld Lang Syne. Last year, he even managed using his walker. I think we invented a new two step.  

I'm told that life goes on- and I suppose it does. When I listen to the stories of survival that are told by the women who  work with us- the women who have accepted chairmanships and volunteer positions-I realize, they are doing the same thing I am. We are putting one foot in front of the other and getting through another day.  

I am so proud of the direction WPFT is going. Our new website design donated by McMurry and Growing Bolder, is keeping us up to date with the latest news and treatments.  All of our meetings and occasions are highlighted here, giving us the opportunity to touch base with hundreds of other men and women.  With this "news site", we are offering help for women and their families and friends everywhere.  

At a recent committee meeting, more than 30 gals showed up at the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences which houses M. D. Anderson Orlando’s Cancer Research Institute.  We had the pleasure of listening to some of the doctors and tour the labs. It was a major look into the future.  And it was important because we have promised Dr. "Buck" Brown that the majority of our dollars would go to research this year, without neglecting our day-to-day commitments.

Harry Truman was a little guy, a haberdasher in Kansas, when he was tapped to be Vice-President under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He was overwhelmed with the "ask", but more overwhelmed when Roosevelt died and he stepped into the oval office.  This humble man made no excuses for his past or his abilities. He only said, "the buck stops here."  

It was 18 years ago when Sheila Solomon and I co-founded WPFT.  When she died in 2000 from breast cancer, she left behind a legacy that has driven WPFT all these years. She also left behind a passion for finding a cure that is second to none. Those of us who knew her carry this dedication deep in our hearts and those new to our organization carry the same passion and dedication to eradicate this deadly disease.  

Even after 18 years, we can point to every machine and treatment we have subsidized. We can point to the Breast Care Center and Helical Tomotherapy, the vans, educational brochures, the boutique and all those things we helped to fund. It is with much pride I point to the nearly $8 million dollars we have raised. Our donors have been our backbone. You have given us strength to keep fighting with your support. There is still much to do. We can't do it without our donors.

We know that "the buck stops here" when it comes to WPFT. We are   many voices that WILL NOT be silenced until this dreaded disease no longer exists.

Thank you, dear friends, for giving us the courage to go on.
   
Fondly,

Elaine
Elaine M. Lustig
Co-Founder, WPFT

Elaine M. Lustig