On March 5, 2017, at my "Tata to my Tata's" party, Cherise and friends, through Debbie's Friends Fund/Drink for Pink, gifted me with $2000 to do something for myself after my double mastectomy. The girls were actually invited guests, as we are all friends, so this surely came as a surprise to me. To say I was, and still am, grateful would be an enormous understatement. I never thought I would be in this position and definitely had no idea what to expect post surgery.
Since my surgery, I found out that I, in fact, have Stage IV Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cherise and friends made sure to reiterate that I was to do something for myself with the money. I originally felt guilty for even contemplating using it for anything but bills but I now, more than ever, realize that LIFE IS SHORT! I will be using the money to go on a vacation very soon :)
Thank you for all that you have done for me and women like me, as well as the countless women you will assist in the future. You all do amazing work! I did not have the pleasure of knowing Debbie but I know, without a doubt, that she is smiling down from heaven, full of pride because she got to be YOUR mom! I love you all! Xoxo
Andy Sealy, 37 years old, South Philadelphia
My name is Donna Allevato, I'm a mother of 4 girls. I was diagnosed with breast cancer May 2016. During the time of my diagnosis, my unemployment ran out, so I not only had breast cancer, I also had the stress of dealing with keeping a roof over our heads.
I was going through chemo during the holidays and to my surprise, friends of mine reached out to Debbie's Friends. Cherise surprised me at my house on a day I wasn't feeling the greatest, but her friendly personality and excitement made a not so great day, amazing! She presented a check for $2000 to my daughters and I. Debbie's Friends Fund was such a big help and was truly a blessing when I was going through treatment. Thank you Debbie's Friends and everyone who supports the organization.
~Donna Allevato
In 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a scary time for me and my family, but I was determined to fight! My oncologist proposed a double mastectomy which would require me to be out of work for some time. Although my husband Joe was working, medical bills were piling up. Unbeknownst to me, Cherise contacted my daughter, Chrissy. Cherise told my daughter that Debbie’s Friends Fund was donating to me! When I got the call from Cherise, I cried. It was a generous donation for which I will forever be grateful. Thank you, Debbie’s Friends Fund!
Betty Becker May, 2017