Stacey Juel and Kristin Melville, WCA Foundation executive director, are pictured. The WCA Foundation is hosting several Breast Cancer Awareness month events in October.

The WCA Foundation, which supports UPMC Chautauqua, will host several events throughout October to raise awareness and funds for cancer care and mammography during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

“Breast Cancer Awareness began in 1985 as a week-long observance. Forty years later, it remains an important cause that deserves continued recognition,” said Dr. Andrea Walsh, GLPP Women’s Health at UPMC Chautauqua and board member of the WCA Foundation. “UPMC is committed to women’s health care, and we are proud to partner with the community to support breast cancer patients here at home.”

Money raised through these efforts provide critical support for patients and families, including financial assistance, prescription and copay relief, wellness and recovery services, local cancer research and clinical trials, investments in treatment technologies, staff education, and more.

Jamestown resident Stacey Juel, 43, a breast cancer survivor and said she is thankful for events that spread awareness and emphasizes the importance of early detection.

“It’s important for patients to be proactive and advocate for their own health,” Juel said.

With no family history of breast cancer, she discovered a lump and had her first mammogram at age 38. After treatment and multiple surgeries, she is now in remission.

Like Juel, WCA Foundation Executive Director, Kristin Melville, 67, has her own journey with breast cancer. Diagnosed in 2011, she recalled the devastation upon hearing the words “you have cancer.”

“I kept thinking it was all just a bad dream,” she said.

After undergoing a bilateral mastectomy, reconstructive surgery, and 36 radiation treatments, she went into remission.

“I put my cancer diagnosis behind me and was grateful to move forward. After all, I was a breast cancer survivor — I felt invincible.”

Nine years later, Melville received a second diagnosis: Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. This time, the disease was treatable but not curable.

“I was treated at the Hillman Cancer Center at UPMC Chautauqua. From the moment I walked in the door, I knew I was in the right place with the right team,” she said.

Today, she continues treatment, crediting medication, lifestyle changes, and the support of her UPMC Chautauqua care team.

“I’m not cancer-free, but I am stable. Those little cancer cells are still there, but they haven’t formed new tumors. I feel so grateful to have a second chance at living a full and rewarding life. I may not be able to call myself a survivor, but I think of myself as a breast cancer thriver. I’m committed to living life at its best.”

WCA Foundation Events in October include:

– October 5, noon, Framed in Pink bowling event at Jamestown Bowling Company

– October 8, 4-7 p.m., Ladies night shopping event at Runnings, Jamestown

– October 11, 7 p.m., Pink the Rink at Northwest Arena- Jamestown Community College Jayhawks vs. Canisus University Golden Griffens. Attendees wear pink to the game and can participate in raffles and a game jersey auction.

Throughout October Buddy Brewster’s Jamestown and Fredonia Restaurants will offer opportunities to support breast cancer care at UPMC Chautauqua.

For more information contact the WCA Foundation at 716-664-8665 or visit wcafoundationhjamestown.org.