Our Stories
ABCD’s Male Mentors Want Others to Know: “You Don’t Have to Do This Alone” (Part 2)
Danny’s Story “Hi, sir. Are you here to sign your wife in?” This is how Danny Riggs was greeted when he stepped inside a Texas women’s imaging center in 2018. […]
ABCD’s Male Mentors Want Others to Know: “You Don’t Have to Do This Alone”
For a man, the average lifetime risk of breast cancer is approximately 1 in 726, according to the American Cancer Society. When men are diagnosed, there’s often nowhere to turn […]
Meet Our Team
Ellen Friebert Schupper, Executive Director With a passion for women’s health and extensive experience in nonprofit marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnership development, I was honored to join ABCD in 2017 […]
The Claas and Krcma Families’ Giving Tradition Has Spanned Generations
When a loved one has breast cancer, family members and friends are affected as well. Kelli Krcma remembers supporting her sister, Kerry Claas, following Kerry’s diagnosis in 2001. Kerry was […]
Flo’s Story: Finding Your Own Power Through Mentoring
Flo Cameron loves to laugh. But after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021, Flo faced moments of sadness that she describes as “some of the lowest times in my […]
From Patient to Advocate: Helping Other Young Survivors
A breast cancer diagnosis turns life upside down. And often, the difficult news comes when you’re busy with other plans. It was the summer of 2016, and Monique Wilson was […]
Where to get free breast exams and other breast cancer resources in Milwaukee and beyond
The global educational awareness effort seeks to amplify the stories of breast cancer survivors and provide resources to maintain breast health. So it was fitting that when a reader called the […]
From Fear to Action: Finding Support When a Worry Became Reality
After my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, I couldn’t shake the fear that one day, I would face the disease as well. That day arrived decades later, but still […]
A Journey of Strength and Support: A Young Woman’s Experience With Metastatic Breast Cancer
At the age of 26, Chiara Riga made a discovery that would reshape the trajectory of her life. One day as she was lying in bed, Chiara dropped her TV […]
Artelia’s Triumph: Empowering Self-Advocacy in the Face of Breast Cancer
Artelia’s experience with breast cancer is one of courage, resilience, and unwavering self-advocacy. It began with several heartbreaking miscarriages in her early thirties, followed by a troubling discharge from her […]
Riding the Waves of Resilience: Donna’s Journey with Harley-Davidson and ABCD
Donna King’s life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with Lynch Syndrome, a genetic disorder that made her more susceptible to developing various types of cancer. Having dealt […]
Tom Gobroski: A Male Breast Cancer Survivor and ABCD Advocate
Tom Gobroski’s journey as a male breast cancer survivor and advocate for ABCD is a testament to his resilience, determination, and passion for helping others. Diagnosed in March 2015, Tom […]
Linda Settler: Finding Strength and Purpose in Breast Cancer Support
Nine years ago, Linda Settler received a life-altering diagnosis: stage 1A breast cancer. However, unlike many others, she had already mentally prepared for this diagnosis. Growing up with the knowledge […]
Dawn Oswald: Finding Support and Giving Back to Others
Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. At the time, she had the support of her family including her loving husband, who was with her at every treatment. But […]
Susan Haise: A Passion for People
Susan Haise knows the value of a customized experience. As Founder of Edgeless Beauty Group, a Milwaukee-based company that oversees several beauty brands, Haise focuses on ensuring each person has […]
Jan Lindemann: Making a Tough Decision With the Support of Two Mentors
After learning that her biopsy showed cancer and hearing her surgeon’s recommendation for a lumpectomy followed by radiation, Jan Lindemann was scared. Jan had experienced side effects from radiation in […]
A True Bond, An Ocean Apart
After she was diagnosed in 2020 with stage IV breast cancer, Anna La Fontaine did what many do: She went online and Googled. Born and raised in Australia, she never […]
June Winters: Mentorship Reaching Across the World
June Winters is no stranger to mentorship. Since starting her journey with ABCD in 2017 she has mentored some 25 Participants and describes her experience as an “opportunity to listen […]
Ellenbecker Investment Group Inc. Nurses Affecting Change & ABCD
Milwaukee’s Philanthropic Community Tune in to hear EIG Director of Community Outreach, Jill Economou, Nurses Affecting Change and ABCD Board Member, Dr. Sandra Underwood and ABCD Executive Director, Ellen Friebert […]
Rachel Weinberg: Making an Impact on the Breast Cancer Community One Match at a Time
As an ABCD Mentor and the co-chair of the Wisconsin Breast Cancer Showhouse Fashion Show, Rachel Weinberg is highly engaged in the breast cancer community. And while she is just […]
A Mentor Can Be Exactly the Support Someone Needs
Elise Haschker could feel her mind spinning. It was January 2022, and she had just been diagnosed with breast cancer. Her medical team gave her a folder full of information, […]
From Participant to Mentor to Board Member: Biro’s ABCD Journey Helps Develop Organization’s Roadmap
Cheryl Biro has been involved with ABCD for almost 10 years and has seen the organization through several different lenses during that time, first as a Participant, then as a […]
Healthcare Providers Help Patients Find Support on Their Journeys
Following a breast cancer diagnosis, healthcare providers focus on ensuring patients understand the next steps and receive prompt treatment. But patients also need emotional support – and healthcare providers play […]
Melodie Henderson: Much More Than a “Cancer Story”
Faith, determination, and a fight-to-win mantra all helped Melodie Henderson get through more than a few bumps in the road during her cancer journey, which began in 2017. That November, […]
With a Mentor, You’re Never Alone
When Lori Petitti found out she had breast cancer, she felt overwhelmed. “My doctor seemed to be in a rush to make me do surgery and treatment,” says Lori, who […]
ABCD Mentor Training Program Makes All The Difference
Since ABCD was founded in 1999, almost 800 people from across the United States have completed ABCD’s Mentor Training Program in order to provide our signature service: delivering customized, one-to-one […]
Jessica Barolsky: Healing Through Faith and Community
It was 2016 and an exciting but hectic time for 34-year-old Jessica Barolsky and her husband Michael. They had just welcomed Noah, their new baby boy, into the world to […]
Keeshia Jones: ABCD is a Hidden Gem
For years, Keeshia Jones had regular mammograms without any sign of a problem. But in July 2018, her screening mammogram revealed something suspicious. After more testing, Keeshia learned she had […]
What I Wish I’d Known About Mammogram Callbacks
Here’s what you should know if you’re on the receiving end of such a call (and it doesn’t involve Dr. Google) Because my mother and maternal aunt had breast cancer, […]
Phyllis Eig: Finding Others on the Same Journey
In June 2016, shortly after Phyllis Eig learned she had breast cancer, her surgeon invited her to a weekly support group for newly diagnosed patients. Days later, Phyllis found herself […]
Robin Schwarz: Giving Back Beautifully After Breast Cancer
Robin Schwarz was a busy mother of two young children when she learned she had breast cancer. It was 2010, and Robin did not know anyone else who had been […]
MLB Honors Deb Probelski, 2021 Honorary Bat Girl
Congrats to Deb Probelski, breast cancer survivor, ABCD Mentor and huge Brewers fan, who was named one of Major League Baseball’s Honorary Bat Girls for 2021. Deb was chosen by […]
Closing Out 2020
With the start of a new year comes new hopes, new dreams, new beginnings, and new aspirations. It’s a time to band together and make good things happen. And a […]
Breast Cancer Awareness Month, October 2020
As you may know, October is considered National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time of year dedicated to educating, communicating, and elevating understanding about breast cancer detection, treatment, and living […]
ABCD 2020 Award Winners
Join us as we celebrate ABCD and Honor Betsy Brenner & Carol Cameron! The Power of One-to-One Award Recipient:Elizabeth “Betsy” Brenner This year, we will honor Elizabeth “Betsy” Brenner for […]
The Grewal family expresses their gratitude for ABCD
Harpreet Grewal, who lives in California, called ABCD soon after his wife Kiran was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. After receiving support as a caregiver, he and his family […]
Janice Cowden: Plan to Live
“Here and now.” That’s what matters most to ABCD Mentor Janice Cowden. She’s a mother, grandmother, and former pediatric nurse who’s also a passionate advocate for the metastatic breast cancer […]
2020 Date with a Plate – ABCD & COVID-19
Proceeds from our 2020 Date with a Plate will go to provide customized services to the thousands who will receive a breast cancer diagnosis this year. Breast cancer didn’t stop […]
Kathy Korducki: Cold Capping Offers a Choice When Patients Feel Powerless
One of the most fearful aspects of a breast cancer diagnosis is the loss of control patients feel. For ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Mentor Kathy Korducki, who was diagnosed […]
ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis Elects New Slate of Officers
ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis announced today the appointment of Billie Jean Smith (President), intellectual property attorney at Boyle Fredrickson; Linda E.B. Hansen (Vice President), retired partner at Foley & […]
2022 Breast Cancer Awareness Month Note from Ellen Friebert Schupper, ABCD Executive Director
Each year, as the calendar flips to October, we start to see pumpkins on doorsteps, leaves changing colors, and gift giving ideas for the upcoming holiday season. We also start seeing […]
Maureen Luddy: Embrace What Brings You Joy
When Maureen Luddy told friends about her breast cancer diagnosis, they asked what they could do to help her. Her response was always, “I’m going to be fine. If you […]
ABCD provides EMPATHY
The partnership between Kesslers Diamonds and ABCD began a number of years ago and continues today. Jim Bretzel talks about the importance of our Mentors, and how he believes the […]
ABCD provides ENCOURAGEMENT
Cindy Sellon has been a Mentor for six years and has mentored twenty women. Remembering how she felt that day in her car when she heard the words, “you have […]
ABCD provides CONFIDENCE
ABCD staff member, Judy Mindin shares the founder’s dream for the organization and how the program inspires confidence by giving hope to all those affected by breast cancer. Continuing her […]
ABCD Provides HOPE
ABCD past Participant and current Mentor, Mary Reina talks about the phone call that changed her life. Shocked and afraid, her ABCD Mentor became her lifeline giving her the hope […]
ABCD provides COMPASSION
Young, healthy and pregnant, Lisa Armitage was shocked to learn she had breast cancer. She found the compassion she needed in her Mentor. Just hearing the voice of someone who […]
ABCD provides UNDERSTANDING
Concern over breast cancer awareness being limited to the month of October, resulted in a ten-year partnership between ABCD and the Marcus Corporation. Tim Smith, talks about their role in […]
ABCD provides GUIDANCE
Bonnie Anderson, was at the perfect place in her life – she was a borderline empty nester, she had just married the love of her life and then a call […]
ABCD provides SUPPORT
Struggles with how to live your life following a breast cancer diagnosis are very real. In this video Kathryn Walker talks about the immediate bond she felt with her Mentor […]
ABCD provides KINDNESS
ABCD provides holistic care that medical providers cannot offer. Working as a complement to healthcare providers, MSW, Leanne Walz, discusses the value of having someone there who truly understands at […]
ABCD focuses on FAITH
ABCD’s first Latina Mentor, Maria Nieves – a single mother, has lived with breast cancer for the last thirteen years. Her faith in God and ABCD have helped her through […]
ABCD provides COMFORT
28 weeks pregnant Jessica Storm was diagnosed with breast cancer. ABCD was able to match her with a Mentor who had been young and pregnant when diagnosed and was now […]
ABCD provides PERSPECTIVE
Her phone rang in 1998 and Cancer Physical Therapist, Leslie Waltke, was invited to join a group of women who were determined to bring the need for emotional support to […]
Karen Leonard: Rare Diagnosis Sparks a Journey of Support and Advocacy
If you’ve never heard of Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Karen Leonard wants to change that. Diagnosed in 2009 with IBC, Karen knows firsthand how often this rare and aggressive form of […]
Dara Kumbera: A Story of Determination
Even before her diagnosis, Dara Kumbera knew what it meant to battle breast cancer. In her family, the illness was a familiar and unwelcome occurrence: her mother, grandmother, and cousin […]
Nailah Cash O’Bannon and Kathryn Walker: A Story of Connection
Breast cancer before the age of 40 is relatively rare. But it was a stark reality for Nailah Cash O’Bannon and Kathryn Walker, who were diagnosed in their 20s. As […]
Morgan Oldenburg: Carrying on a Legacy, Her Own Way
Morgan Oldenburg isn’t one to seek the spotlight. But as the eldest daughter of the late Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, Morgan recognizes her role in carrying on an important legacy in the Milwaukee community. Her mother, an Emmy award-winning journalist, local anchorwoman, and television reporter, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1992; seven years later, she founded ABCD: After Breast Cancer Diagnosis.
Jack Congleton
Jack Congleton greets me with a warm smile, a welcome sight on an early spring morning that feels more like the middle of winter. Although I’m just meeting Jack – […]
Maria “Mimi” Nieves – A Story of Reinvention
Mimi Nieves was used to being in control. A single mother with three young children, she worked full-time and always kept her household – and her life – running smoothly. […]
Nichole Kutmas – A Story of Hope
When Nichole Kutmas found a lump the size of a pencil eraser, breast cancer was the last thing on her mind. It was May 2013, and Nichole had just celebrated her 32nd birthday. She had two young daughters.
