News > Celebrating strength and empowerment: Unveiling the 2023 Butterfly Ball honorees

Celebrating strength and empowerment: Unveiling the 2023 Butterfly Ball honorees

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Within the landscape of breast cancer experiences, a diverse array of stories blooms, each representing a distinct journey. Tending to the intricate beauty of each narrative, Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC) cultivates knowledge, community, and understanding.

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I am in my fifties, and I’m hitting my stride. . . I feel like my whole life is in bloom.

Gina J. Range

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The 2023 Butterfly Ball, LBBC's flagship fundraiser, shines a spotlight on five extraordinary individuals whose stories illuminate the path of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment. Through their remarkable journeys, these honorees underscore the significance of unity, awareness, and taking proactive strides in the face of breast cancer’s challenges.

Their unwavering commitment resonates with LBBC’s core values in which CEO Jean Sachs, and the dedicated staff endeavor to provide everyone impacted with breast cancer trusted information and a community of support.

Gathering under the gala’s theme, “Life in Bloom,” the honorees advance the mission by reminding us all that, together, we cultivate a world where growth, resilience, and unity blossom, and no one touched by breast cancer walks alone or uninformed.

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Dana Donofree

Dana Donofree

Andrea and Abraham Morris Impact Award Honoree

Dana Donofree's narrative is a testament to the remarkable power of empowerment. Diagnosed with breast cancer in her twenties, her personal struggle ignited her journey to redefine beauty and comfort though AnaOno—a lingerie brand that beautifully embraces altered bodies. Dana's designs are more than fabric; they're embodiments of confidence and redefinition.

Dana's advocacy reverberates as she gracefully uses her platform to advocate on behalf of LBBC, The Breasties, and Metavivor. Her annual NYC fashion show celebrated style and survival. Dana's journey continues to spread beauty and inclusivity.

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Abby Match

Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Award Honoree

Abby Match's path is marked by the power of turning adversity into advocacy. A speech language pathologist specializing in early intervention, her journey took a turn with a breast cancer diagnosis at 35 and the discovery of a BRCA1 mutation. She is determined to empower future generations with knowledge, stressing the importance of

genetic testing. Guiding others towards informed decisions, she says, "I know my story, and you just show up, and it makes a difference." Abby's journey is a testament to the power of sharing one’s story to light the way for others.

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Gina J. Range

Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Award Honoree

Gina J. Range, a fundraising luminary of 25 years, embodies the spirit of nurturing growth. Her contributions have enriched arts institutions, cultural centers, and beyond. Rooted in her Philadelphia heritage, and a survivor herself, Gina's path intertwined with LBBC through her own breast cancer journey.

Gina’s dedication to eliminating healthcare disparities in breast cancer outcomes, particularly among women of color, is evident in her work as Development Chair on LBBC's board. Through fundraising, partnerships, and advocacy, Gina seeks to provide essential support to those facing breast challenges. In her hands, advocacy flourishes from the power of unity and shared purpose.

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Ali Rogin

Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Award Honoree

Ali Rogin's proactive stance to her health journey after a BRCA1 mutation diagnosis is a source of inspiration. A correspondent and producer with PBS NewsHour, Ali’s book, "Beat Breast Cancer Like A Boss," chronicles her decision to undergo a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy and embrace IVF to ensure her daughter’s health.

Ali's journey encourages embracing change. Her advocacy speaks of empowerment, reminding us that our destinies are not solely defined by genetic predisposition.

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Stephanie Walker

Donna Noce Colaco Going Beyond Award Honoree

Stephanie Walker's advocacy has revolutionized access to clinical trials for breast cancer patients of color. A registered nurse and metastatic breast cancer patient, her commitment to diversity in clinical trials has changed the conversation within the medical community.

Stephanie's involvement in the "Become Study" and the "Black Women Speak" symposium reflects her dedication to breaking down barriers and promoting equity. Stephanie's unwavering advocacy showcases her determination to empower individuals of all backgrounds to take control of their health.

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As we honor these extraordinary individuals at the 2023 Butterfly Ball Saturday, November 11, 2023, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania we witness their journeys mirroring the resilience of nature. Their stories remind us of the potential for growth, empowerment, and transformation.

Last year's Butterfly Ball raised an impressive $1,000,000. With $0.84 of every dollar dedicated to programs and services, it's no surprise that LBBC stands as a celebrated charitable entity. This philanthropic success nurtures LBBC's roots, enabling it to continue flourishing.

So, as Dana Donofree, Abby Match, Gina Range, Ali Rogin, and Stephanie Walker receive their laurels, we celebrate their individual achievements as well as the collective effort that sustains the nature of LBBC’s mission.

Butterfly Ball preview party photos

August 1, 2023

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Glossary
About LBBC

Adriana Lecuona, MFA

  • Has worked at LBBC since 2022
  • Was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2008
  • Enjoys writing, movie-going, long walks, Asian food, and delights in any time spent with her son

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Living Beyond Breast Cancer is a national nonprofit organization that seeks to create a world that understands there is more than one way to have breast cancer. To fulfill its mission of providing trusted information and a community of support to those impacted by the disease, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers on-demand emotional, practical, and evidence-based content. For over 30 years, the organization has remained committed to creating a culture of acceptance — where sharing the diversity of the lived experience of breast cancer fosters self-advocacy and hope. For more information, learn more about our programs and services.