Michelle Piña has been an active Young Survival Coalition volunteer for many years, including serving as a State Leader, Face2Face Coordinator, fundraiser and Tour de Pink rider. She has truly changed the approach to serving young women affected by breast cancer in the Houston area. We are honored to present Michelle Piña as a YSC Game Changer for her volunteer work.
She has taken the lead on partnering with hospitals so that every young woman diagnosed with breast cancer is immediately directed to YSC's supportive network. Michelle seeks out every potential opportunity for YSC to attend or host an info table at conferences. She is always thinking of new ways to spread the word about the resources available for young women affected by breast cancer. She has helped to create a model for other YSC State Leaders to emulate.
What inspires you in your work to support, empower or educate young women affected by breast cancer?
Paying it forward, making it a bit easier to manage the cancer journey and seeing someone smile.
What about your work for young women affected by breast cancer makes you most proud?
Knowing young women who connect with YSC upon diagnosis as opposed to during or after treatment.
What are your hopes for the future, with regard to YSC and young breast cancer survivors?
One day, I hope we are celebrating the end of needing organizations like YSC because a cure for cancer is found.
What is your message for YSC on its 20th anniversary?
It has been amazing to see the evolution and growth of a dynamic organization and fundraising family in YSC’s Tour de Pink. I feel so fortunate to have received the support and information upon my diagnosis. I’ve met some amazing staff members and volunteers who are as passionate as I am. I’ve even become genuine friends with people from all over the country who I would have otherwise not met had it not been for being a young breast cancer survivor, a YSC Volunteer and a YSC Tour de Pink fundraiser.
Anything else you'd like to share?
Anyone can be a game changer. You don't have to be a young survivor, a co-survivor or know someone who has had breast cancer. All it takes is the time and effort to learn about YSC and then pass along the information to others. Because, unfortunately, we are all going to know someone who is impacted by breast cancer. It takes all of us to make sure that person will have the resources and support starting at the moment they or someone else feels that lump.
About YSC and Game Changers
Young Survival Coalition was founded in 1998 by young women diagnosed with breast cancer under age 35.
YSC is made up of people: survivors, co-survivors, volunteers, donors, healthcare providers. Our strength comes from our community. So in our 20th year, we will honor our roots — the people who have helped build YSC into what it is today — and also look forward, recognizing those in our community who are changing the future of breast cancer in young women.
We are highlighting these individuals as Game Changers throughout 2018 and sharing their stories with the world to thank them for their contributions to our community.
