Robyn Dobson
Jun 25, 2024
Local teenager Ainsley DiNunzio said “it was a shock” when she learned her mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
Luckily for the family, DiNunzio’s mom’s case of breast cancer was mild with a clear path to recovery. She considers herself lucky that her mom’s case was not as severe, but recognized there were many others out there who didn’t have the same luck. Even so, DiNunzio said her mom’s diagnosis was still incredibly isolating.
Motivated by her own experience, DiNunzio decided to reach out to local nonprofit Thriving Pink to see what she could do to help, which eventually resulted in the upcoming Teen Outreach Event.
The July 13 event, aimed at supporting teens whose families have been impacted by breast cancer, will provide an opportunity for teens to connect, share stories, provide hope, write cards for teens whose moms have more recently been diagnosed and offer guidance to others in similar situations.
“I knew that I would have benefitted from something such as this event, because no one really talked about it with me other than my mom, and I know that talking to others who had similar experiences would have helped me,” DiNunzio explained. “The motivation to organize this event was to make sure that other teenagers do not feel alone when someone they know or love gets diagnosed.”
In addition to making cards, DiNunzio said the event will have other crafting activities such as possibly creating bracelets or keychains. Refreshments will also be served.
Executive Director of Thriving Pink Leslie Hunter said they hope to just create “positive, welcoming space” for teenagers to connect with one another.
“Most teens know someone who has had a breast cancer diagnosis, whether it’s their mother, aunt, grandmother, teacher or friend and Ainsley wanted to provide a place for teens to come together with that knowledge that they all know someone that has been impacted by breast cancer,” Hunter said. “This is our first teen meet up in our Thriving Pink office and I think what’s special is that it’s organized by a local teen for teens.”
While the event is catered specifically to teenagers, Hunter said that if they feel comfortable, she’s open to welcoming kids from ages 10 to 19. Hunter along with another adult volunteer will be present the entire time at the gathering.
“I think the main takeaway is that for teens to know that whatever challenges come into their lives, they are never alone,” Hunter stressed. “There is always support. There’s always a friend or wellness professional who can be there for them.”
The Teen Outreach Event will be held on Saturday, July 13 at the Thriving Pink Office, located at 501 2nd St. in Davis, from 4 to 5 p.m. Those interested in participating should RSVP by July 7 by emailing info@thrivingpink.org. Parents or guardians are also free to reach out to Hunter at the same email with any questions or concerns.
“It is really important for teens to gather and share their experiences so that they can learn how to cope and how to properly support those around them,” DiNunzio emphasized. “Similar experiences bond people together, and when you are a teenager, it is so easy to feel like everyone else has something that you don’t, whether that is friends, family or security. Teens who go through a family member or friend having breast cancer need to know that there are people out there that will support them.
“I hope that this event brings together a community of people who will support each other. I hope that those who come will take inspiration in helping others who might be silently suffering and that they will reach out a helping hand. You never know what someone is going through, so be kind.”
For more information about Thriving Pink and the work they do, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/.