So much to celebrate

Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder

It is an historic year in our state. So far in 2023, Pennsylvania marked Women's History Month with TWO female leaders in the legislature: Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and Speaker of the House, Rep. Joanna McClinton. Around the same time, the PA Senate passed unanimously Senate Bill 8, a first-of-its-kind breast cancer screening and testing bill, and I can't think of a better way to celebrate the PBCC's 30th anniversary than by taking action to ensure its passage in the House.

There is an important difference between a stage 1 and stage 4 breast cancer diagnosis. When detected early, the 5-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. Every person deserves to have access to early detection. Senate Bill 8 will provide that access by eliminating all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, BRCA-related genetic testing and genetic counseling for Pennsylvanians at high risk. That means, when it passes, no more co-pays, payments toward deductibles or co-insurance for those screenings. It also means that thousands of individuals across the state will have access to life-saving information about their health.

As I write this, SB8 awaits action in the PA House. Soon, we will be reaching out to each of you to make history yet again. We hope you will contact your state House member and share why it is so critically important to have no-cost access to breast screening MRIs and genetic testing for individuals at high-risk.

The PA Senate, by unanimous, bipartisan vote passed SB8, and we hope the PA House will do the same. Early detection saves lives!

WELCOME TO THE PBCC!

Caitlin Copus Program & Events Coordinator

Caitlin joined the PBCC staff in January 2023 as the Program and Events Coordinator. After a decade of working in higher education, she is excited to now contribute to the PBCC’s mission of supporting breast cancer survivors and finding a cure. Caitlin is a 2009 graduate of Alfred University, where she majored in English and Theatre, and a 2016 graduate of Messiah College, where she earned an MA in Higher Education. She lives in midtown Harrisburg with her husband Jeff and their son Beckett. Outside of the PBCC, she serves as the President of the Board of Directors at Open Stage. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, playing board games, and walking/hiking. Welcome, Caitlin!