The Survivor Behind the Cause

Sandy Union, shown here with two of her grandchildren, is the woman behind Bunko for Breast Cancer. In December 2003, Sandy was diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer. After enduring a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation, she felt compelled to give of herself to other women who would fight a similar battle.

In May 2005, Sandy, with the help of several amazing friends, organized the First Annual Bunko for Breast Cancer Fundraiser. With approximately 97 women in attendance, they raised $3,000. It was the beginning of something AMAZING!

Among those in attendance was Sandy´s daughter, Laura Paxton. Overcome by emotion after seeing her Mom recognized as a Survivor, Laura quickly jumped on board as a volunteer as well as an advocate for promoting good breast health and awareness.

You see, while Sandy was undergoing treatments for her cancer, Laura was her primary caregiver. Grown and married, she had just given birth to her second child. Balancing time between the people who needed her most, Laura was faced with many challenges. Meeting the physical and emotional needs of her mother, father, husband, 3 year old son and infant daughter left little energy for Laura to fully gain an understanding of what her mother was going through. It was even more difficult when her son began asking questions like, "Why is Sissy so sick?," "Why can´t Sissy hold me?," "Why doesn´t Sissy have any hair?" Everyone in the family was affected. At the time there were no resources available for children to talk to someone and to gain an understanding to what was happening to their loved one. Nor was Sandy offered any guidance on how to prepare her daughter and grandchildren for the changes they would all face.

Combined with the success of each annual fundraiser, this new vision of serving the "whole family" affected by the Breast Cancer diagnosis became very clear.

In 2007, Bunko for Breast Cancer became a registered, non-profit corporation. Each year has brought continued growth in its mission as well as with its supporters. Bunko for Breast Cancer was started by ONE Woman who had the courage to believe, to live and to love. She persevered and now she shares that courage with ladies throughout the community.

Visit our Programs and Events pages to see what we are doing in our community.