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CANFIELD – “She held her mama’s hand …
When they got the news …
Too close to home …
When it hits close to you …”
Those are lyrics from Candace Campana’s “Pink Ink,” a song she sang Monday for about 500 breast cancer survivors at Waypoint 4180, during the 32nd annual Pink Ribbon Tea.
Sponsored by the Junior League of the Mahoning Valley, the tea brings together survivors and their caregivers for an afternoon of inspiration, music and fellowship.
Vendors were on hand with information on products and services to support the breast cancer journey, and cellist Ed Madej provided music for the afternoon.
Campana, who grew up in Struthers and lives in Salem, is a self-described grunge and country music artist.
She also sang a song called “Rise,” which she said came to her in a dream.
“I like to write songs that can really help people … songs with a deep meaning,” she said.
Mistress of ceremony was Gina Marinelli, senior gift officer for Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley. She said corporate sponsors included Mercy Health Foundation Mahoning Valley; Bon Secours Mercy Health; One Health Ohio; CTW Corp.; Key Bank Foundation; Mahoning Valley Imaging; and Dr. Dean Ball of Tiffany Breast Care Center.
Singer Natalie Griffin, a longtime educator and worship leader, celebrated survivors and said, “You suddenly get inducted into this club you never asked to join,” but reminded them there’s always hope.
Amy Banks, co-chair for the event, said Mooney High School cheerleaders created a tunnel on a hot pink carpet to welcome attendees.
“Just seeing the women’s expressions as they were cheered on was amazing,” Banks said. “This event is a lot of work, but it’s the most worthwhile work I do all year.”
League President Carolyn Korenic said the local chapter is part of the Association of Junior League International in 294 communities throughout the U.S., Mexico, Canada and Great Britain.
She said the league is the driving force behind initiatives to foster health and vitality in the community.
“Those of you in this room today do not walk alone,” she added.
Attendees were asked to stand, based on their number of years as survivors.
Marinelli told them, “You’ve each shown your bravery in facing down this disease, and you now sit among a table of fellow fighters whom we hope will leave this room as your friends.”
Lynee Zagotti, who also chairs the event, said there are missing faces at each year’s gathering, but despite the loss, there’s hope in the long-term survivors in the room.
“It’s such a rewarding event to be a part of,” she added.
Annette Camacci, of Poland, a survivor of 21 years, said the tea, in its first few years, was a gathering for 100 to 150 people.
It was held at Avalon Inn for years, but as it grew, the event moved to The Georgetown, “and now it’s grown into this,” she said.
Lisa Resnick, of Canfield, was keynote speaker.
She is an author, columnist for the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator, and founder of Dandelion Inc., a women’s professional networking community. She was diagnosed last year with stage 2, HR-positive breast cancer and said she struggled with her speech for the event, because she didn’t know how inspiring her message would be to others, given she was diagnosed so recently.
But maybe, she had it backwards, she said.
“You all inspire me,” she said. “We’re here … we’re living … we’re loving people.”
Campana said her opening song was from her debut album “Goodie Two Shoes Girl.”
She said “Pink Ink” is about a daughter who gets a tattoo to support her mother’s cancer journey.
“A bright pink ribbon with her mama’s name …
Saying ‘be strong mama, you’re so brave.'”