Why I’m Wearing Pink This October: Joanne K. Adams Shares Her Story
Joanne K. Adams
Photograph by Daphne Youree
This October, as we observe Breast Cancer Awareness month—we’re so moved to have had the chance to sit down with Play for P.I.N.K. board member, Executive Director of the Belmont Child Care Association, Inc, and breast cancer survivor Joanne K. Adams.
Play for P.I.N.K. is a national organization connected to Breast Cancer Research Foundation that uses lifestyle and sporting events to raise funds for breast cancer research. 15% of proceeds from these items will be donated to Play for P.I.N.K. in support of their mission to prevent and cure breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research.
Join us on Saturday, October 14th for Think Pink Saturday in support of Play for P.I.N.K. When you shop online or in-store on October 14th, 15% of proceeds will be donated back to this vital organization. Learn more at PlayforPink.org.
Below, we visited the Belmont Child Care Association in Belmont, New York to meet with the incredible Joanne K. Adams and to chat about why she’s wearing pink this October.
Name:
Joanne K. Adams
Location:
Garden City, New York
My Motto:
We can win the race together!
Giving back is a gift.
Why I’m Wearing Pink This October:
I am wearing pink to celebrate survivors and remembering those who fought the battle.
And, I am wearing pink to help to create a network; a community to tap into. I want women to know that I’m here and I’m a resource.
Joanne K. Adams wears the Rossi wrap, Arlette turtleneck, and Deanne Pant
Photograph by Daphne Youree
The Most Notable Part of the Community of Breast Cancer Battlers / Survivors:
The good news was that I had stage 1 breast cancer which was caught early thanks to early detection. My incredible network of family, friends, business associates, and my dog, who helped to make up My Team stood by me during my chemotherapy and radiation treatments. My husband was always by my side, holding my hand during chemotherapy treatments and administering shots the day after my treatments. My daughter, in middle school at the time, worked with her schoolmates to raise awareness and was part of the group whose mothers were survivors. I sat with my daughter on her bed in the evenings and we talked about the day and visited the MSKCC website so she could meet my incredible doctors. She was happy to see what an amazing group they were and she knew that her dad was grateful that I was in such good hands. We trusted my doctors wholeheartedly. My parents tried not to show their worry and they remained steadfast in their faith that I was going to get better. My dog never left my side during the many hours of rest throughout the process. My mother-in-law called me from England to say “Joanne, remember that we are all fighters in our family.” Those were the last words she spoke to me as she passed away a week later. I was determined to fight and promised myself that I wouldn’t waste time worrying unless I knew I had something to worry about.
I joined a clinical trial because I thought about all the women who came before me and it was my “calling” to give back.
My Message To Those Currently Battling Breast Cancer:
Stay focused on what’s important. Find your team and have trust in your team.
I was determined to remain positive so the best way for me to “give back” was to enter a clinical trial for chemotherapy. My mother joined me for visits to the city where I shaved my head in advance of my chemotherapy. I like to plan ahead and be in control of my life. I drove from my office Belmont Park to NYC for every radiation treatment and told everyone that it was like going into the city for lunch, but I was zapped instead! The radiation technician loved my outfits, because I matched my shoes and handbags for all of my treatments. Looking good was a big part of remaining positive. I would pass the mirrors in my house without my wig on and cry. I have blocked all feelings through the years. My oncologist and radiation oncologist worked around my schedule. I never felt that the cancer treatments ruled me; instead, I planned the treatments around my calendar.
Where I Draw Strength From:
I drew strength from my family and my friends.
My connection to BCRF came through the Thoroughbred racing community as I originally heard Dr. Larry Norton and Dr. Clifford Hudis speak at BCRF luncheons held in Saratoga Springs, NY.
How lucky I am to have had the wonderful physicians on my team! I had the honor to meet Evelyn Lauder many years ago and she took the time to remember me every year with a special note. I so admire her legacy and I am so grateful to my wonderful oncologist, Dr. Clifford Hudis, for the brilliant care and unwavering support that he and his team provided me over the past 14 years. And, to Dr. Larry Dr. Norton for taking time out of his incredibly busy schedule to attend Fabulous Fillies Day at Saratoga Race Course year after year to keep the community engaged in the latest happenings in research. Building a network is key and I am proud to have played a role where I created a significant event which raised funds and helped to build relationships between the community, BCRF, and Play for P.I.N.K. I met Myra Biblowit and Stephanie Hamburger over 15 years ago and I am so grateful to them for their friendship.
Joanne K. Adams wears the Paloma Dress in her office at the Belmont Child Care Association
Photograph by Daphne Youree
Can You Tell Us More About Play For P.I.N.K. ?
Play for P.I.N.K. is a national organization connected to Breast Cancer Research Foundation that uses lifestyle and sporting events to raise funds for breast cancer research, with 100% of proceeds donated back to BCRF. Play for P.I.N.K. has more than 32,000 participants in annual fundraisers across the country that turn their passion for golf, tennis, and other sports and lifestyle pursuits into substantial support for research.
It is an honor to be a member of the Board of Play for P.I.N.K.
Joanne K. Adams
Photograph by Daphne Youree
What Are You Most Excited About For J.McLaughlin's Partnership With Play For P.I.N.K.?
By virtue of what J.McLaughlin is doing–highlighting women who are survivors– you are doing what I love to do. As you highlight survivors, you increase connectivity which enables all of us to join a network which can provide resources to those who need it.
And, looking great makes you feel good!
