As with all dreams, when one comes true, it becomes and exciting and exhilarating experience. The same is true for Betsy Mullen, President/CEO of WIN ABC and the new Semi-Postal Beast Cancer Research Stamp.

The journey started two years ago as an idea when Dr. Ernie Bodai called Betsy to ask for her help and reached fruition when this innovative legislation, know as the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act, spearheaded by Betsy Mullen, Dr. Bodai, U.S. Representatives Vic Fazio and Susan Molinari, was signed into law on August 13, 1997 by President Bill Clinton.

WIN ABC is currently taking applications for breast cancer survivors (who are at least one year post-treatment) to become trained as "Breast Buddies." As a Breast Buddy^(TM) volunteer, you will be mentoring newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. This unique program allows the Breast Buddy to shepherd each patient throughout the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process.

If you are interested in becoming this special type of volunteer, please contact our office immediately.

The next training course will take place on Friday, January 15 and Saturday, January 16, 1999 at Inter Community Medical Center in Covina, California. Contact Us Today! 

The California Community Foundation and The California Endowment have recently awarded grants which allow WIN Against Breast Cancer to expand its Breast Buddy Program to the indigent and underserved communities in Los Angeles County for individuals with breast cancer. This program will soon be under way at the King/Drew Medical Center.

"This population has traditionally had limited access to state-of-the-art information and psychosocial support. Having Breast Buddies at King/Drew Medical Center will be a true milestone," says Shelly Blechman, Program Director for WIN ABC.

We are currently taking applications for Breast Buddy volunteers who are interested in working with his patient population.

Please contact our office for an application and preliminary interview. Or email us at mail@winabc.org.

Sponsored by Freeman, Freeman and Smiley, a Legal Corporation in Los Angeles, California, the Third Annual Vision in Philanthropy Awards were given on November 12, 1998 at a gala reception at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Over 600 guests gathered to honor and show support to the individuals and the organizations chosen to receive this very prestigious award.

One of this year’s recipients was Betsy Mullen, President/CEO of WIN Against Breast Cancer. The award was presented and sponsored by the California Community Foundation. Betsy was honored for the strides she has made working with the healthcare community to improve the quality of care given to breast cancer patients. She was also recognized for her tremendous efforts that led to the passage of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp Act.

Betsy was joined by three other stellar women who together have made philanthropy their life’s work. The honorees were Debee Magnuson, founder of "Project Cuddle," Jerri Rosen, founder of "Working Wardrobes for a New Start," and Ida Yarbrough, founder of "Accounting Career Awareness Program."

Betsy feels that his award is significant because it shows that the private sector supports work of non-profit organizations and is committed to giving back to the community. "I am honored to have been chosen among so many worthy applicants." "Vision, philanthropy, community - when put together correctly - are as potent a protocol as any chemotherapy regime when it comes to battling breast cancer."