Oregon-based Cancer Non-Profit Grows to Support Individual Patients on a Global Level
Press Release
Oregon-based Cancer Non-Profit Grows to Support Individual Patients on a Global Level
Women Supporting Women Through Cancer and Beyond
Portland, Oregon, September 25, 2018 — “No woman should spend a single moment feeling alone in their cancer treatment or recovery,” says Kara Skaflestad, cancer survivor, Portland resident and founder of the national non-profit, Fighting Pretty. “Someone, somewhere - is in the middle of the fight for their life.”
Skaflestad, 36, knows first-hand; and she’s built a national battalion of volunteer cancer advocates following her own cancer treatment. “We want to reach women right where they are because cancer never changes. Cancer never gets easier for the next woman.”
Since 2013, volunteers with Portland-based non-profit, Fighting Pretty have packaged and mailed over 6,000 boxed "Pretty Packages” of support to women battling all forms of cancer — to 50 U.S. states and 7 countries. Every box includes a handwritten note and a pair of miniature pink boxing gloves; tiny gloves that come with a big story.
Ten years ago, Skaflestad was 26 and living in Brooklyn when breast cancer knocked her life sideways. A double mastectomy, eight rounds of chemotherapy, radiation, fertility treatments, and hormone therapy filled her days. Worry filled her nights.
Another cancer survivor gave Skaflestad a pair of miniature pink boxing gloves. They stayed hanging on her bedpost during treatment and reminded her to stay strong, channel her anger . . . and fight. When Skaflestad completed her cancer treatment, she mailed the gloves to a newly-diagnosed acquaintance, who also passed them on. Fighting Pretty was born.
Skaflestad soon enlisted major beauty product donors and volunteers and started moonlighting — sending "Pretty Packages" from the floor of her Brooklyn apartment. Her goal was to mail packages of lovingly selected items (lipstick, scarves, inspirational items, makeup and a personal note from her) to help other women stay motivated to face their treatment. Today, every single "Pretty Package" still includes a signature pair pink boxing gloves and a handwritten note from Skaflestad.
IIt’s a personal touch that has left a mark on female cancer patients all over the world. Anyone can request a package be mailed to a loved one through the website: www.fightingpretty.org.
This year, the group plans to send 2,500 "Pretty Packages" in one year alone. An impressive feat, considering the organization (now based in Portland, Ore.) is run by just two part-time, paid staff and fueled by hundreds of Fighting Pretty volunteers across the country.
The team is boldly going after more funds with a first annual “Gala on the Hudson” on October 13. The “pink-tie” event includes dinner, an auction and yacht tour of the New York City skyline. All proceeds go directly to supporting women fighting or recovering from every form of cancer.
The organization is also beginning to work with major cancer hospitals across the country to implement a “Hospitals of Hope Program” -- donating “Pretty Packages” to all female cancer patients at participating hospitals, including OHSU (Oregon Health & Science University).
Still, the organization is definitely its early years. As evidence, Skaflestad also holds a day job as a passionate marketing manager for OHSU Knight Cancer Institute. She still uses her evenings and weekends to lead her non-profit and meet Fighting Pretty’s package orders.
FIRST ANNUAL “GALA ON THE HUDSON”
The first annual Fighting Pretty gala will be held aboard the Aqua Azul yacht, with dinner, dancing, and auctions on October 13.
Location: Liberty Landing Marina, 80 Audrey Zapp Drive, Jersey City, NJ 07305
Dress Code: "Pink-tie" optional (just like black-tie, but wear some pink!)
Tickets: Tickets for the Gala on the Hudson are available until October 5 at www.fightingpretty.org
For More Information or Sponsorships: Fighting Pretty is still looking for a presenting sponsor and to host the pink carpet at the Gala in New York City on October 13. This sponsorship not only supports Fighting Pretty and will reach new audiences, but provides funding to send more free care packages to women battling cancer.
NBC TODAY SHOW, NEW YORK CITY
Skaflestad and Fighting Pretty will be featured on the NBC Today Show in an interview with Hoda Kotb on Monday, October 1 in New York City. Hundreds of volunteers will put together 400 “Pretty Packages” in Rockefeller Plaza on live morning television. Plus, NBC is turning the plaza “pink”. The event is open to all volunteers in the NYC area.
In October, Skaflestad will further her global reach, by also being featured on Instagram for GapBody’s new campaign focused on empowering women, plus an in-store campaign for Ulta Beauty focused on breast cancer survivors.
More About Fighting Pretty: Since 2013, Fighting Pretty has sent 6,000+ "Pretty Packages" to women battling cancer in 50 U.S. states and 7 countries. Fighting Pretty is based in Portland, Oregon, with dedicated volunteers across the country and is recognized by the American Cancer Society. From Nike's headquarters in Oregon to the corporate office of Deloitte in Rockefeller Center, Fighting Pretty hosts volunteer days to put together "Pretty Packages" in bright pink, signature boxes. Fighting Pretty’s volunteer “boxing parties” spread awareness to thousands of new supporters and enable individuals and communities to tangibly share their strength with friends and family battling cancer. Inside each "Pretty Package" are inspirational and beauty items to help instill confidence in each woman battling cancer. Every tax-deductible donation made to Fighting Pretty goes directly to the mission: helping women battling cancer feel strong and beautiful. In addition to distributing "Pretty Packages” - the organization also hosts free health and beauty events for cancer patients, giving women who are "Fighting Pretty" a chance to meet other fighters and leave feeling pretty and strong. The group has partnered with the likes of Maybelline and Revlon and has a fan following that includes the actress, Halle Berry, and celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe.
END -