Tearoom Event Lets Women Share Their Stories About Breast Cancer

The British are known for their belief that most ails and sorrows can be remedied by a good cup of tea. When one considers the warmth of the brew, company of good friends and simply taking a moment away from our hectic lives, you can easily see how this belief came to be.

Unfortunately, as good as a cup of tea can be, there is no magic brew that can cure breast cancer. On Saturday at , however, all of tea’s benefits--as well as the lively company--will set a tone of joy, hope and healing as Kay Witkowski, advocate and cancer survivor, presents Tea for You and Y-ME, an event involving Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization where more than 50 women will share their survival stories with others.

Witkowski, a lively Mokena resident of 68, said she decided an event should be created where women could get together in a delightful spot and not only talk about their cancer experiences but celebrate their lives, and for those who have lost a loved one, commemorate their life as well.

“That is what this event is all about--women sharing their stories,” Witkowski said.

The afternoon promises to be festive and fun. The Orland Glee Choir will welcome guests with a secret musical selection chosen for the occasion. Pickwick’s staff will offer pink lemonade and pink cupcakes, and the tearoom’s staff members are donating their time to serve guests.

A memorial banner will hang outside the Pickwick to allow family members to place a pink ribbon next to a loved one’s name. Mayor Jim Holland even declared Saturday Y-ME Breast Cancer Awareness Day in Frankfort; downtown will be blooming with pink ribbons on light posts to signify the day’s importance.

In addition, Witkowski will be bringing another good friend to share tea with: Cindy Geoghegan, newly named CEO for Y-ME.

In a press release about her new assignment, Geoghegan says she is proud to be associated with the group.

"Y-ME provides a unique service to breast cancer patients everywhere," her statement read. "There is no place in the world where a patient can get support from another breast cancer patient, 24 hoursa day, seven days a week. I know how important it is that no one faces breast cancer alone."

As a special treat, Geoghegan will be mixing with attendees at their tables to talk about Y-ME as well as hear any stories attendees might share.

While the event is sold out, Witkowski said there are other ways people can support Y-ME. The group's 20th anniversary Y-ME Race at Your Pace will be May 8--Mother's Day--at Grant Park in Chicago. Witkowski’s team, Team WIT (Whatever It Takes), will participate with its more than 100 members. Anyone can support the team's efforts by making a donation at its donation website. Of course those wanting to participate in the race can register here.

Free Y-ME Programs

• YourShoes 24/7 Support Center: A toll-free hotline (800-221-2141) where callers can talk to a breast cancer survivor at any time.
• Breast Cancer Survivor Match Program: This brings together those recently diagnosed with cancer with a same-aged mentor who has encountered similar circumstances to create a dynamic ofcare, support, and experience.
• Partner Match Program: For those who their wife, mother, daughter or dear friend. Hereis support for the partners, caregivers, and cheerleaders.
• Wig and Prosthesis Bank: To help survivors feel more human, more themselves.

Tea for You and Y-ME

When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 16 
Where: Pickwick Society Tearoom, 122 W. Kansas St.