Local cancer survivor to share story

October is a busy month for 7B Women, and they are hoping you will share in their activities to raise awareness of breast cancer. Kicking off the month on Oct. 1 is the second Boobs ‘n Beer 5K Fun Run & Oktoberfest. This year’s event is co-sponsored by MickDuff’s Brewing Company.

“All our funds raised will go to Celebrate Life and Community Cancer Services, two very important organizations in our community that support local cancer patients,” said 7B Women board member and co-chair of Boobs ‘n Beer, Jenn Markwardt.

Then, on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 7B Women will host its monthly luncheon with featured speaker Tammy Davis, a local cancer survivor. Tammy will share her journey and talk about the challenges a diagnosis presents, and will also address the resources that can be found right here in Sandpoint.

“I was diagnosed with stage two, HER2 positive, progesterone negative, estrogen negative breast cancer,” said Tammy, who adds she is looking forward to sharing her story with the attendees. “I underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery, five chemotherapy treatments and 18 Herceptin treatments. I am celebrating two years cancer free in October!”

Tammy works in the Bonner General Health business office. Her life is anything but boring. She and her fiancé have five kids between them and she also finds time to volunteer for fundraising for Celebrate Life and Community Cancer Services.

“We are looking forward to having Tammy be our featured speaker during Breast Cancer Awareness month,” said Patty Hutchens, vice president of 7B Women. “The reality is so few people know about what resources there are until they need them. Education is empowering, and people can learn a great deal from Tammy’s experience.

“Hopefully, none of us will ever have to utilize the local resources, but knowing what support is available is helpful whether you are the one diagnosed or you are reaching out to help a friend or family member.”

The luncheon will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 3 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tango Café and is open to everyone in the community, men and women.

The cost is $21 or $16 if you are a member of 7B Women, Inc. Individual memberships cost $35 per year and can be paid online at the group’s website, 7BWomen.com.

Please note that due to the high participation in the past and so Tango Café can adequately prepare for the luncheon, pre-registration is highly encouraged.

If people would like an opportunity to promote their business at the luncheon, attendees are asked to bring an item to raffle and will be given a “minute with the mic” during the course of the luncheon.

Register online at 7BWomen.com and you can also purchase your raffle tickets ahead of time to avoid standing in line at check in and optimizing your networking time. Raffle tickets are $1 each or 6 tickets for $5.

Those interested can also still register online for Boobs ‘n Beer at 7BWomen.com and can purchase raffle tickets for a Schweitzer Season Pass online, too.