Shining Lights support the efforts of DBCC

On August 3, the Waterfall in Claymont will be the site of this year’s Shining Light celebration in honor of those who continue to support the efforts of Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition (DBCC). This event is designed to recognize those who have made a significant contribution to the advancements toward ending breast cancer in the Greater Delaware region as well as those who motivate and inspire others to be champions of that cause.

“This year’s honorees are Harrington Raceway and Casino and its president and CEO, Patti Key,” Francesca Vogel, CEO of DBCC said. “We will also recognize Tabitha Medical Care and its founder, Nadya Julien, MS, CNE, CRNP. These honorees have gone above and beyond for our organization by giving time, dedication, resources and more to further the fight against breast cancer in Delaware.”

Vogel explained that DBCC entered a partnership with Tabitha Medical Center in 2020 through Julien, a nurse practitioner of Haitian descent, who offers services to patients in her native language of Creole as well as Spanish. With her team at Tabitha Medical Center, Julien supports the needs of communities in both Delaware and Maryland.

“This partnership began when DBCC’s Haitian-Creole speaking navigator provided information to Nadya’s patients about our programs and services,” Vogel said. “Since that time, the partnership has grown to where DBCC schedules all mammography referrals on-site and offers any additional services needed to Tabitha patients through the Women’s Health Program. As a result of our collaboration, we have seen a stronger connection with the Haitian community and an increase in screenings for Haitian and African American populations in Delaware.”

In addition to this support, Julien often hosts DBCC staff on her local, medically based community radio show out of Salisbury, Maryland. For these many reasons, Vogel stated, DBCC felt that she and her staff should be honored as Shining Lights in the fight against breast cancer.

“In 2010, Patti Key joined the DTCC Board of Trustees,” Vogel said of the second recipient. “During Patti’s tenure, she has served as Board President as well as on the DBCC Executive Board. Kindness, energy, vision and a positive attitude have been paramount throughout Patti’s service to DBCC. Over the last 12 years, Patti has offered unlimited guidance, dedication and resources to the Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition. Patti’s generosity has touched many aspects of DBCC, including serving on our Finance, Strategic Planning, Development, Executive and Human Resources committees. During tumultuous times, Patti always made sure to be present and proactive in supporting DBCC in any way possible.”

Key worked tirelessly to create a relationship between her employer, Harrington Raceway and Casino and DBCC, according to Vogel. This connection has opened many doors for the organization.

“Her knowledge and strategic planning for large events, coordinating the sale of DBCC merchandise at Harrington and during Delaware State Fair concerts, donating auction items for the Lights of Life Gala, has made an incredible impact on DBCC’s success,” Vogel stated. “Additionally, other staff from Harrington have attended DBCC events with Patti, further expanding the coalitions reach and impact. Patti’s passion, diligence and initiative shine through in everything she does for the DBCC and elsewhere.”

Unfortunately, new men and women are still diagnosed with breast cancer every day and it is estimated that there will be more than 1,000 cases diagnosed in Delaware in 2022. As people continue to emerge from the pandemic, DBCC has been a resource and helping hand to those needing to be screened or those who have been diagnosed, Vogel explained. Staff, with partners such as Tabitha Medical Care and Harrington Raceway and Casino, have been working together to get individuals back on track, prioritizing their health and, if diagnosed, offering survivorship services and programs.

“With continued support from the community, DBCC will be there for those individuals who have been newly diagnosed as they begin their breast cancer journey to provide information, education, support services and hope,” Vogel said. “We also hope you will join us in recognizing our two honorees for their generous contributions to the cause.”

Sponsorship packages and tickets are now on sale at https://dbcc.ejoinme.org/sla22.