Guest Blogger: Brenda Karp
For more than 25 years, I’ve been involved with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. I first reached out to VBCF many years ago to volunteer, and I was assigned to help plan the Gala for the organization’s 10th Anniversary. That was the start of my journey.
Over the years I continued volunteering, what truly connected me to the mission were the many events across Virginia, meeting people, sharing VBCF’s mission and resources, and doing my best to make a difference in their lives. I stayed involved by joining the program committee, volunteering at numerous events, hosting the VBCF exhibit table, serving as a team leader on Lobby Day, and chairing the program committee. I also served on the Board of Directors. In 2003, I was honored to receive the Volunteer of the Year award. All of these opportunities have been deeply meaningful to me. Supporting VBCF, which makes such a real impact for individuals and families across Virginia, has truly become a passion of mine, and I do it all to honor my mom.
A Life Changed Forever
In 1986, when I was just 17 years old, my world was forever changed. My beautiful mother – my best friend, my safe place, the one who taught me everything about life and unconditional love – was diagnosed with breast cancer at only 39. She was radiant, full of love and life, with a rare gift for touching everyone she met. She was sunshine in human form, with a way of making people feel truly seen, valued, and cherished. Her faith was her foundation, her Christianity was her guiding light, and through every hardship she leaned on both with quiet strength and powerful conviction. I watched her endure treatment after treatment, surgery after surgery, and clinical trials, yet she carried herself with unwavering grace and courage. She never let cancer steal her spirit. After eight long years of bravery, my mother’s fight ended, but her legacy lives on. To me, she was – and always will be – my hero. And even now, her strength, her love, and her faith continue to shape who I am and fuel my determination to make a difference in her honor.
Years later, my heart was tested again when one of my dearest friends – the kind of friend who feels like family – was diagnosed with breast cancer. Hearing those words brought back all the memories, all the fear, and all the pain I had lived through with my mom. But this time, the story unfolded differently. My friend faced her diagnosis with faith, courage and grace, and thanks to advances in medicine and the tireless work of organizations like VBCF, her story had a different ending. Today, she is cancer-free. Her resilience and her joy remind me every day that hope is real. To me, she is not just a survivor – she is a living testament to how far we’ve come and why this fight matters. My mom will always represent the love and strength that shaped me, and my friend embodies the hope that keeps me moving forward. Together, their stories are the heartbeat of my mission.
Becoming a Sole Star
This year, I set myself a big challenge: I didn’t just want to raise money for VBCF – I wanted to raise the MOST money of any Sole Star that VBCF had seen yet. The Sole Star campaign started in 2022 and has grown over the years as a way for dedicated VBCF supporters to raise a minimum of $1,000 for the organization while wearing pink shoes. I decided that I wanted to not only be a Sole Star this year, but I wanted to be the top fundraiser, leading the way in honor of my mom, my friend, and every friend, individual, and family that has been touched by breast cancer. I set my Sole Star campaign goal at $10,000 – and ended my month-long campaign raising $10,642.78!
What really helped me become this year’s top Sole Star was sharing my personal story and connection, and keeping my supporters updated throughout the campaign. When you open your heart about why it matters, it inspires others to join in. I also celebrated milestones and expressed gratitude often. Another major help was the support from VBCF’s tools and resources; they kept me organized and on track. My advice to other Sole Stars is to lead with your heart, stay consistent, and don’t be afraid to ask for support. You’ll be amazed at how people rally around you when they see your genuine passion and purpose. I was fortunate to have people from all over the U.S. support the campaign, many of whom loved connecting and sharing in this journey.
Connections Build Community
The most rewarding part was the sense of connection with so many incredible people. There is something special about being part of a community that lifts each other up and works together toward a meaningful goal. Knowing that every step I took, every conversation I had, and every dollar raised helped Virginians facing breast cancer made the experience deeply fulfilling. I loved hearing people’s stories, connecting with their hearts, and sharing how VBCF is making a difference. I truly love people and feel privileged to have the opportunity to contribute and make a difference. I also must add, I was so proud to not only achieve my goal but to exceed it!
We are so proud of you, Brenda! Thank you for all that you do — and have done to support VCBF! Want to see if you can match or beat Brenda’s amazing Sole Stars goal? Visit our website today and register to become a SOLE STAR in your region!
