Four years ago, Long & Foster Real Estate Agent Kathy Jones had never heard about Loudoun Breast Health Network (LBHN). Despite being an area resident and active in the community, the small nonprofit, which helps individuals living in Loudoun who are affected by breast cancer, hadn’t come across her radar.
Everything changed, though, in 2018, when Jones’ daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though she had health insurance and a support system, the bills piled up as she needed more treatment and procedures. A friend then told them about LBHN.
The all-volunteer nonprofit started in 2007 to provide Loudoun residents in active treatment for breast cancer with emotional, physical and financial support. Qualifying residents must first apply to the program and LBHN can help with everything from prescription costs and grocery bills to medical expenses and even mortgage payments. They offer free mastectomy bras, wigs, head coverings, prostheses, support calls, visits and a resource listing as well. They also connect survivors with those who are currently undergoing treatment, providing emotional support through the process.
LBHN helped Jones’ daughter pay some of her medical bills, and the support they provided her inspired Jones to give back. In 2019, she asked her colleagues from the Long & Foster office at One Loudoun if they would want to host a fundraiser for LBHN. The team whole-heartedly agreed to do so, and they knocked it out of the park – raising over $20,000 for the organization. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic sidelined their fundraising in 2020 and 2021, but they’re back this year and looking for the community’s support.
“Often, when people think of cancer-based nonprofits, they think of raising awareness and money for research, but with the Loudoun Breast Health Network, they’re there solely to help people in the community affected by breast cancer,” Jones said. “Having breast cancer is costly, both financially and emotionally, and the help LBHN provides truly makes an impact. I’m thrilled to raise awareness of their organization and hopefully exceed our $20,000 fundraising mark from 2019. The more money we can raise, the more people we can help.”
How Can the Community Help
Join Long & Foster’s One Loudoun office for the Pink Ribbon Hoppy Hour Fundraiser on Nov. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Old Ox Brewery in Ashburn. The brewery has donated the space for the event, and local caterer Savoir Fare is providing food at no cost. Plus, local musicians will volunteer their time to entertain guests.
Tickets are available for a minimum donation of $20 to LBHN, and Long & Foster will host a silent and live auction at the event. Anyone interested in donating to the auction is encouraged to contact Jones at Kathy.Jones@LongandFoster.com or 703-728-4038. To get your ticket for the event, go to www.lbhn.org/hoppyhour.