Our Recipients: Liz’s Story
An update on Liz from our founder, Michelle
"Elizabeth Morse Bradley was one of the most remarkable and resilient people I’ve ever had the privilege to know. Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer ten years ago, Liz chose a path less traveled, opting for holistic therapies after her initial surgery. This decision, deeply rooted in her belief in the body’s innate ability to heal, allowed her to live a vibrant and fulfilling life for many years.
June 2023 brought devastating news. The tumors in Liz’s liver had increased and spread to her bones. In response, she decided to try chemotherapy, enduring its horrific side effects with incredible fortitude. The last year of Liz’s life was harrowing and challenging. The aggressive nature of her cancer meant that each new treatment came with its own set of debilitating side effects. The chemotherapy wreaked havoc on her body, causing severe nausea, relentless fatigue, an inability to eat or drink, and excruciating pain that no medication seemed to alleviate fully. There were days when Liz could barely muster the strength to get out of bed, her body a constant battleground of pain and exhaustion.
Despite these overwhelming challenges, Liz faced each day with a courage that was nothing short of inspirational. She continued to fight, not just for herself, but for the loved ones who surrounded her, offering support and hope. Her spirit remained unbroken, even as her body grew weaker. The emotional toll of knowing that the treatments were not working was immense, yet Liz never lost her will to find joy in small moments or to express gratitude for the love and care she received.
The sadness of losing Liz is overwhelming. On June 11, she was told that comfort care was the only option left. Liz left the hospital on hospice and passed away on June 17, surrounded by love, after a grueling and painful struggle. The pain of her loss is a heavy burden, and the void left by her absence is profound.
Liz was more than a friend; she was my soul sister from 7th grade. We shared conversations that unfolded in minutes but carried the depth of a lifetime. Our bond was a rare and precious gift to my soul, bringing immense joy and profound understanding.
Walking this difficult path with her until the end was heartbreaking and an honor. As devastating as it is to lose her, Liz’s energy will always surround me, a constant reminder of her strength and our enduring connection. Though marked by pain and heartbreak, her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the human spirit. Liz’s story will forever inspire us to face our challenges with the same courage and grace she did. I will never forget her indomitable spirit and incredible impact on us all. The sorrow of her passing lingers, but so does the beautiful memory of a soul sister who touched my life in the most profound ways.
I love you more!!!!"
Liz's Story
Pawsitively 4 Pink provides direct financial support for underserved women battling breast cancer in Massachusetts. Read about our impact on the lives of our recipients, like Liz, below.
Liz has been fighting breast cancer for over 10 years, receiving her first diagnosis in 2013. In the years since, she has experienced multiple recurrences, finally receiving an advanced Stave IV diagnosis in May 2023.
Her 10 years of treatment, healing, and continued battle have been anything but easy, but Liz has shown consistent determination in finding treatments she trusts to relieve her symptoms and aid her fight. Throughout the last 10 years, she has used a variety of traditional and alternative care options, exploring treatments like Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, acupuncture, massage therapy, meditation, therapeutic nutrition, and more. Trusting herself, medical experts, and leaders in holistic healing, her years of fighting breast cancer have been marked with mindfulness and, crucially, peace.
Upon her initial diagnosis, she checked in with her body and knew that chemo would not be helpful to her at the time. Now, 10 years down the line, she has checked in with her intuition and body again and realized that chemotherapy is exactly what will be most helpful in her fight against cancer. Liz knew that it was time to add chemotherapy to her treatment regimen.
Like many cancer patients, by trusting her instincts and intuition Liz gave herself the greatest gifts: autonomy and peace. Now, she knows that it is time to try a new path. Before reaching out to Pawsitively 4 Pink for help, Liz’s first thought was about others who are suffering:
“I suppose it is often difficult to ask for help because I know there is always someone ‘out there’ who needs more help than I do,” she confided. When Liz courageously got in touch with our team, we were able to provide her with critical financial support at the time she needed it most: making her mortgage payments.
When asked about our team's support, Liz noted, “Pawsitively 4 Pink has helped me with my mortgage, without which I would likely not be living in my home right now.”
We realize that there are many more women out there like Liz, struggling to make payments while simultaneously fighting breast cancer. For us, supporting our community is everything. That starts with helping those who need it the most.
Stories like Liz’s are what keep us working hard. We at Pawsitively 4 Pink are endlessly proud of the work we do: Providing financial aid to local women battling breast cancer.
If you know someone like Liz who could use our support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch here.
Want to get involved? Reach out to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Own a local business? Find out more about partnership opportunities.
How to Give More and be More Generous
In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the routine and forget the profound impact that a simple act of generosity can have on someone else's life. The holidays exist, in part, to remind us to be more present. If we listen closely, they also teach us how to give more.
Being more generous isn't about grand gestures; it's about weaving kindness into the fabric of our existence. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, practicing generosity reminds us to take a step back and reflect on what we have given and what we have left to give. This is the guide for anyone wondering how to infuse every day with the warmth of generosity and make a difference in the lives of those facing challenges, like breast cancer patients and survivors.
1. The Power of Financial Support
When it comes to being generous, many of us deeply understand the impact of giving money. Whether it's a small contribution or a more substantial donation, the act of giving has the power to uplift and transform, especially when many individuals work together! Even if it’s only a $2 donation when 1,000 people give that makes $2,000!
Unsurprisingly, being generous is good for your physical health. If your wallet can afford it, consider setting aside a portion of your monthly budget for charitable donations. Making donations a regular commitment rather than an occasional gesture means that you make more of an impact. Generosity knows no bounds, and even the smallest amounts create a ripple effect of positive change. Knowing exactly where your money is going is crucial, so you can feel good about all that you give.
2. Deciding What Charity or Nonprofit to Give to
2. Deciding There are so many worthy causes out there, so navigating the landscape of nonprofits and charitable organizations can be overwhelming. To be sure your generosity is making an impact, take the time to research and identify a cause that resonates with your values and a nonprofit that spends your money responsibly.
For those passionate about supporting breast cancer patients, look no further than our nonprofit, Pawsitively For Pink. We’re a Worcester, MA-based nonprofit and give over 70% of our proceeds to local underserved women battling breast cancer. With direct financial aid, the recipients of your donations can choose the best route for their treatment. There are no hoops to jump through to receive financial aid; we simply provide the funds so that they can keep living their normal lives.
Give the gift of giving by checking out the merch for our new Breasties campaign! Buy a cute Breasties keychain or T-Shirt for a friend and make an immediate donation to women battling breast cancer. It’s a great way to give back during the holidays; our keychains make a fantastic stocking stuffer.
3. The Transformative Power of Generosity
Don't overlook the profound impact generosity can have on the giver. Generosity leads to… giving more. No, really! The more we give, the more likely we are to keep giving. By diversifying donations and contributing to various causes, the giver is not only making a positive impact on the world but is also experiencing personal growth.
The act of giving opens your heart, fostering a sense of purpose and fulfillment that transcends material contributions. As you generously support organizations aligned with your values, you embark on a transformative journey that enriches your life and deepens your connection to the community you give to.
4. A Generosity Quote to Inspire
“That's what I consider true generosity: You give your all, and yet you always feel as if it costs you nothing.”
― Simone de Beauvoir
The words of Simone de Beauvoir are exactly what we’re getting at: Generosity is one of the most human experiences we all benefit from. To begin to give more, simply understand that true generosity is selfless, and the rewards far outweigh the costs.
5. Be More Generous in Everyday interactions
5. Generosity isn't limited to financial contributions. Small, everyday acts of kindness create a profound impact on those around us. Offer a listening ear to a friend in need, lend a helping hand to a neighbor, or simply share a genuine smile with a stranger. These simple acts cultivate a culture of kindness, transforming the communities we live in one generous interaction at a time.
If you find it difficult to practice generosity every day, chances are you may not be practicing the art of gratitude. Discover ways to practice gratitude every day with mindfulness exercises here.
6. Support Your Breastie Keychains or T-Shirts: A Thoughtful Gift for the Holidays
Looking for a meaningful and generous gift for the upcoming holidays? Consider taking part in our Support Your Breastie Campaign.
Our newest initiative aims to highlight the importance of human connection during the challenging journey of battling breast cancer. Whether it's the unwavering support of a family member, a devoted friend, or anyone fostering human connections, these relationships deserve acknowledgment and celebration. Show your Breasties some love with a Support Your Breasties T-shit or keychain; they not only serve as a token of support for breast cancer awareness, but they also directly contribute to financially supporting underserved women battling breast cancer.
By gifting a Breastie Keychain or T-shirt, supporters not only express love and appreciation but also make a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer. This campaign also offers a platform to share stories and celebrate these vital connections - be sure to post a pic of you and your Breastie and tag us on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #ZestyBreastie, #4Breasties, and #P4P to get connected and show your appreciation!
As we strive to be more generous in our daily lives, let's remember that the essence of generosity lies in the intention behind our actions. Each act, big or small, contributes to a collective effort to create a more compassionate and caring world. So, let's embrace the spirit of giving, cultivate kindness, and make generosity a cornerstone of our existence. Together, we can create a brighter and more hopeful future for all.
Still wondering how to give more? Consider working alongside Pawsitively 4 Pink to help fundraise for local underserved women battling breast cancer. Don’t hesitate to reach out about volunteering, partnership opportunities, or Worcester fundraising events.