Breast cancer survivor and founder of the Pink Daisy Project, Debbie Cantwell, spoke on Monday, October 24, at Scripps College about how she turned her experience battling cancer into something positive. Her presentation, “Making Pink Lemonade out of Lemons,” was held in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Cantwell founded the Pink Daisy Project in 2008. The nonprofit organization aims not to raise money for research or awareness, but rather to help younger women who have been diagnosed with cancer and who need care and comfort. The Pink Daisy Project helps these women with housecleaning, groceries and meals, prescription costs, and other items as needed. In August 2011, Cantwell was featured on CNN as “CNN Hero—Everyday People Changing the World.” The Pink Daisy project has now aided over 200 women.
Cantwell shared about how she had to face cancer and how she eventually regained her self-confidence. She explained that after surviving cancer, she realized there wasn’t a way she could pay back all of her friends and family for supporting her in her time of need. Instead, she decided to pay it forward, starting the Pink Daisy Project to help her “sisters” who are still struggling. She encouraged students and faculty to not simply take opportunities that present themselves, but to make them. She concluded by saying, “You should never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something.” The Scripps community was touched and inspired by Cantwell’s words.
On October 23, the night before she spoke at Scripps, Cantwell met with nine Scripps College students in the Pope Room at Claremont’s Buca di Beppo for pasta and a chance to chat. Cantwell revealed to the group the importance of having the support of others during her fight against the disease. “She was so inspiring,” said Elisabeth Pfeiffer ’15. “She told us, ‘The best thing you can do is just be there for someone.'” A few Scripps College staff members rounded out the group.
The 5C club Colleges Against Cancer has also been very active on campus, selling ‘I heart boobs!’ shirts to educate the college community about cancer, understanding preventative measures, and efforts currently being made by the American Cancer Society to fight against this life-threatening disease. They also helped to organize the student body to show support for and honor those with cancer by writing messages on pink notes attached to the elms on Elm Tree Lawn.
For more information on The Pink Daisy project visit their website.