Every October, I’m reminded of the importance of early detection and the immense power of community. Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate, touching women of all ages, backgrounds and experiences. I know this all too well because I’ve been there. As an eleven-year breast cancer survivor, this fight is deeply personal, and my experience drives me to raise awareness with the goal to make a lasting impact.
At Rimini Street, where I proudly serve as EVP & Chief Client Officer, I’ve also been able to support this cause that is so close to my heart as co-founder of Team Pink. Through Team Pink, sponsored by the Rimini Street Foundation, we’ve made it our mission to create a community and support colleagues, family members and those impacted by breast cancer by engaging in annual walks, fundraising and social media campaigns. We’re dedicated to standing with survivors and those living with the disease.
Expanding breast cancer screening through improved support for Oracle Database
This year, for Tech Day of Pink, we’re recognizing a standout partnership with BreastScreen Victoria. This organization provides free mammograms to eligible women in our APAC region of Victoria, Australia. Since its inception in 1993, the organization has performed over 6M screenings and is responsible for diagnosing a third of all breast cancers in Victoria. The organization runs its operations centrally, leveraging a system largely built on Oracle Database technology and supported by Rimini Street.
“As a result of our partnership with Rimini Street, we’ve been able to focus on more high-value work including big projects to improve our service to clients without expanding the team,” said Georgina Marr, Director of IT Services at BreastScreen Victoria. By freeing up their resources, Rimini Street is enabling BreastScreen Victoria to focus more time and resources towards expanding their screening services to even more women.
See how Rimini Street’s support for Oracle Database helps BreastScreen Victoria free up capacity.
Team Pink walks for a cure – with #PINKPOWER
This October, the Rimini Street Foundation donated $5,000 to support breast cancer research and treatment and will sponsor a RMNI Pink Team at the 2024 Komen More Than Pink Walk in Colorado on October 12th. We’re looking forward to meeting many other breast cancer warriors and hear their stories of hope, triumph and devastating loss during this year’s walk on October 12th.
To spread the word, teams at Rimini Street are also encouraged to draw attention to the cause on their professional social media profiles with a selfie of themselves proudly wearing something pink or paying tribute to warriors in their lives with the hashtags #TechInPink2024 #TimeToEndBreastCancer #PINKPOWER.
Watch this lively and heartfelt video from last year’s breast cancer walk to meet some of our Team Pink warriors.
In the past, Team Pink has sponsored educational webinars with breast cancer experts on early detection and nutritional aspects of care, including Liz Santarsiero, a breast cancer researcher at Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and Monica Steigerwald, VP of Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC).
Helping more women live beyond breast cancer
I serve on the board of Living Beyond Breast Cancer, LBBC, a non-profit organization that supports newly diagnosed patients in treatment, post-treatment and those living with breast cancer. I am constantly inspired by LBBC’s ability to reach women at some of the most vulnerable points in their lives to help them financially and emotionally. As they’re going through breast cancer treatment, patients apply for LBBC grants which they can learn about through their oncology offices or directly on the LBBC website. The average grant is $1,000 to $1,500 to help cover living expenses, including rent, childcare, groceries and gas to get to and from appointments. Imagine being in the midst of chemotherapy, too weak to work, and unsure how to keep the lights on at home. That’s where LBBC steps in, offering not just financial assistance but also a lifeline of hope and dignity. I’ve seen firsthand the difference these individual grants can make.
This November, Team Pink will also be attending LBBC’s 2024 Butterfly Ball, an annual gala that serves as the organization’s largest fundraiser. At the event, the LBBC will honor members of the breast cancer community who will share inspiring stories about how they are impacting their neighborhoods, communities, health care systems, and research institutions. In addition to attending with our Team Pink crew, the Rimini Street Foundation is making a $10,000 donation to continue supporting LBBC’s mission. It’s an inspiring night of hope, honoring those who have survived and remembering those we’ve lost.
Our work with Team Pink is more than just raising money; it’s about raising awareness, creating community, and ensuring that women have access to the care and support they need. I encourage everyone in our community to join us, whether it’s through a donation, giving time to support organizations, like LBBC, or simply spreading the word. Let’s work together to end breast cancer in our lifetime. Together we are strong!