A Unique Individual

Released: Thursday, February 25, 2010

By Jennifer Spina

The United Breast Cancer Foundation and I deal with many women each and every day.  They are all unique and special in their own way.  One certain individual stands out from the rest.  Her name is Justina and she has been a recipient of our Individual Grant Program for the past few years.  Justina holds a special place in UBCF’s heart and here is why. 

She began receiving funds from UBCF to help support herself and her daughter when she felt there was no hope left.  In 2006 Justina was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic breast cancer.  At the time she lived alone and was let go from her position at work leaving her with no source of income for her and her daughter.  Justina says her biggest concern was how she was going to support her daughter, Espi, financially and emotionally, while battling breast cancer.  So, she went on the internet and starting searching for something that may assist her.  Finally after hours of searching she came across UBCF’s website.  She filled out the application for an Individual Grant and sent it in immediately.  One day she received a call from Beth Heim, the program director from UBCF, letting her know that she was approved for the grant.   Justina says this phone call saved her and her daughters lives. By UBCF assisting Justina financially she was able to be there for her daughter emotionally.  It also allowed her to heal faster without the worry of paying household bills, because UBCF was doing this for her. 

July of 2009 Justina was one of 23 lucky recipients who received funds from the McCurdy Foundation grant provided to UBCF in honor of Faith McCurdy.  The McCurdy Foundation was very generous in granting $25,000.00 to UBCF to help so many women over the course of 7 months.  In late January 2010, the McCurdy Family held a cocktail reception in Cold Spring Harbor, NY to thank all the donors to their foundation and to thank UBCF for assist these special women through the Individual Grant Program.  We were so thrilled that Justina was able to attend with her new husband, Taurus.  Justina made a very inspiring and heartfelt speech on how UBCF has made her life, and her daughter’s life so much better by supporting her.  Justina says “I am extremely grateful for the assistance as it helps to free up monies needed elsewhere. I am also extremely grateful for the way that I am treated.  I am not looked down upon, or looked at as "that poor cancer patient."   I am treated kindly, with respect and in the end that goes a long way to help me feel better.”

Meeting Justina on that late day in January has made us better people and to realize that what UBCF does really makes a difference in not just one person’s life, but many is truly inspirational.  Justina’s speech made every single person at the reception shed a tear.  This woman is a kind, sweet, grateful and extremely appreciative of what total strangers have done for her and her family.  Justina has an overwhelming glow and an infectious personality.  Everyone who meets her feels as if they have been friends with her for years and this is why Justina Colon, a breast cancer survivor, is so unique. 

For Justina’s Story click here