Christa Floresca founded Pink Jams, a breast cancer awareness charity in June 2009. Since then, she and her Pink Jams events have been the charity darlings dominating the DC fund raising world during October, or what we affectionately call now call Pinktober.
Out of heartache, sorrow and need brings greatness to the surface. Christa is that great thing that came to the surface and rescue after watching one of her dear friend’s be claimed by this disease that has no boundaries and strikes at whim.
Pink Jams is a bit different than other Breast Cancer charities, Pink Jams focuses on those of us women that are under 40 that think we aren’t in danger, just yet.
Jen was one of Christa’s most cherished friends. Jen was diagnosed at 34 with a very rare type of breast cancer. Jen, happily married, the mother of one child and with a second child on the way was not in any high risk zone. As we are all diligent about our health, no one saw any need to have Jen suffer through a mammogram before age 40; this was a vibrant wife, sister, daughter and mother, no need to worry.
When the tumor was found Jen was given the option of terminating the pregnancy to go through Chemo right away or take her chances. As soon as her daughter was born she began treatments. Jen succumbed to cancer by Greta’s 1st birthday.
Christa and her girlfriends decided to do the Avon Walk in Jen’s honor. What started as “let me just get through one 40 mile walk when I don’t evenliketo drive 40 miles in my car” blossomed into an idea due to the overwhelming response and support that she received.
Christa has a career in non-profit, fundraiser and event planning and thought to herself why are we not reaching out to the under 40 set? Why is there this major gap? A mammogram will detect a lump 2 years before a self-examine will. Why is this not known?
She ran with the momentum of her 40 mile walk (although I think personally after 40 miles of walking she just forgot to sit down) and she immediately started to think of new energetic and creative ways she could engage the under 40 set. Fashion shows and rock and roll bands is what she focused on for her first big endeavor and looking back is now not an option for operation Pink Jams with all of DC behind her and her efforts.
Pink Jams is a 501C, no one in her organization is paid, 100% of the proceeds go to research and creating awareness.
Christa is a GalTime’s Gal to watch for her courage, her motivation and the message that she sends. Greta’s mother’s life was not in vain, thanks to Christa there is no telling how many people she has helped, saved and comforted along the way.
