“We’ve got to fix this,” Colleen Sorbello told her family midway through her fight against breast cancer. After joining a community of people battling the disease, Colleen was astounded to hear stories of fellow fighters finding themselves in situations where they were forced to choose between affording groceries and paying bills or receiving critical cancer treatment.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, we are honored to share the story of our very own Mary Ann Muhlbaier, Senior Enterprise Engagement Manager based in New Jersey. Mary Ann shared with us how her cousin Colleen’s battle with breast cancer impacted her life and how she is working to transform tragedy into charity as a founding member of the nonprofit organization Pink Clover Foundation.
Honoring Colleen Sorbello
Five years ago, Mary Ann lost her cousin, Colleen Sorbello, after her four-year fight with breast cancer. Throughout the course of her treatment, Colleen was able to travel throughout the country to participate in experimental trials and treatment programs. And even as she was battling cancer herself, Colleen was upset that many other people with breast cancer were struggling to make ends meet, forced to choose between paying their bills or receiving treatment.
And so, as a tribute to Colleen, her friends and family established Pink Clover Foundation to continue Colleen’s fight and help to realize her dreams of supporting other people fighting breast cancer.
Redefining Comfort & Care
Pink Clover Foundation seeks, above all else, to provide comfort and care to its recipients. For some, this comes in the form of providing financial assistance to help cover hospital bills. In other situations, Pink Clover provides gift certificates to local grocery stores to ensure recipients can return home to a stocked and healthy kitchen.
Partnering with local groups and organizations, Pink Clover assembles and distributes “Comfort Kits” to local cancer treatment centers, containing everything from lip balm to personal notes, to make treatment as comfortable as possible. Pink Clover also helps to connect their care recipients with other providers, such as tattoo artists that specialize in post-mastectomy services and quality wig retailers for patients with hair loss from chemotherapy.
To expand their reach, Pink Clover works with four hospitals in the tristate area, partnering with social workers to identify candidates who would benefit from their support.
Supporting the Cure
In addition to providing care for those going through treatment, Pink Clover Foundation supports the University of New Haven Colleen Sorbello Research Laboratory and provides scholarships for students who have demonstrated an interest in breast cancer research, working towards a healthier tomorrow.
A Family Affair
Mary Ann is joined on the board of Pink Clover Foundation with other family members working to honor Colleen’s legacy, with Colleen’s husband serving as the president of the organization. All those serving on the board of Pink Clover are volunteers dedicating their time, energy, and skills to a much larger cause.
Through multiple charitable events such as golf outings, 5K charity runs, an annual fundraising gala, and a newly established poker run, Pink Clover is able to raise the funds needed to support their mission and help realize Colleen’s vision.
For those looking to support Pink Clover Foundation, the Pink Clover Gala, Pink by the Sea, is coming up in just a few weeks on November 5, 2022! Check out the link above for more information on the event.
We thank you, Mary Ann, for not only being a great teammate to your colleagues at iManage, but for truly going above and beyond to carry on Colleen’s wishes and support individuals through their breast cancer treatment.
