Quilt Inspires Charitable Giving

FAIRFIELD, CT--A quilt made in memory of a Tina Burbank, who died from complications from metastatic breast cancer in July 2013, has helped raise over $5,000 for the Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center’s programs for women in need.  The quilt was presented to her daughters Madeline and Katherine in a ceremony on June 14.  

This is the second quilt that Noreen Graham, a member of the Northern Star Quilters Guild, has created to raise funds for the Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center.  Graham, who has been quilting for twenty years, learned about the Center through its teen supporters, the girls who put together the Catwalk for a Cure fashion shows that raise funds for the Center’s programs for women in need. 

Graham wanted to contribute to the Catwalk effort, and one of her quilts was auctioned at a Fairfield Catwalk to raise funds for the Breast Care Center.  Her second quilt uses Tina Burbank’s garden as an inspiration and is emblematic of Burbank’s love, courage and determination. 

“We hope Tina’s quilt will inspire others to lend their support to the Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center,” says Lynne Taikowski, a member of the Breast Care Center’s Advisory Board and President’s Council.  “Their generosity will become part of this handcrafted legacy for Tina’s daughters.” 

The Norma Pfriem Breast Care Center provides over 1,000 women with financial assistance for breast care services each year, thanks to generous supporters.  

Catwalk for a Cure:  An Evening of Family Fashion and Fun is organized by students from local high schools to help raise funds for programs for women in need at The Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center.  The young women plan every aspect of the show, from sending the invitations to modeling fashions from local retailers.  Businesses from the community pitch in to help make the evening a success, donating clothing, and hair and make up services.  

Part of Bridgeport Hospital and the Yale New Haven Health System, the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center has served more than 20,000 women and their families since it was established in 1999.  One of only 200 sites accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), the Center provides a wide range of diagnostic care and treatment at its Bridgeport Hospital and Fairfield locations, including medical oncology, surgical and chemotherapy services, plastic surgery, mammography and radiation therapy, and genetic risk assessment as well as opportunities to participate in clinical trials.  The Breast Care Center office at 111 Beach Road in Fairfield also provides comprehensive women’s wellness services, including nutrition counseling, massage and Reiki therapy, wig and prosthesis fitting, counseling, yoga, Pilates, naturopathic medicine, and other patient support activities.  The Center has a satellite office on Park Avenue in Trumbull.  The Center is a member of the prestigious National Consortium of Breast Care Centers.  For more information call (203) 255-5300 or visit the Center on the web at www.bridgeporthospital.org/cancer/breast.