Y-Me? Why Not. Cancer Survivor Kay Witkowski on What Motivates Her

Kay Witkowski, president of the local chapter of the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization, is also a breast cancer patient. A resident of Frankfort, she and her husband own the at 19665 S. LaGrange Road in Mokena.

Patch decided to catch up with Kay following last week's Y-Me fund-raiser at the newly opened in Mokena, and we asked her a few questions about her work to assist women with breast cancer and to raise breast cancer awareness.

Q. How and when did you first become involved with Y-Me?

A.  I had lost two sisters and my mother to breast cancer and heard about the inaugural Y-ME walk downtown 20 years ago. I registered for it and was amazed at the support network and the sense of unity they had. I decided that I wanted to help others battling breast cancer so I signed up to volunteer.  

Q. What motivates you to volunteer with Y-Me?

A. Y-ME is a very large organization, but I always felt so connected to those men and women involved at the local level. They were people just like us, just trying to manage the battle, and through rubbing shoulders with them, I found such comfort and positive energy around them. I was, and continue to be, very inspired to help. 

Q. What is one important way Y-Me helps breast cancer patients?

A. By offering support, and by letting them know they are not alone in their battle and that others in the organization are there to comfort them and offer positive energy. 

Q. How can local residents get involved or help with Y-Me?

A. By going to the website and donating time or funds to the cause. Of course, we are dedicated to Y-Me, but we also advocate helping and supporting every form of cancer. There are so many people fighting, and so much love and support is needed, that we encourage people to support the cause that touches them the most.