Profiles/Success Stories

Scouting for the Cure Saves a Life:

Vikki Tesar’s Story

I have always had rather lumpy breasts and was confused as to how one could tell the difference between a normal lump and an abnormal. Thanks to the activity where you have to feel for lumps in the breast model and the bracelet activity with the different size/shape beads, I learned what to look for when performing a breast self-exam. In August of 2006, I discovered an odd lump in my breast and went immediately to the doctor.
I learned I had invasive lobular carcinoma.  Fortunately for myself and my family, my cancer was caught early and my prognosis is good. I have already finished my chemotherapy (yay!) and am waiting for my hair to grow back so my head won't be so cold!

Another side benefit of Scouting for the Cure was for my 11 year old daughter.  The knowledge she received about breast cancer helped her understand what breast cancer is and what I was going through.  After I told her about the cancer, she disappeared into her room.  When she returned, she had all the pamphlets and information she had received from the afternoon we spent at Scouting for the Cure and she handed them to me:  "Here mommy, I think you need these..."

I think Scouting for the Cure is a wonderful Girl Scout activity. I thought you might like to know that your efforts helped save at least one life and hopefully, your continued efforts will save more.
Thank you, thank you, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
Gratefully yours,
--Vikki Tesar

About Scouting for the Cure

"Scouting for the Cure™" is a special event to create breast health awareness among young girls and their families. This event is held in three NC counties, Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Union, as well as York County, SC.

Girl Scout Troop Leader and breast cancer survivor, Margaret Stothart, founded Scouting for the Cure™ in Mecklenburg County six years ago, and the event has expanded ever since. It has also become a Model Program available to over 100 Affiliates of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Margaret and her sister, Neel Stallings, also a breast cancer survivor, share their message of awareness and hope with Girl Scouts throughout the area.

"So many women have died who might not have if provided early education, exams for detection and treatment. It is vital that girls learn about their bodies and how to care for them at a young age," Stothart said, "and that is our goal through this event."

At Scouting for the Cure™, girls have the opportunity to raise their breast cancer awareness through service projects such as making "Check Yourself" bookmarks reminder bead key chains that show the sizes of lumps found in early and late stages of breast cancer.

None is more significant than the mastectomy pillows on which the girls write special messages for recovering patients in local hospitals. "When a mastectomy patient is in early recovery, the use of a small pillow placed under the arm can provide great relief," explains Stothart, who underwent a mastectomy in 1996. The girls can earn a badge for the sewing project but also acquire a more valuable lesson in community service.