The Survivors’ Lifeline
written by Megin Potter | Photos Provided
Even after treatment, breast cancer leaves permanent physical and emotional scars on its survivors. For 25 years, To Life! has been throwing them a lifeline.
“When I was diagnosed, as with most people, it took me completely by surprise. I was young, 43, and didn’t think that it was something that would happen to me,” said Rita Cox.
“I still remember that day,” she continued. “I was literally paralyzed.”
As was her nature, Rita dug in, working hard to do everything she was supposed to do to heal – except it wasn’t working. There were complications, and within the year, Rita had undergone five surgeries.
“I kept getting more and more depressed. It was not going away. I was not getting better. There were all kinds of issues and I really started feeling like I needed more help,” she said.
Then, a referral from Saratoga Hospital brought Rita to To Life!
“It was completely life-changing. It saved my life.”
We’ve Got You
Founded in 1998 by Mara Ginsberg, To Life! is a non-profit organization that responds to those aching for a sympathetic source of information, guidance, and non-medical services.
Affiliated with To Life! since 2011, Rita has served on their Board of Directors since 2014, and became Board President in 2021.
“A lot of organizations are working to find a cure or stop breast cancer. We are the one for Capital Region people still dealing with it. We are there for them now – as they are going through it.”
Rita’s dedication to To Life! dates back to her days when, as a recipient of their services, she was able to find what she had needed all along.
“I’d started to hear, over and over, how rare what I was going through was, and I just thought, I’ve heard enough!”
“Then I came here. It’s hard to describe the comfort, safety, and understanding I felt. No words were needed. I just felt like; they’ve got me.”
You Are Not Alone
Since 1998, To Life! has provided 15,792 residents with educational programs, 10,393 with support programs, and 7,942 with boutique services.
Originally founded in Delmar, their first satellite office opened at Saratoga Hospital in 2006. This was followed by the opening of their charming Spring Street boutique.
Working to revive and refresh their image and events, Rita, the owner of Cox Marketing Solutions, helped rebuild the To Life! website. She also increased their online presence by pushing social media and digital newsletter distribution. Rita, and event co-chair Barbara McDowell, also reimagined and reinvigorated their annual fundraising event, “The Pink Ball.” Additional fundraising and education events, such as “A Toast to Life,” the “Pink Mile Challenge,” “Beat the Odds” and the “Women’s Health Conference Series” are continuing this year.
Adjusting the Sails
Any captain will tell you, when you can’t avoid the storm, adjusting your sails will increase your chances of getting through it.
This is the same strategy that helped To Life! navigate its way through the pandemic. They overcame the barriers by converting support and education programs to virtual platforms and reopening the boutiques under strict safety protocols.
“I’m proud that we’ve always shifted in response to what our clients need,” said Rita.
Having recently released a five-year strategic plan focused on expanding into new communities, To Life! strives to support more young survivors and metastatic patients. They will also be adding more wellness programs on fitness, nutrition, and mindfulness.
For more information on To Life! visit them online
at tolife.org and at ToLifeCares on Facebook.
FREE educational videos are available on YouTube. The To Life! Boutique, 110 Spring St., provides wigs, mastectomy products, and accessories. Insurance is accepted.
