Like most women diagnosed, Rita Handley had no history of breast cancer in her family when she found out she had it. In January 1997, she was diagnosed with stage II, node-negative breast cancer. In June 2001, she was diagnosed with stage IV bone metastasis.
She found VBCF through her Bosom Buddies support group, joining us for National Lobby Day in 2000. She was excited about the opportunities available to make a difference in the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. She joined VBCF’s Board of Directors in 2003, shortly after breast cancer forced her to end her 30-year career as an RN.
During this time, several members of her support group talked about wanting to do more for the community and breast cancer issues. Rita was instrumental in forming VBCF’s Blue Ridge Chapter in January of 2004.
In 2006, she was elected to the position of Secretary on VBCF’s Board. A title she held for five years.
Encouraged by her peers, Rita was accepted into NBCC’s Project Lead. She traveled to San Diego in 2009 to attend this intensive science training program for activists. That same year she participated in the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
When asked why she became a breast cancer advocate at that event, she replied:
“I became an advocate because I was 45 years old with a 12-year-old daughter when I was diagnosed. I was terrified that I would die before she was grown. I wanted to do everything that I could to fight the disease, and I used my nursing background as the basis to start. My motivation all along has been my family, especially my daughter.”
After graduating Project Lead, Rita served as a consumer advocate on research grant panels for the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program and for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Rita was always happy to share her story if it could help someone else. She fought breast cancer with strength and grace and will be greatly missed.
Rita leaves behind a family she was endlessly proud of – her husband, Richard; daughter Katey; son-in-law Bent-Lee; and granddaughter Violet.
As she frequently said, “Life Goes On.” VBCF will continue this fight in memory of Rita and all those we have lost too soon to this terrible disease.
3 Responses
Sorry to hear this news she was a good friend, she was also a strong and passionate advocate for this terrible disease.
Wow, what a good soul she was! I spent some time with my cousin this week reminiscing about her sister Kathy who died at age 42. Her son Gage is now 23 and he was only 18 months old when she died. And my wonderful generous outrageously funny aunt Mari! I have already lived 6 years longer than she did. I miss her all the time.
Sharon Talarico
I am very sorry to hear this news. Breast cancer has robbed us of some of the best women I have known.