For the last 15 years Wedbush has hosted annual breast cancer awareness and fundraising campaigns to support Susan G. Komen. This year our firm hosted Ring the Bell –The Journey, which welcomed colleagues to share stories about how cancer has affected their life or the life of a loved one.
The event raised awareness and provided support for those impacted by all forms of cancer. While there are over 200 types of cancers, breast cancer is the most common. Less than one percent of breast cancer occurs in men, and there are an estimated 268,600 women in the U.S. that will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year.
Terretta Lusk, Corporate Receptionist and breast cancer survivor, shared her inspiration for this year’s event. For patients with cancer, “ringing the bell” is a significant moment that signifies the end of active treatment and the beginning of a cancer-free life. As a caregiver and survivor, Terretta has chosen not to allow the word “cancer” to dictate her life. Her message to those who are battling cancer is, “No matter the journey, life is good.”
Shivan Somaratne, Investment Associate, shared about his relationship with former Vice President of Investments, M’leigh Koziol, who lost her battle with cancer earlier this year. He recalled having to share the news with her clients and how deeply they were affected. Throughout her journey, he was always impressed by her strength and how nothing got her down. M’leigh was also a mentor to Terretta, and encouraged her to talk about her personal journey overcoming cancer.
Jack Johnson, Vice President of Investments, served as a caregiver for his wife when she was diagnosed with breast cancer and rare blood disorder, Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria. To this day he carries around a notebook with the information that doctors would need if she had to go to the hospital. She has been cancer free for 10 years, and he continues to support breast cancer awareness and advocates for early detection.
Margot Nuthmann, retired Vice President of Insurance, has been both caregiver and survivor. She is currently an “Earth Angel” caretaker volunteer through Angel Flight West. AFW is an organization that helps transport cancer patients to their treatments. She has experienced cancer and loss throughout her journey, but she is dedicated to making a difference in someone’s life every day, actively participates in support groups, and is working diligently on her bucket list.
Wedbush would like to thank all of our colleagues for sharing their stories, and continues to support those who are on their own journeys to ring the bell. Join us in the search for a cure by donating to the Susan G. Komen Foundation.