Mom Raises $50K for Breast Cancer Awareness After Gala

Kristin Farkosh almost didn't get the surgery that saved her life.

When doctors told the Donegal Township mom her breast lump wasn't cancerous, she could have walked away. Instead, she pushed to have it removed anyway. That decision led to a shocking discovery: the biopsy had missed cancer cells that were caught during the removal.

"I thought I was fine, but I was very fortunate because I pushed for the lumpectomy and they caught it," Farkosh said. She underwent a double mastectomy and reconstruction, celebrating her five-year cancer-free anniversary this March.

For years, Farkosh didn't think of herself as a cancer survivor. She went through treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many people never even knew she had it. She simply moved on with life, raising her two children and focusing forward.

Then three years ago, everything changed at a Westmoreland Walks event. When breast cancer survivors were asked to stand, Farkosh stayed seated. Her boyfriend's grandmother, a two-time survivor who's been cancer-free for 40 years, asked her a simple question: Why didn't you stand up?

That moment sparked something powerful.

Why This Inspires

Now Farkosh is channeling her experience into action. She's organizing the first-ever Pink Ribbon Gala on May 2 at Live! Casino Pittsburgh, with a goal of raising $50,000 for Westmoreland Walks, a nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness.

The evening will feature dinner, a silent auction, and speakers including State Senator Kim Ward and Dr. Daniel Clark from Indiana Regional Medical Center, a passionate advocate for early breast cancer detection. WPXI's Cara Sapida will emcee the event.

Live! Casino is also hosting a Special Bingo on May 23, with proceeds supporting the cause.

Farkosh remains vigilant about monitoring for any cancerous lumps, knowing firsthand how draining the process can be. "It is a very long and draining process year to year," she said. "It's very, very scary, and it takes a lot out of you."

Her message to the community is clear: every cancer journey looks different, but no one should face it alone. "Coming together as a community, no matter if it's big or small, really leaning and focusing on each other is a huge part of the cancer journey," Farkosh said. "There's always something someone in the community can do to help save a life."

Tickets are $100 per person and available at givebutte.com/c/pinkribbongala2025.