Minette’s Angels Annual Spring Brunch
Celebrating New Milestones. Strengthening Partnerships.
Expanding Help and Hope Across New Jersey.
A capacity crowd of 222 supporters gathered at Glen Ridge Country Club for an inspiring event honoring the Foundation’s mission of delivering breast cancer support services to patients and families across a milestone 100 communities throughout New Jersey.
In his heartfelt opening remarks, President and Founder Ken McKenna reflected on the spirit that continues to unite a growing community of supporters, “We are here today in memory of our Angels, in support of our Fighters and in honor of all breast cancer Thrivers. We come together as Angels. Angels that believe in and have supported our mission of helping and educating others.”
Improving lives, healthcare access and delivering hope where it is needed most.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our supporters and the success of year-round fundraising efforts, Minette’s Angels has been able to broaden its impact across communities in need. Through strategic partnerships and targeted initiatives, we strengthened our commitment to awareness, education and compassionate patient assistance by:
- Providing critical grants to Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth to help address food insecurity and expand patient transportation services to essential care and support.
- Expanding access to life-saving breast health screenings for veterans and uninsured individuals through Mobile Mammography Units in collaboration with Newark’s University Hospital and the town of Kearny.
- Supporting patients undergoing cancer treatments at Morristown’s Carol G. Simon Cancer Center through a developing grant initiative for medically necessary items including prostheses, post-surgical bras, wigs and supermarket gift cards to ease financial and emotional burdens during recovery.
- Enhancing patient comfort and care at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson by funding blood pressure machines and improvements to patient examination rooms creating a supportive healing environment.
- Investing in mental health and holistic wellness programs in partnership with Sister2Sister in Somerset.
- Fulfilled the Education and Awareness part of our Mission by proudly sponsoring Let’s Talk Women’s Health and Wellness Symposium held at NJPAC in Newark, New Jersey with 1,000 people in attendance in March of this year. MAF sponsored 2 “packed” breakout sessions focusing on breast cancer and breast health and wellness.
A Survivor’s Voice
Nicole Kobernick shares a journey of courage & hope.
One of the brunch’s most moving moments came from guest speaker Nicole Kobernick, who shared her deeply personal breast cancer journey. What began as a routine mammogram and ultrasound in December 2024 quickly became a life-changing experience involving a biopsy, diagnosis, surgery, and treatment plan. Nicole reflected on the unexpected strength she discovered along the way: “It showed me a strength I didn’t know I had. It taught me that even in uncertainty there is hope.”
As she shared her diagnosis with loved ones, support poured in from family, friends, and women across the world — many of them breast cancer survivors themselves. Through her daughter’s sorority fundraising page, messages of encouragement and survival stories created a powerful sense of community and connection. “It was a powerful reminder that none of us are alone in this fight. Early detection had made a life-saving difference in so many of their journeys, just as it did in mine.”
Nicole also emphasized the life-changing impact organizations like Minette’s Angels continue to make for patients and families: “Thanks to organizations like Minette’s Angels supporting patients and families, easing financial burdens, and funding early detection research, we move closer to a world where we can overcome breast cancer.”
Blazing a Path
From community service to a future in healthcare.
In a heartfelt and inspiring presentation, Minette’s Angels Foundation Vice President Michele Kiernan proudly recognized Ava Lawdanski with a prestigious scholarship award to attend the Seton Hall University School of Nursing. The honor celebrates Ava’s dedication to community service, leadership, and compassionate advocacy for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.
A standout student at Mt. Saint Dominic Academy, Ava distinguished herself through her commitment to meaningful outreach initiatives and charitable fundraising efforts. She played a vital role in organizing and promoting successful “Tie a Pink Ribbon” events, helping to raise both awareness and support for breast cancer patients throughout local communities. Ava also demonstrated exceptional leadership by helping bring the Mammography In Motion mobile screening unit to insured and underinsured women in her hometown of Kearny. Through her efforts, more women gained access to potentially life-saving breast health services and educational resources — a reflection of her passion for healthcare.
As she begins her journey toward a nursing career, Ava Lawdanski exemplifies the power of young leadership, service, and determination to make a lasting impact in the lives of others.
Looking Ahead
Continuing Minette’s Mission Across New Jersey.
The Annual Spring Brunch served as a celebration of achievements, and as a renewed call to action. As Minette’s Angels expands its reach, partnerships, and patient services, the Foundation remains steadfast in its mission to provide awareness, education, support, and hope to every individual and family impacted by breast cancer.
Together, the community continues to prove that compassion, collaboration, and early detection can change — and save — lives.
