A Heartfelt Honor for Brenda Dean Abel at the Bosom Buddies Ball

BRENDA ABELBosom Buddies Charities (BBC) honored the late Brenda Dean Abel at their signature fundraising event, the Bosom Buddies Ball, on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Brenda lost her courageous battle with breast cancer on March 16, 2012.

Brenda Dean was a Queen Anne’s County resident and graduate of Queen Anne’s County High School in 1980. She attended Salisbury State College where she met her husband of 24 years, Richard Abel. Along with her husband, Richard, Brenda was the proud parent of two daughters, Alexandra and Carly. Brenda was the beloved daughter of Norma Jean and Donald Dean, and the sister of Donnie, Bruce, and committee member Debbie Dean Scott, all lifetime residents of our County. Brenda was deeply loved by all who knew her; she had a wonderful sense of style and humor. Her friendships were many and deep with admiration and respect. The diagnosis of cancer brought out her courage to fight, not just her battle, but also to inspire and mentor others who were diagnosed with breast cancer. In 2009, she completed and raised funds in the 60-mile “Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure” to help end the disease that eventually took her life.

“We are privileged to be able to celebrate the life of Brenda Abel at this year’s Ball,” said BBC Ball Co-Chair Biana Arentz. “Many of her friends, and most importantly, her family, will be attending the Ball. Honoring one of our heroes who has had breast cancer has become a treasured tradition at the Ball, and not all heroes win their battles. Brenda is one of our heroes, who is now an Angel. We are grateful to have Brenda’s family present as we reflect on her extraordinary life.”

Bosom Buddies Charities has raised over $1.2 million in six years to promote breast cancer awareness, treatment, and support in Queen Anne’s County. The proceeds of past balls have enabled the organization to donate digital mammography equipment to the Kent Island Breast Center, fund a highly successful Survivor Retreat, and support a nurse navigator who provides education, guidance, and emotional support for breast cancer patients. This year, Bosom Buddies will complete their pledge to purchase the Spy Elite equipment, which enables surgeons to access real-time information and modify plans before the patient leaves the operating room. They will also begin funding a Faxitron System, which reduces procedure time in the operating room for breast biopsy and lumpectomy, for the Shore Health Regional Breast Center.

Bosom Buddies Charities is committed to winning the battle against breast cancer and invite others who share this passion to learn more about the organization. Please visit www.bosombuddiescharities.org.