By Sandra Zunino

After receiving a breast cancer diagnosis, then enduring surgery, stem-cell harvest and replacement treatment, chemotherapy, radiation and a long recovery, many women would have been happy just to survive, but Susan Ponchock of Stevensville wanted more.

Haunted by the memory of losing her mother to breast cancer, and fearing for the future of her six granddaughters, Susan’s goal was to continue her attack on breast cancer for all women.  Therefore, in 2006, with the help of twenty other women – all touched in some way by the disease, she founded Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc.

With a mission to promote breast cancer awareness, research and prevention, and to benefit diagnostic mammography, treatment methodology and healing, Bosom Buddies quickly became recognized as the largest fund-raising charity in Queen Anne’s County. It was Susan’s vision of raising money via an elegant, black-tie ball that provided that distinction.

As an avid golfer, Susan had organized and participated in fund-raising golf tournaments, but felt driven to do something different and exciting. She decided a formal ball might be the answer. “I thought it would be something beautiful,” she says. “I attended many such functions in Washington D.C. with my husband as part of his business so I had some experience.”

Committee members met in Susan’s living room. Anytime someone suggested ideas that strayed from her vision, she simply said, “Well, that’s not part of my dream.”

Susan’s initiative soon paid off. The Bosom Buddies Ball sells out every year and has raised almost a million dollars, earning the title of Best Money-Making Charity Event on the Eastern Shore by What’s Up Eastern Shore Magazine.

Thanks to those proceeds, a state-of-the-art digital mammogram machine and a hand-held sonogram machine were purchased for Anne Arundel Medical Center’s new Kent Island facility. “I wanted something so women over here wouldn’t have to cross the bridge for treatments and programs,” says Susan.

Bosom Buddies also created a scholarship account, contributing $20,000 in 2008 that was matched by a $40,000 challenge grant from the Eugenia Teodoli Education Trust. In 2009, Bosom Buddies received an additional $37,500 from the Trust establishing the basis for more scholarships. Recipients are students who graduate from a QAC public high school and plan to pursue a medical degree.

Bosom Buddies also provides funding for breast cancer awareness education in Kent Island High School and support groups for breast cancer victims. An all-volunteer committee, no one is paid. “None of us take money for doing anything,” says Susan, “and every dollar we raise, goes right here to Queen Anne’s County.”

The 2011 ball falls on January 22. Susan says they decided to hold the balls in January to avoid competing with other charity events. About 1,000 invitations will go out in early December with the intent of filling the 300-maximum-occupancy Chesapeake Bay Beach Club ballroom. A $200 ticket provides Champagne, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live music, dancing and drinks throughout the evening. “It’s five hours of wonderful fun and giving to a great cause,” says Susan, “and it’s tax deductible.”

Despite four years of success, Susan says she’s still shocked at how much money they have generated and how much the community has rallied to the cause. “I feel like I’ve accomplished something in my life by doing this,” she says. “We are very grateful for the banks sponsoring the event this year and for all the local people have given.”

Bosom Buddies Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization. For more information, visit www.bosombuddiescharities.com.