Pink Chair Project RVA

10/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1CqynXCw8H/?mibextid=WC7FNe

Richard Loud is a noise control engineer, a marathon runner and a father of two from Ballston Spa, New York. In late 2024, just before his 60th birthday, he was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer.

It became real in the oncologist’s office. He was crying, head in his hands, when the nurse navigator asked if he was upset because breast cancer would make him feel less masculine.

“I was like, no, I’m upset because I have cancer. I don’t care what kind of cancer it is. I don’t want to have it, and I don’t want anybody to know.”

For six weeks he told almost no one. Next came scans to see if it had spread past his breast and lymph node.

“Every one of those scans was like opening Pandora’s box, right? I didn’t know which one, if any of those were going to tell me that, you know, I might be dying.”

Once he learned his cancer was curable, he joined a clinical trial at Dana-Farber in place of chemotherapy. The treatment took his testosterone to zero. He ran four marathons during it anyway, each one harder than the last.

“Frankly, it was awful. But I wasn’t going to stop.”

In June 2025 he had a mastectomy on his right side. Today there is no evidence of disease.

“I say it’s like I got a winky chest. I have a ni**le on one side and a wink on the other.”

“I will flaunt my scar to anybody that wants to see it. In fact, I lifted my shirt in the middle of Fifth Avenue in New York City to show some people who said they wanted to see my scar.”

He learned to talk openly after he quit drinking at the start of the pandemic. He handled cancer the same way.

“Sharing your story, talking about the cancer, takes the power away from the cancer.”

“If you just keep it inside, it’s like you have another cancer going. You have the physical cancer and then you have this whole psychological cancer going on in there too.”

Men write to him now.

“I’ve had guys tell me, because of you telling your story, I took action. And that keeps me going.”

“Men can get breast cancer. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. It’s not a question of masculinity.”

This is Richard Loud. This is Baring Scars. Follow his story on Instagram at .dude.with.breast.cancer.

Image: “Richard Loud” by Brian Fitzgerald

10/30/2026

Are you a breast cancer survivor? We’re looking for Welcome Bag Ambassadors to deliver welcome bags to Pink Chair recipients near your home at a time that suits you. Your experience can bring real comfort and hope to someone facing surgery.

To learn more or to volunteer, contact
Bonni Simmons at 804-385-2081

10/28/2026

Many hands, lots of love! A big thank you to these wonderful volunteers who spent time packing gift bags for River City Roll and . We’re so grateful for everyone who gives their time to support our mission. 💗

10/26/2026

🤠💗 What an evening! Caryl Quinn (in the Pink Chair Project RVA jacket) represented Pink Chair Project RVA at the American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball on Saturday, October 17th, and got a photo with NBC12 meteorologist Andrew Freiden!

Thank you to Carol Estes Williams and Estes Freight Lines for the invitation and the VIP treatment. 💗

10/26/2026

We want to hear your story.

If a Pink Chair has been part of your breast cancer recovery, your words could be exactly what someone else needs to hear right now.

Pink Chair Project RVA began with a simple idea from a mastectomy patient: no one should struggle to rest after surgery. Since then, our electric recliners have helped women across the Richmond area sleep and heal more comfortably at home when lying flat in a bed isn’t possible.

Now we’d love to hear from you. Share your testimony:
Your journey with breast cancer
What the Pink Chair, or The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation, meant to you
A favourite photo, or a link to a YouTube video if you’d like

Share your story here: https://stevethornton1956.wixforms.com/f/6932599742564139360

Whether it’s a few sentences or a few paragraphs, every story reminds someone facing surgery that they are not alone.

Know a past Pink Chair recipient? Please tag them or share this post with them.

Pink Chair Project RVA is a program of The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation.

10/25/2026

Kindness is contagious. 💗 Cancer is hard, and those facing it need a little extra kindness, comfort, and love.

That’s why Pink Chair Project RVA means so much to us. We’re building a community that reminds breast cancer patients and their families that they’re not alone.

Will you help us make the next person’s recovery a little more comfortable Facebook? Every donation helps us share a little comfort and a lot of hope. 💕

💗 Donate here: The Pink Chair Project RVA https://share.google/suNgiDU1zYqg1GjK3

Care in a Chair. Because kindness matters.

The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation Resource Center

Linda Tsironis Caruthers

10/25/2026

💗 Please keep our dear friend Sharon in your prayers. She had surgery last week and received a Pink Chair, and we’re wishing her continued healing, strength, and comfort as she recovers. 🙏💕

The Pink Chair Project RVA, through The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation, brings comfort and hope to those facing cancer. We’re so grateful to be part of a community that cares.

If you’d like to help support this wonderful mission, donations can be made here:
https://givebutter.com/RB6EV9

Sending Sharon lots of love and prayers for a smooth recovery. 💕🙏

10/25/2026

💗 A Little Comfort. A Lot of Hope. 💗

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference.

A few days ago, Stephanie Causey reached out to The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation. With surgery just around the corner, she needed a little extra comfort for the journey ahead.

Thanks to Boni Simmons, who responded so quickly, Stephanie received her new Pink Chair just in time to prepare for surgery! 🌸

Stephanie shared this sweet message with us:

“I love my new chair! I am all set for my surgery tomorrow. Thank you again!” 💕

Those words are a beautiful reminder of why the Pink Chair Project RVA matters. When someone is facing cancer treatment, a comfortable place to rest can mean so much more than just a chair. It can bring a little peace, a little relief, and a reminder that someone cares.

🙏 Please keep Stephanie in your thoughts and prayers as she navigates surgery and recovery. We are wishing her comfort, strength, and healing in the days ahead.

And now, we have a question for you Facebook:

Will you help make the next person's recovery a little more comfortable?

Every contribution makes a difference, and together, we can remind more people that they are not alone in this journey.Donate today and help us bring comfort to the next person who needs it.

👉 Donate here: https://givebutter.com/RB6EV9

Providing Sanctuary & Inspiring Hope.

10/23/2026

When someone you care about is facing breast cancer surgery or recovery, it can be hard to know how to help.

Sometimes support looks like checking in. Sometimes it's listening without trying to find the perfect words. Sometimes it's helping someone find a resource that could make their recovery a little easier.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let's remember the people behind the diagnosis — and the friends, families, and communities walking alongside them.

The Pink Chair Project RVA is one resource available to help eligible breast cancer patients during recovery.

💗 Know someone who may benefit from Pink Chair? Share this post with them or encourage them to learn more about the program.

You can also help support the project here:
https://givebutter.com/RB6EV9

Let's keep showing up for one another, in the big ways and the small ones.

10/21/2026

💗 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗

This month, we’re celebrating the people who make Pink Chair Project RVA possible: our volunteers, our bowlers, our supporters, and every friend who has shown up with a smile, a helping hand, or a donation.

Because of you, women recovering from breast cancer surgery in the Greater Richmond area can rest at home in an electric recliner when lying flat in a bed isn’t possible. Every chair delivered is a reminder that no one should have to recover alone.

“For with God nothing shall be impossible.” Luke 1:37 🙏

💗 Learn more, apply for a recliner, or support the mission:
thehawthorne.org/pinkchairprojectrva

Pink Chair Project RVA is a program of The Hawthorne Cancer Foundation.