Volunteer Award Winners

Komen Puget Sound was founded by volunteers and volunteers continue to serve as the lifeblood of our cause. We extend our deepest gratitude to the following volunteers and community partners who through their relentless dedication have made an exceptional impact in the fight against breast cancer in the Puget Sound.

2011 Volunteer and Community Partner Award Winners

Promise of One Award – Joni Earl
The Promise of One award is a national award designed to recognize the power one person has to advance our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find the cures. Joni Earl’s dedicated leadership as President of the Board of Directors has made a significant difference in our success. In her six years with Komen, she has gone above and beyond the call of duty and strives to further the position of the Affiliate within the community while keeping our mission at heart. Joni is a model leader and we are grateful for and better because of her service.

CJ Taylor Award – Sue Black
The CJ Taylor award honors the memory of the founder of Komen Puget Sound, CJ Taylor. It recognizes a champion of the Komen promise who has the courage and limitless boundaries of CJ Taylor. The winner of this award goes beyond the scope of the Affiliate volunteer to inspire others to serve. Sue Black is a tireless advocate for Komen Puget Sound and those facing a breast cancer diagnosis in our community. She inspires others to give time, talent and resources which allows Komen to expand our reach and serve more women in the Puget Sound area.

Community Service Partner Award – Franciscan Health System’s Breast Cancer Navigation Program
The Community Service Partner award is given to a corporation, organization or individual who increases public awareness of breast cancer issues, supports breast cancer survivor programs and carries the Komen message of breast health awareness and early detection into the community. Franciscan Health System’s (FHS) Breast Cancer Navigation Program recognized a community need and created an innovative solution to meet that need. Since 2005, the program has reached nearly 19,000 medically underserved, low-income, minority women. Services are delivered by female navigators who share their patients' culture, race and language and who are connected and trusted in their local communities.  As a result of the program, FHS is treating more minority women for breast cancer, and these cancers are being treated at a much earlier stage of the disease. 

New Volunteer Award – Kathy Bressler
This award is given to a volunteer who has made a significant, positive impact on the affiliate and our cause within their initial year or two as a volunteer.  In her short time with Komen Puget Sound, Kathy Bressler has provided an example that every volunteer can aspire to in terms of fundraising, time commitment and passion for the families we serve. She has represented Komen in the community, been an advocate for the underserved and helped us reach others so together we can fight for the cure.

New Volunteer Award – Jim Mendoza
This award is given to a volunteer who has made a significant, positive impact on the affiliate and our cause within their initial year or two as a volunteer. Jim Mendoza is a goldmine of information and abilities which he gives freely to Komen Puget Sound. He has served on both the Grant Review Committee and Speakers Bureau and he does not hesitate to volunteer wherever he is needed. Jim is an outstanding advocate for the Komen mission and message. He strives to be a force of positive change in the community.

Local Media Partner Award – Sandusky Radio Seattle
This Local Media Partner award is given to a media partner who shows support of a wide range of Komen Affiliate events above and beyond basic Komen media sponsorship agreements; provides accurate, timely coverage of breast health and breast cancer issues; and demonstrates cultural diversity and sensitivity. By unselfishly engaging all five of their radio stations, Sandusky Radio Seattle has helped Komen Puget Sound reach families with the lifesaving message of early detection. Sundusky’s support is invaluable.

Outstanding Individual Volunteer Award – Barb Tiller
The Outstanding Individual Volunteer award is given to a volunteer who has worked with the Affiliate for a minimum of five years, has embraced the Core Values of Komen and has been a positive agent of change. Barb Tiller’s career was dedicated to working on women’s health issues, and since her retirement, she has stepped up her Komen volunteer efforts. Barb’s willingness to volunteer wherever she is needed is greatly appreciated, as is her passion for Komen’s mission.

Outstanding Volunteer Group Award – Bank of America
The Outstanding Volunteer Group award recognizes volunteers who work together as a cohesive group to further the Komen Promise. Overall these volunteers demonstrate dedication, commitment, creativity, initiative and dependability. Their achievements, time, compassion and volunteer spirit serve as benchmarks for all volunteers. The volunteer group from Bank of America brings their cash management expertise to many Komen Puget Sound events. These wonderful volunteers show up in their red shirts and help us take care of business. We could not do it without them.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Sheryl Stiefel
The Susan G. Komen Puget Sound Lifetime Achievement award goes to a volunteer who has consistently made outstanding contributions to the Komen mission over an extended period of time. This person exemplifies the highest values and serves as an inspirational role model to volunteers, energizing their commitment to the cause. Sheryl Stiefel has provided significant leadership,, insight and generosity of spirit to Komen Puget Sound since 2002. She has worked tirelessly to advance research, education, screening and treatment for all women living in our community.