TOGETHERWE MAKE A DIFFERENCETomorrow comes with the promise of even more
effective, personalized treatment and brighter days
for every family touched by breast cancer. The labs were recently dedicated as the Vera Bradley Foundation
Center for Breast Cancer Research in recognition of the more than
$32.5 million the Foundation has donated to research at Indiana
University School of Medicine.
A recent visit to the Indiana University School of Medicine
offered a different kind of update. Barbara Baekgaard and Patricia Miller,
Vera Bradley co-founders, along with other supporters of breast cancer
research toured the labs and heard firsthand from the scientists conducting
studies into finding a cure.
“We know they are real people,” Miller, an IU alumna, said after the tour. “To get to be in
their labs and get to hear the doctors talk about their research – it’s very personalized,
and that’s very satisfying.”
The event gave visitors a chance to leave researchers with reminders of loved ones lost
to breast cancer and thanks for years added to lives because of advances in treatments.
Some left pictures, some poems. Many inscribed words of encouragement on paper
butterflies that the researchers can see each day as they pass through the IU School
of Medicine labs.
“We give,” Baekgaard wrote on a butterfly, “because we believe in you.”
For IU School of Medicine Dean Jay Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, the work going on in the
cancer labs is of professional interest – and a personal one.
Hess lost his mother, Geraldine Hess, to breast cancer when he was still in college. Her
suffering inspired him not only to become a doctor but to become a scientist who could
transform health care.
Addressing breast cancer research supporters during the gathering, Hess expressed
optimism about the work toward a cure being performed at IU. He expresses a similar
message on the butterfly he pinned to the wall of the laboratory: “Remembering you
Mom! Miss you! We’ve come so far, and have just a bit farther to go.”
Barbara Bradley Baekgaard and Patricia R. Miller,
Vera Bradley co-founders, with Jay Hess, IU School
of Medicine Dean.
32
A recent visit to the Indiana Universityoffered a different kind of update. Barbara
Vera Bradley co-founders, along with other
research toured the labs and heard
studies into finding a cure
The Vera Bradley Foundation Monogrammed Medicine Team
Research AdvancementsFIRST TO DEMONSTRATE THAT SEVERE NEUROPATHY IS AN INDICATION of a poor prognosis
for African American women.
• Severe neuropathy is a common side effect from chemotherapy. Neuropathy is painful numbness
and tingling in the fingers and toes. Researchers have developed a test to predict who will suffer
severe neuropathy based on patient DNA. Using this information, a national clinical trial is now
underway to find better drugs for this population.
• The national clinical trial will test two chemotherapy drugs and confirm a less toxic yet effective
drug to treat African American women with breast cancer. By looking at ancestry and how it might
contribute to side effects, survival for African American women will be improved.
GROWING HEART CELLS AND NERVE CELLS from a patient’s blood sample to better under-
stand, treat and prevent side effects from chemotherapy.
• Researching and seeing the effects of chemotherapy on heart tissue and nerves was
previously impossible.
• Beating heart cells are now growing in Dr. Bryan Schneider’s lab! By transforming a patient’s blood
into heart cells, researchers are learning how a person’s body responds to chemotherapy at the
cellular level. Chemotherapy-induced heart failure is a significant problem in cancer survivors.
• Nerve cells are also growing to help researchers understand how chemotherapy-induced
neuropathy develops.
ENROLLMENT MORE THAN DOUBLED in the Vera Bradley Foundation-sponsored
Monogrammed Medicine triple-negative breast cancer trial.
• Trial title: A Phase II Randomized Controlled Trial of Genomically Directed Therapy After
Preoperative Chemotherapy in Patients with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.
• This trial is one of the first to look at the full genetics of a patient’s cancer and determine thera-
py accordingly. Patients who have a tumor remaining after initial treatment and have it surgically
removed are invited to participate before active cancer returns.
• Blood samples are taken from every woman in the trial. In a unique collaboration with researchers
at Purdue University, researchers are identifying tumor cells that are in patient blood. They are
captured and counted at the beginning and end of treatment. Less cells at the end of treatment
points to the effectiveness of the therapy.
A ONE-OF-A-KIND DNA MARKER TEST to identify which drugs will be effective as well as
tolerated by patients.
• The team discovered 10 of the makers. The test utilizes those markers, along with 23 additional
markers discovered by researchers all over the world.
Dr. Anna Maria Storniolo’s observation
sums up the progress made possible by
research at the Vera Bradley Foundation
Center for Breast Cancer Research at the
Indiana University School of Medicine
and research worldwide. Today, women
diagnosed with breast cancer are alive
because of research. Tomorrow, they’ll not
only be living longer and living better, but
many of them will avoid a breast cancer
diagnosis altogether.
“I refuse to say the word impossible because it just doesn’t feel like anything is impossible anymore.”
54
76
Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
26th Annual
CLASSICJune 1 – 3, 2019
Fort Wayne, Indiana
The annual Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer Classic gathers more than 2,500
guests, players and volunteers for a beautiful sporting event of golf, yoga and pickleball
to raise funds for breast cancer research. And, of course, an occasion like this wouldn’t be
complete without dinner galas, auctions and an exclusive sponsor reception.
Something special happens when we pool time, talents and resources … it’s the magic
of progress. Together we can advance vital research in breast cancer prevention and
treatment. Realizing the dream where one day, we can tell everyone with breast cancer
their disease is treatable and beatable.
You can be part of the progress. Treat your team and clients to complimentary tickets
to the event, a Vera Bradley Outlet Sale shopping preview or access to one-of-a-kind
experiences. Enhance the visibility of your commitment by featuring your company’s logo
in event materials, signage and the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer website.
Additional highlights include:
• 300 yoga participants will enjoy a beautiful morning of pink yoga in the park
• 200 female players will serve up some friendly competition in doubles pickleball
• Nearly 420 female golfers will hit the links in 9-hole and 18-hole tournaments
• Close to 900 guests will be present at the tented Classic Celebration Dinner
• A special donor reception will be held on Sunday, June 2
2018 Classic total media impressions was 22,672,858 (That’s a big number!)
2019 Classic
Sponsorship Levels and Benefi ts
Pin
k
Dia
mo
nd
$5
0,0
00
Do
ub
le
Dia
mo
nd
$2
0,0
00
Dia
mo
nd
$10
,00
0
Ru
by
$5
,00
0
Sa
pp
hir
e$
2,5
00
Pe
arl
$1,
00
0
Op
al
$5
00
Benefi ts
On-stage recognition of your donation with a representative from your company
during Classic Celebration Dinner
Presentation by a Vera Bradley Foundation representative to your employees
at a company event or meeting; includes up to 100 small Vera Bradley gifts for employees
Complimentary team participation in a Vera Bradley Classic event of your choice: tennis,
18-hole golf or 9-hole golf; includes Celebration Dinner 4 2 1
Your company’s logo and link on the Vera Bradley Foundation website
(250,000 visits per year)
Your company information or logo item (upon approval) included in every Classic participant bag
(600 pieces)
Company mention and illuminated company logo at Classic Celebration Dinner
(1,400 total guests)
Company tribute or listing in Classic Program Spread Full Page w/Bleed
Full
Page
Half
Page
Quarter
Page
Program
Listing
Program
Listing
Name prominently displayed at all Classic events
Invitation for two guests to a private reception for Jewel Sponsors 10 8 5 2 1
Custom artwork for co-branded mailing inserts, postcards, web banner or storefront
window signs to promote your support of the Vera Bradley Foundation to your customers
Complimentary tickets for an exclusive sponsor shopping experience
at the 2019 Vera Bradley Annual Outlet Sale, Tuesday, April 9 200 100 50 25 16 10 6
Complimentary seating to a Celebration Dinner 12 6 6 4 2 2
Company name on sign at one Classic event
Company name on sign at registration table for one Classic event
98
Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer
16th Annual
TICKLED PINKParty with a PurposeOctober 4, 2019
Fort Wayne, Indiana
Champion the cause with us at Tickled Pink, as we celebrate women and our shared
commitment to fi nding a cure during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The
Vera Bradley Design Center is the perfect setting to welcome colleagues and guests
with complimentary event tickets. Nearly 500 women ages 21 – 101 will savor creative
culinary selections and fi ne cocktails featuring the best of Fort Wayne’s caterers and
restaurants while mixing and mingling with Vera Bradley’s co-founders, designers
and team members. With an incredible silent auction and an exclusive behind-the-
scenes glimpse into the newest Vera Bradley colors, styles and trends, guests come
back, again and again, wondering what we’ll think of next. And, no one leaves empty
handed, a Vera Bradley Outlet Sale shopping opportunity and an exclusive Tickled
Pink parting gift rounds out the night. Join us as we connect, share and celebrate our
path of progress to fi nding a cure.
1110
2019 Tickled Pink
Sponsorship Levels and Benefi ts
Ma
ge
nta
$2
0,0
00
Ro
se
$10
,00
0
Blu
sh$
5,0
00
Pe
on
y$
2,5
00
Ca
rna
tio
n$
1,0
00
Co
smo
s$
50
0
Benefi ts
Presentation by a Vera Bradley Foundation representative to your employees
at a company event or meeting; includes up to 100 small Vera Bradley gifts for employees
Company mention on stage at event
(approximately 500 guests and volunteers)
Complimentary invitations to Tickled Pink 16 8 4 2 2
Your company information or logo item (upon approval) included in
every Tickled Pink guest bag (500 pieces)
Your company’s logo and link on the Vera Bradley Foundation website
(250,000 visits per year)
Your company’s name listed in event program
Invitation for two guests to a Spring 2019 private reception for sponsors 8 5 2 1
Custom artwork for co-branded mailing inserts, postcards, web banner or storefront window
signs to promote your support of the Vera Bradley Foundation to your customers
Complimentary tickets for an exclusive sponsor shopping experience
at the 2019 Vera Bradley Outlet Sale, Tuesday, April 9100 50 25 16 10 6
Company name on signage at entrance to event
Company name in auction room or hospitality tent
Company name at Registration Table
1312