Survivor Volunteers Full Support to BB! Mission
Almost three years ago Hannah Coakley battled breast cancer and won. A year ago she began volunteering with Beyond Boobs! She had attended breast cancer support groups in the past, but had just not been inspired. Discovering Beyond Boobs! fueled Hannah’s efforts to get involved and give back. She was diagnosed in her 60s and didn’t fall into the category of younger women typically served by BB!, but her positive outlook meshed with the group’s dynamic energy, so she chose instead to become a volunteer
“As a BB! volunteer I am really accomplishing something,” Hannah said. “I love it!”
Hannah spends her volunteer hours at the Beyond Boobs! main office preparing supplies for the group’s events and fundraisers. Currently she is working on putting together gift baskets that will be raffled off at the upcoming 8th Annual “Breast” Ball Golf Tournament. She has also helped out with other big-ticket events, including the Old Dudes Bike Ride and the Pink Carpet Gala, to name a few.
Hannah is originally from New Jersey and is a retired school secretary. She has lived in Williamsburg for nine years. “Like me, a lot of people are from out of state,” she said. “I love that the women at BB! look out for each other and take care of each other, just like family.”
Hannah has three grown children: Michael, Jonathan, and Erin. She is the proud grandmother of four grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys making goat’s milk soap. She also makes heating pads filled with rice and flaxseed and scented with French lavender and peppermint. She often gives her homemade creations away as part of a gift basket.