Not all breast cancer is the same, there are many different subtypes of breast cancer and they are
diagnosed upon the presence or lack thereof of three receptors known to fuel breast cancer. Some
of the most effective new breast cancer treatment therapies target these receptors specifically.
None of these receptors are found in women with Triple Negative Breast Cancer, so there are no
targeted treatment options. Consequently, Triple Negative Breast Cancer is typically more
aggressive and more likely to recur, and often, early detection is not enough.
In 2013, Dana and Lexi decided to do something to help bring awareness to this aggressive
subtype of breast cancer that they felt needed more attention. Having witnessed their mom’s
cancer recur because of the lack of targeted treatment options, they felt it was important to add to
the dialogue around breast cancer: not all breast cancer is the same, and there’s more to the story
beyond early detection. They were hopeful to find a targeted treatment option for Carol, and felt
making people more aware about this particular type of breast cancer, while funding research,
was a way they could help. Having brainstormed for months about doing a fundraiser for their
mom, the ideal opportunity presented itself when The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation
(TNBCF) created the inaugural Triple Negative Day on March 3rd, 2013. TNBCF called on
members of the triple negative community to help by hosting events around the country, and
Dana and Lexi saw this as their time to help.
Little did anyone know when they started planning in the fall of 2013, that in January, Carol’s
cancer would develop a rare complication, known as Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis, making
her situation terminal. Planning Mani-for-a-Cure provided something positive and hopeful
during that time, and Carol couldn’t have been prouder. Out of 50+ events that were held around
the country for Triple Negative Day, Mani for a Cure was the top fundraiser.
The inaugural Mani-for-a-Cure, was a sold out spa-themed charity event, with manicures,
massages, men's spa-shaves, raffle, open bar and hors d'oeuvres, and the evening served as a way
to educate a diverse audience of over 200 attendees about this aggressive form of breast cancer.
The event was held at lounge in downtown Manhattan, where Dana and Lexi currently reside.
Carol was not able to attend as she was hospitalized at the time due to complications but was
able to experience the entire evening through a video-conference. The next day Carol boasted to
all of her doctors and nurses what an amazing success the night was and how incredibly proud
she was of her daughters. Carol passed away less than a month later, March 27th, 2013.
After Carol passed away, Lexi and Dana were even more motivated to educate others about
Triple Negative Breast Cancer and that more research was needed to find a cure. The sisters
formed a 501c-3 tax exempt non-profit, Carol's Crusade for a Cure Foundation, and are currently
working on their 4th annual Mani-for-a-Cure charity event. In addition to the spa services, food
and drinks, and silent auction/raffle that are part of their charity event, the sisters place an
emphasis on education through guest speakers that include Triple Negative patients and leading
Breast Oncologists. Too many lives have been taken too soon by triple negative breast cancer,
and Dana & Lexi are determined to educate others about this disease to help find more treatment
options.
Carol was a true fighter and had an absolute determination to fight and win despite the
unfavorable odds of her aggressive form of breast cancer. She courageously fought while always
comforting and uplifting others by her enormous fortitude in life. Carol's Crusade for a Cure is
determined to continue Carol's fight by raising awareness and funding to support organizations at
the forefront of triple negative breast cancer research.
Since 2013, Mani-for-a-Cure has continued to grow, honoring the life of Carol. The event has
grown to over 300+ attendees raised over $150,000 in the first three years, and expanded
services to include a hair braid bar and silent auction. As more events are held around the
country annually to support Triple Negative Day, Mani-for-a-Cure continues to be one of the top
fundraisers. As a result, in 2015, TNBCF recognized Dana and Lexi as TNBCF Triple Negative
Day Champions . As Mani and CCFAC continues to grow, Dana and Lexi have continued to
work with the TNBCF, most recently joining efforts to co-fund a $250,000 research grant for
metastatic triple negative breast cancer The AACR-Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation-
Carol’s Crusade for a Cure Foundation Career Development Award for Metastatic Triple
Negative Breast Cancer Research represents a joint effort to encourage and support junior faculty
to conduct metastatic triple negative breast cancer research and establish a successful career path
in this field. This grant, supported by the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation and Carol's
Crusade for a Cure Foundation, established in memory of Carol Eilbott Klebanow, provides
$250,000 over three years.
Sisters Lexi and Dana Klebanow co-founded Mani-for-a-Cure in 2013 as their mother, Carol, was battling aggressive metastatic Triple Negative Breast Cancer. Carol was initially diagnosed with early stage breast cancer 8 years prior and proactively took conservative measures after her diagnosis. Carol had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy, and remained in remission for nearly 5 years. During those 5 year she exercised regularly, ate an organic healthful diet, and enjoyed life with her family. Not even her closest family members fully understood the motivations for her vigor in maintaining a healthful lifestyle, but deep down Carol knew that despite her proactive and cautious measures, that her breast cancer was different since it was triple negative
and it was more likely to recur.
