Honoree

The Wyoming Art for the Cure committee is proud to invite all seven of our past honorees to be honored again as a part of our 10th Anniversary Honoree Circle.

Our honorees have been selected because of their battle with breast cancer, their dedicated service to those with breast cancer, or for their work to fight against breast cancer.  We feel that each honoree has played an important part in the success of Wyoming Art for the Cure, bringing our unique event full circle, and are excited to honor you as a group in our Honoree Circle.

Sandy Pedersen ~ 2006 Honoree

Two-time Breast Cancer Survivor, Wy Art for the Cure Co-Founder

As the founder of Wyoming Art for the Cure, Mrs. Sandy Pedersen was the 2006 honoree and continues to inspire the event every year.  In 2001, this vibrant, intelligent, little ball of fire was stricken with breast cancer . . . and she struck back.  With the close supervision of her doctors and the love and support of her family and friends, Sandy took on a mastectomy with more faith, dignity and strength than the world has ever known.   In 2006, Sandy discovered a disturbing nodule, which through biopsy, revealed that the cancer had returned.  Sandy fought diligently once again and has thankfully been cancer free for the last six years. 

Dr. Carrie Thoms ~ 2007 Honoree

Oncology Surgeon, Wy Art for the Cure Co-Founder

Co-founder of Wyoming Art for the Cure, Dr. Carrie Thoms was the 2007 honoree. Dr. Thoms, an oncology surgeon, gained community respect and admiration based on her talents as a surgeon, but moreover, she developed the reputation of being a very thoughtful, loving, and caring doctor to each one of her patients.  This love and care, coupled with her experience with breast cancer patients, motivated her to work with many cancer advocacy groups including the Wyoming Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.  Through her interaction with many professional artists who had been affected by breast cancer, she was inspired to initiate what we now know as “Wyoming Art for the Cure”.  Carrie states, “Thankfully, for us all, Sandy Pedersen took the bull by the horns and accepted my challenge to start this event.”

Barbara Murray ~ 2008 Honoree

Breast Cancer Survivor

Mrs. Barbara Murray is a breast cancer survivor and donating artist to Wyoming Art for the Cure and was selected as honoree in 2008.  Attempting to interview an individual about their life is quite a challenge when you are speaking to someone as humble as Barbara. Unless you are family or a very close friend, you probably don’t know her as well as you think you do. As a breast cancer survivor and artist, it is no wonder that Barbara has been chosen a Wyoming Art for the Cure honoree. She exemplifies beauty and strength and defines the word “woman” as we know it.

Dani Best ~ 2009 Honoree

Breast Health Navigation Program Coordinator

In 2009, Wyoming Art for the Cure honored Breast Health Navigator, Ms. Dani Best. Dani, an RN, BSN OCN, has always believed that she is being led to where she’s meant to be; to where she can best provide care for those in need. Dani’s path has led her to the Cheyenne Regional Medical Center where she manages the visionary Breast Health Navigation Program. This program ensures that individuals with breast health issues receive timely diagnosis and treatment. Dani received her Breast Health Navigation certification in 2007.

Susan Thomas ~ 2010 Honoree

Wy Race for the Cure Founder

Mrs. Susan Thomas, founder of the Wyoming Race for the Cure, was the 2010 Wyoming Art for the Cure honoree. Susan founded the Craig and Susan Thomas Foundation, a non-profit, charitable organization that works with Wyoming individuals, organizations and communities to help children who are at-risk achieve their full potential.  In addition to serving on a wide variety of boards and organizations on the state and national levels, Susan has been a leading advocate in the fight against breast cancer in Wyoming and throughout the nation, starting the Wyoming Race for the Cure in 1994. 

Carol Toft & Karen Pope ~ 2011 Honorees

Mother/Daughter Breast Cancer Survivors, Genetic Testing Advocates

Mother-daughter breast cancer survivors, Mrs. Carol Toft and Mrs. Karen Pope were the 2011 Wyoming Art for the Cure honorees.  In 1970 Carol discovered a lump; they waited, thinking it was a plugged milk duct. However in May 1972, at the young age of 31, she underwent a radical mastectomy due to Stage 3 - Grade 4 breast cancer. In 2008, Carol’s daughter, Mrs. Karen Pope was diagnosed with Stage 1 duct cell carcinoma breast cancer, but she already knew her course of action. Due to her mother’s history of breast cancer, Karen was proactive and started having annual mammograms at the age of 20. When her grandmother and aunt were also diagnosed, they decided to do a genetic test. Karen, her mother, and aunt all tested positive for a variation of the BRCA 2 gene. Through this family’s desire to be proactive about their health, they engaged in genetic testing and were able to find answers, receive early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.