By Jody Kerzman

“What can I do to help?”

It’s a question four North Dakota women heard many, many times while fighting their breast cancer battles.

Tammy Svalen-Gimbel was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2011. She wasn’t the first in her family: by the time Tammy was diagnosed, her grandmother, mother, three out of five aunts, and one cousin had all had the disease.

“One month after I was diagnosed, my cousin Kristin was also diagnosed with breast cancer,” remembers Tammy. “Two months into my treatment, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer for the third time. A month later, my sister, RueAnn, had a mammogram and a spot was found.”

After their treatments and double mastectomies the sisters felt the need to give back. A cousin, Deanne Feyereisen-Leier, who had also fought breast cancer and her daughter, Kayla Leier, jumped on board, and their non-profit organization Pink it Forward was born.

“We have all be affected by breast cancer. We fought the battle and want to give back,” says RueAnn Svalen-Gallagher.

All four women are now cancer free, but they continue to give back in many ways, whether it’s pajamas for mastectomy patients, a blanket to provide warmth and comfort, or treatment kits for those going through treatments, they are constantly helping.

To learn more, visit their website.