About Us
In 2016 we held a fundraiser to help with the additional financial burden of my lymphedema diagnosis. To my dismay and shock, insurance does not cover these items (considered Durable Medical Equipment- DME). As we started organizing, we discovered we were not alone in this struggle. There are very limited resources for survivors and their needs after being “cleared” cancer free. You are no longer a cancer patient in active treatment. The resources are no longer available. With the assistance of local businesses, close friends and family, and many volunteers, we established the Ta Ta Rebels Inc.a non-profit 501(c)3. Our mission is to raise funds and give survivors a voice. Also, our organization is listed on the PA Breast Cancer Coalition as the only resource that does not require an active treatment plan.
Financially Assisting Survivors (Pennsylvania residents only)
Our funds go directly to the individual survivor. This covers the cost of DME (Durable Medical Equipment such as prosthesis, custom bras, compression sleeves, etc.). We also assist with co-pays and deductibles for the expenses of associated therapies that help maintain a healthy lifestyle. We do not assist with household expenses or the costs related to surgeries and treatments. Please contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition – Resources for assistance.
Our Achievements and Highlights
- October 2016: Ta Ta Rebels holds their first charity event.
- January 2018, Ta Ta Rebels Inc. a 501(c) 3 was established.
- Since January 2018 raised over $22,000
- February 2018: Increased financial cap to $250.00
- March 2019: LympheDivas became the First Organizational Partnership – gives a 15% discount to customers using tatarebels
- The only resource in PA that offers assistance after treatment.
- Assisted more than fifty women since 2018.
- Event attendance doubled from 2018 to 2019 and increased again in 2020
- November 2019: Implemented a Scar Tissue Release therapy program. Helping survivors get access to another needed treatment not covered by insurance.
- Listed as a resource on the PA Breast Cancer Coalition website
- The Penn State Breast Care Center includes Ta Ta Rebels as a resource for survivors.
- Highlighted on ABC 27 Good Day PA morning show in 2019 and 2020.
- 2020 Penn State Pink Zone honored Kim Ramirez at the game.
- Featured in many local news outlets including: The Hummelstown Sun, Donegal Merchandiser and Elizabethtown Advocate
- Outreach events include –- Thriving and Surviving Cancer Survivor Breakfast hosted by Penn State Hershey Medical Center– National Cancer Survivor Day –– Lancaster Barnstormers Non-Profit Day and Horizon of Hope Breast Cancer Breakfast – Hershey Hotel
- Supported by over 55 businesses, venues, and personal contributions.
You Must Meet the following criteria to receive funds:
- Must be completely done with treatments and surgeries. **No longer in active treatment. (see below)
- Must be a Pennsylvania resident (Primary Address)
- All request must be for medical expenses related to a Breast Cancer diagnosis.
**Active treatment is defined as the period after a positive diagnosis of breast cancer has been made (with a diagnostic biopsy), and during which therapies are being administered, including surgical procedures to remove the cancer (e.g. single or bi-lateral mastectomy, lumpectomy, axillary dissection, or sentinel node biopsy), chemotherapy and/or radiation.
If you would like to donate, become a sponsor or get assistance with your post-treatment expenses; view the links below.
Board of Officers
Kim Ramirez – CEO – Founder – Kim started this organization due to the lack of resources for Breast Cancer survivors. She discovered this after receiving a diagnosis of Lymphedema four years after completing treatments and surgeries. In 2018, we became a 501c (3) and the only non-profit in Pennsylvania to finically help with on-going medical expenses related to their Breast Cancer diagnosis. We have been growing since, helping many survivors keep a healthy, active lifestyle.
Dave Lyons – President – Dave had been continually active in the organization since 2018 as a trustee and Ride Captain. He is highly active with the Linglestown American Legion and holds officer’s positions as the SAL Commander and Chapter #272 Riders Director. He is also involved with other community organizations that help get bikes to kids at Christmas and the Patriot Guard. He is a true asset and brings experience and knowledge to the organization.
Georgie Neufer – Vice President – Georgie attended one of events and in 2018. Since then, she has volunteered in some role at events that her health allowed. She is an eight-time cancer survivor and never gives up. She is also active with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and has been a Scout leader and worked with other organizations. Her knowledge of how a non-profit organization succeeds will be a great asset to our events and outreach efforts.
Helene Brown – Secretary – Helene joined the organization after attending our 2019 4th Annual event. She is great with numbers and details. This organization is close to her heart because of how Breast Cancer has affected her family and friends. Her ability in details is just we need to keep things running smoothly and accurately.