Susan Hill-Bing is the founder and executive director of the 2 Cute 4 Cancer (2C4C) Foundation. In May 2011, at the age of 41, Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had recently returned home from her second deployment with the Army Reserves. Once she received her diagnosis, amid the emotional trauma, she researched information to educate herself on treatment options available and was forced to make some really difficult decisions. She was proactive and set realistic expectations to prepare herself mentally for the road she was forced to travel. Her treatment consisted of a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. After enduring months of treatment, Susan faced Lymphedema, a condition most caused by the removal of or damage to one’s lymph nodes as a part of cancer treatment. Lymphedema causes muscle spasms and swelling and requires the use of custom-made compression sleeves and garments that are typically not covered by insurance companies and costly for survivors.

 

Like so many other individuals faced with challenges a diagnosis of breast cancer brings, it has been a very long and difficult journey for Susan, but she has always maintained a determined spirit to fight every step of the way. With enduring the ups and downs that are all too common with battling this disease, Susan’s personal mantra became, I am indeed, “Too Cute for Cancer.” The idea to establish the 2C4C organization was birth four years after Susan’s firsthand experience with cancer. After collaborating with family, friends, and non-profit experts, the 2C4C organization was incorporated into a 501c3 non-profit organization. The organizations mission is to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those living with cancer.

 

The goal of 2C4C is to help survivor’s breakdown barriers that prevent affected women and men from receiving the care and resources needed to live a better quality of life. The foundation hosts an annual Cute With A Purpose 5K Walk/Run during the fall at Arabia Mountain Nature Preserve to support the mission and goal of the organization. Proceeds gained have helped to provide chemo-kits to cancer patients before, during and after treatment. The chemo-kits consist of items helpful and useful for patients and include socks, lotion, mouthwash, other personal care items, motivational materials and informational brochures. The foundation partners with hospitals in the Metro Atlanta area to dispense the kits to breast cancer patients once they come out of surgery.  The foundation has also donated gift baskets to the Stone Mountain-Lithonia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Sylvester Baptist Church, Tranquil A.M.E. Church and Fairfield Baptist Church.

 

Throughout Susan’s ordeal, she has continuously maintained an optimistic outlook and has focused her life on giving back and being of service to others. The 2C4C foundation continues to serve as an advocate for those fighting breast cancer and to remind them that they are not alone in this fight; we are here to Advocate, Raise Awareness, Promote Early Detection, and Support Survivor’s Living with Cancer!