As a breast cancer survivor, Kim Ramirez knows firsthand what it's like to fight the disease. She also understands what can happen after having cancer.

"I am a 12-year survivor that was diagnosed with lymphedema four years after completing my treatments," she said. "I couldn't get any assistance for the out-of-pocket expenses for therapy or compression garments."

Determined to support other people in her position, the Bainbridge resident created Ta Ta Rebels, a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit organization that assists breast cancer survivors after treatment. The organization formed in 2016, became a 501(c)(3) in 2018 and has experienced growth and success thanks in large part to community support.

Most recently, Ramirez was able to purchase a new vehicle for the organization. "We started a fundraiser in February of 2024 to replace our 20-year truck," she shared. "In May, we reached our goal through donations, and, with the assistance of Conoy Car Company, a vehicle was located that met our needs. We needed a vehicle with enough space to carry our event items, had a tow hitch for our trailer and plenty of seating for our volunteers."

Funds were raised for the vehicle through a meat bingo held at the Columbia VFW. The organization also recently held its Survivors Raise Hope cash and designer purse bingo, raising almost $10,000 to support its programs and services. At the bingo, donations came from several businesses, including Martin's Snacks, Hershey's, Roots Beer Distributor and the Sheetz in Mount Joy.

"The success of our events is because of the community support both local and out of our area," Ramirez said. "We receive donations from areas such as York, Harrisburg, Carlisle, Enola, Ronks, Hanover, Erie, Mechanicsburg and Thomasville, to name a few. This gives our participants the opportunity to visit other businesses and venues with the gift cards and certificates they win at our (giveaways)."

For the organization's new vehicle, several local businesses donated to the effort, she noted, including Conoy Car Company, Craig Rothstein State Farm Insurance, Roots Beer Distributor and Linglestown American Legion Sons of the American Legion, Auxiliary and Legion Riders.

"We are also very fortunate to receive support from Elizabethtown and Mount Joy Weis Markets these past few years that includes monetary funds, salads for our events, gift cards and other items," Ramirez said. "Weis corporate also picked our organization as a recipient of the round-up for local organizations at the checkout registers. This was a tremendous opportunity for our organization. The money raised during this campaign will help many with the out-of-pocket expenses as well as our scar tissue therapy program."

The scar tissue therapy program began in 2021. "We coordinated with a medically licensed massage therapist to create our scar tissue release program," Ramirez said. "We will cover the expense of three sessions to help survivors release scar tissue buildup from surgery to regain their range of motion."

The organization has also been able to increase the amount of financial assistance offered to survivors, with plans to increase it again in 2025.

"A portion of the funds raised supports our outreach events as well as the administrative cost to run a nonprofit," Ramirez said. "We are an all-volunteer organization, so there are no salaries paid. Most of our funds cover the expenses of our requests for financial assistance, our scar tissue program and other supported programs. There are many great organizations that assist while you're at the beginning of your journey. We are the only organization that assists the survivor."

Looking ahead, Ramirez is optimistic about the continued success of the organization. "We are going into our ninth year and have helped over 150 women with assistance and resources," she said. "This is a much needed and appreciated organization."

To learn more about Ta Ta Rebels, visit https://tatarebels.org, search for the organization on Facebook, email tatarebels247@gmail.com or call 717-368-2586.