Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County (BCSS) is honored to announce we were one of two beneficiaries of the 10-Year Anniversary of Fight B.A.C.K. (Bags Against Cancer Kegger) organized by Michael Benning and family in honor of his late wife, Rachel Benning. BCSS has been a recipient of funds from this event since 2018. To date, the Benning family, along with their friends and neighbors, have raised over $12,000 in support of BCSS.
Rachel Benning passed away on November 23, 2019, at 46 years old. She married Michael on June 23, 2001. Rachel was a 1991 Oley Valley High School graduate and a Kutztown University graduate, where she earned her degree in early elementary childhood education. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her two sons, Mason and Logan. Rachel was a program participant here at Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County from her diagnosis until her passing. The funds raised yearly at the event are shared by two local organizations that were very important to her during her breast cancer journey.
Breast Cancer Support Services of Berks County (BCSS) is a survivor-driven non-profit organization that provides hope, information, and emotional support to every person affected by breast cancer. BCSS offers a variety of peer-to-peer support groups and resources, educational programs and workshops, comfort bags, creative arts, counseling assistance, and an email a survivor and a phone line support system to local survivors. For over 28 years, BCSS has continued to raise 100% of its operating budget annually as all of our services and resources are free to the survivor, their family members, and caregivers.
“Rachel was the sweetest, kindest, most selfless soul anyone could ever meet. Even in her most difficult days in her fight, her focus was on her boys and how others were doing. She was the strongest person that I have ever known. She fought back for 7 long years, and along the way she raised awareness to her family about the genetic disorder that was discovered when she was diagnosed and spent countless hours researching not just for herself, but for her family. She was always about appreciating life, being grateful for everything, and taking care of children, especially her boys. Whenever the boys would get upset or angry about something, she would always just keep saying to them, “Smile” repeatedly until they would break and laugh and smile. This single word has become the motto for me and the boys for our lives and for our event, Fight B.A.C.K. Rachel always chose what to do with the funds that we raised, and we will continue to do this in her memory. Her goal and our goal continues to be to bring as many SMILES as we can to as many people as we can. She is extremely missed every day. Thank you to BCSS for all of your support with our event and for what you do to support each and every one that needs it as they fight back. Smile!”
The event is a great day of smiles and fundraising in honor of those we have lost and those who continue to fight cancer. You can register for the Cornhole Tournament or just come out and enjoy the day. There is plenty of food and drink and chances to win various raffle prizes or the 50/50 drawing. There are various yard games, swimming in the pool, and plenty of time to enjoy each other’s company and share memories. Music is all day, and the Food Trucks donate 100% of their profit. You can come for an hour or spend the entire day. The event continues to sell out, with 64 teams in attendance. Planning is underway for the 11th Annual Fight B.A.C.K. (Bags Against Cancer Kegger) in the summer of 2024.
The team at BCSS would like to thank the individuals who generously supported the event and the family to honor Rachel’s memory. A very special thank you to Michael, Mason, and Logan for continuing to host this event annually, ensuring no one fights alone.
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