Our Inspiration
In 1989, Joyce Wetter lost her battle with breast cancer at just 49. Despite months of treatment, surgeries, and determination, she succumbed to this devastating disease. Witnessing her struggle and eventual passing profoundly impacted us. Her strength and the financial challenges she faced during her illness were life-changing experiences. This led us to our mission of helping others facing similar battles.
In 2009, our sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. As a single woman with a new job, she couldn't work due to the side effects of treatment and soon lost her insurance. Though there was hope for her recovery, the financial burden seemed insurmountable. Within weeks, our office assistant was also diagnosed. That’s when Help The Fight was born.
We started with a simple bake sale—an inclusive way for people from all walks of life to contribute to a meaningful cause. Lancaster County, home to many talented bakers, generously supported our first fundraiser. That bake sale continues to be a staple of our annual efforts.
Our Mission
Help The Fight is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. We provide gap funding to help with household bills, medical expenses, daycare, insurance payments, and more. Additionally, we assist with funding for early detection screenings, as early detection is critical to survival.
Funding Process
Once your funding form is received, you will be contacted by phone, and funds are typically disbursed within two weeks. For more information, contact Susie at (717) 455-7095 or visit our Care & Support Page.
Our Achievements
Raised almost $2 Million supporting local breast cancer patients and prevention screenings since 2009.
Patients and prevention screenings since 2009.
501(c)(3) certified non-profit organization.
Volunteer-driven, with funds going directly to helping patients.
Recognized locally and regionally for our impact.
Meet the Founders
Lynda A. Charles
-
Lynda is the heart behind Help the Fight, which she co-founded in 2009 to provide critical support to those facing breast cancer. With over 35 years as a Realtor in Lancaster County, she brings deep community roots and a passion for making a difference. Lynda leads with compassion and vision, always driven by her commitment to serve others. Outside of her work, she enjoys life on her farm, surrounded by the animals she loves.
Favorite Quote: “You don’t have to know it all—you just have to know where to go and find it.”
David L. Charles
-
David brings over 40 years of leadership and business development experience, beginning his real estate career in 1984 and launching his own brokerage in 1989. A successful entrepreneur, he has led numerous ventures and real estate projects across residential and commercial sectors.
As a cofounder of Help the Fight, David’s drive is rooted in personal experiences with breast cancer among family and friends. Known for turning vision into action, he leads with purpose, passion, and a no-nonsense approach. An avid outdoorsman, David is guided by his grandfather’s advice: “Many hands make light work.”
Meet the Board
Lynda A. Charles
Board Member President
David L. Charles
Board Member Director of Operations
Michael Black
-
With 30 years in marketing, sales, and management, Michael helps streamline operations and plan impactful events for Help the Fight since its start in 2009. Inspired by his community-minded parents, he is motivated to make a difference and inspire his family. Outside work, he enjoys martial arts, hunting, travel, and cooking.
Favorite quote: “You got to get it started if you want to get it done.” – Aaron Tippin
Rebecca L. Yoder
-
Rebecca has been involved in her family’s trucking business since childhood and holds a Notary license. Her connection to Help the Fight began in 2011 after her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. She and her husband created breast cancer awareness trucks and host an annual benefit truck show. Rebecca joined the board to deepen their impact and inspire their community.
Favorite quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi
Shawn D. Kane
-
Shawn is an IT industry veteran and founder of a consulting firm serving clients nationwide. After supporting loved ones with cancer, he began volunteering with Help the Fight in 2017 and joined the board in 2019. He now guides the organization’s technology strategy as a Fractional CIO.
Favorite quotes:
“Find an answer. If you don’t like it, get a better answer. If still unsatisfied, create your own solution.”
“Never Give Up…” — Darryl L. Kane
Susan Shaub
-
With over 40 years in finance and HR, Susan leads with compassion as Director of Human Resources at Thomas E. Strauss, Inc. Motivated by personal loss and inspired by a family friend’s strength during breast cancer, she dedicates herself to supporting others through Help the Fight. Susan enjoys painting and family time.
Favorite quote: “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller
Claire Chivington
-
Claire Chivington is a full-time real estate agent and team leader at Realty One Group Unlimited, also serving as a licensed home staging consultant. Currently, she holds the role of Board Member and Secretary at Northstar Initiative since 2020. Claire has been a dedicated contributor to Help the Fight since 2021, driven by her personal experience as a breast cancer survivor.
Passionate about the cause and mission of Help the Fight, Claire aims to make a lasting impact and advocate for those facing breast cancer. Her goal is to ensure Help the Fight remains a sustainable organization, creating a positive ripple effect in the community.
Beyond her professional commitments, Claire enjoys singing professionally, has a deep love for theater, and serves as a worship leader. Her guiding philosophy is encapsulated in her favorite quote: "Your reaction to the situation determines the outcome."
Ashley Zell
Meet the Team
Teresa Richardson
-
Teresa joined Help the Fight in November 2024, bringing over 30 years of experience in restaurant management, operations, and marketing. Her passion for community and connection aligns perfectly with the organization’s mission.
Driven by a desire to make a difference, she found purpose in supporting those battling breast cancer and is dedicated to growing Help the Fight alongside a passionate team.
Outside of work, Teresa enjoys life with her husband, three children, two stepdaughters, and their dog Cooper. She also loves sending handwritten notes to brighten others’ days.
Favorite quote:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou
Bonnie Mann
-
Bonnie has been involved with Help the Fight since its beginning and now serves as Treasurer. A breast cancer survivor and beneficiary of the organization’s first fundraiser, she was inspired to give back and help others facing similar challenges. With over 20 years in the real estate profession and a background in business, Bonnie brings valuable experience to her role.
She enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time near the water, and keeping up with their three sons and five grandchildren.
Favorite quote: "Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others."
Susie Dailey
-
For over a decade, I’ve supported patients, families, and providers at Help the Fight. I’m passionate about offering compassion, building trusted relationships, and reminding patients it’s okay to ask for help. I also recruit and support our incredible volunteers who are the heart of our mission.
I’m a wife, mom of two grown sons, and proud grandma. I hold a second-degree black belt in Tang Soo Do and believe in leading with kindness.
Favorite quote: "In a world where you can be anything, be kind."
-
Ashley brings over 20 years of experience in design and marketing, along with event planning, coordinating, and fundraising for local non-profits.
Inspired by the impact breast cancer has had on family and friends, Ashley is passionate about supporting women and their families through their battles. She hopes to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those Help the Fight serves.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her husband and three children, playing card games, hiking, exploring, and watching movies. A true animal lover, her household includes three dogs, two cats, two rabbits, and a goldfish.
Her favorite quote is, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less.” – C.S. Lewis
We are proud partners with Community Aid – Neighbors Helping Neighbors! Your unwanted items can make a difference. When you drop off donations at any of Community Aid’s 7 locations, 13 cents per pound will be donated to Help the Fight to financially support those battling breast cancer. Partner # 50314