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Fight Club Wall of honor
Brande Plotnick - 2024 Fight Club Honoree
A mother, advocate, and CrossFit enthusiast, Brande was diagnosed with breast cancer despite a normal mammogram. Choosing to forgo reconstruction after a double mastectomy, she embraced aesthetic flat closure, empowering women to take control of their health and bodies. Now, Brande uses her journey to raise awareness and promote early detection. Her story is a testament to the power of self-advocacy and resilience.
Juan Namnun - 2023 Fight Club Honoree
A devoted husband, father, and baseball coach, Juan was diagnosed with male breast cancer at 46. His journey inspired many and raised awareness about this rare condition. He returned to coaching after treatment and became an advocate for male breast cancer. Juan's story highlights the importance of awareness for prevention and survival.
Veronica Kraft - 2022 Fight Club Honoree
Veronica shared her breast cancer survivor story, highlighting the shock of her diagnosis despite no family history. She emphasized gratitude for her support system and medical team. Celebrating ten years cancer-free and the birth of her granddaughter, Edie Margot, Veronica’s journey is a testament to resilience.
2024 Fight CLUB HONOREE
Brande Plotnick
Brande Plotnick, a passionate advocate for women’s health and body autonomy, was diagnosed with breast cancer despite receiving a normal mammogram. As a mother and CrossFit enthusiast, Brande’s decision to choose an aesthetic flat closure after her double mastectomy empowered her to become a voice for a growing movement of women opting for this path.
Her choice, inspired by personal stories shared on social media, reflects a growing awareness of the importance of body autonomy. Brande’s journey is also deeply personal, as her family has faced breast cancer for generations. Her experience navigating her diagnosis has driven her to raise awareness about early detection and self-advocacy, emphasizing that women should be informed about all their options.
In addition to being a proud volunteer for the American Cancer Society, Brande will be featured as one of the faces of their 2024 national breast cancer campaign. Her strength and resilience have inspired many, and the KDI Cares Foundation is proud to honor her as the 2024 KDI Fight Club inductee.
Through her advocacy, Brande continues to champion women’s health and body empowerment, serving as an inspiration to all.
Brande’s story exemplifies the power of choice and courage in the face of adversity. Congratulations again from the entire team at KDI Cares and KDI Office Technology.
[Read Brande’s complete story here.]
2023 Fight CLUB HONOREE
Juan Namnun
Juan Namnun, a devoted husband, father, teacher, and baseball coach, had his life take an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with male breast cancer at 46. As a dedicated educator and coach, Juan's journey from diagnosis to recovery became a source of inspiration and advocacy.
Juan had spent over 20 years shaping young minds and coaching baseball locally at Frankford High School, sharing his life with his high school sweetheart, Lena, and raising three remarkable boys.
The turning point came when Juan discovered a lump in his chest while relaxing by the pool. Prompted by Lena's intuition, they sought immediate medical advice. The diagnosis was startling: Juan was part of the rare 1% of men with breast cancer. This ironic twist placed him in a unique position to raise awareness about the disease.
Their journey involved extensive research as they navigated the challenges of male breast cancer, uncovering the scarcity of information available. Juan became a beacon of knowledge for others on this unfamiliar path.
The seriousness of the situation became clear during a double mastectomy when a second tumor was found. Fortunately, timing had been on Juan's side.
Just before Christmas, Juan received the gift of remission from his oncologist. He eagerly returned to coaching baseball, supported by his team's unwavering encouragement. His remarkable journey gained national attention, and Juan became an advocate for male breast cancer awareness.
Juan's story serves as a powerful reminder: breast cancer knows no gender, and awareness is crucial for prevention and survival.
Congratulations again, Juan, on being this year's recipient! [Read Juan's complete story here.]
2022 Fight CLUB HONOREE
Veronica Kraft
Veronica shared her experience as a breast cancer survivor with KDI Cares. Board member Crystal Manning conveyed those words at the 2022 Pink Ball dinner prior to announcing her as the 2022 Honoree:
"Feeling a lump, which I first thought I could put off until I was “less busy” led to a whirlwind of tests, imaging and biopsies. Waiting on the test results, hearing “you have cancer” definitely floored me. I am youngest of nine, 6 sisters, my mother 88, my grandmothers living to 89 & 92 how could it be that I have breast cancer with no family history?? I learned it can happen to anyone.
When life throws you a curveball, you have to hit it out of the park. There was no way to know the outcome when this journey started. Fear of the unknown was there & still rears its ugly head sometimes, but I am grateful. Grateful the people that were/are there for me. Grateful for my doctors/team. Grateful for the American Cancer Society but most of all grateful to be celebrating 10 years cancer free this November and being here to meet my beautiful granddaughter, Edie Margot. I know not everyone’s path leads where mine did."
Congratulations again on being this year's recipient and on your 10 year milestone, Veronica! You are a true warrior and an inspiration. We are honored to have you as our first inductee.
