In our 13th year of raising funds for life-saving mammograms, Celebrate the Tatas is proud to showcase the stories that inspire our mission. We honor those who have fought breast cancer - and those who have stood beside them: Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, best friends, and caregivers who have walked this journey together. This year we invite you to share your story. Tell us about your loved one. Celebrate their strength. Help us raise critical funds to ensure that more women have access to the mammograms that could save their lives. Together, let's turn our stories into action - and hope! Please give generously.
In Memory of Sandra Goldman
By: Talia Goldman
When we first met 16 years ago, I had no idea I was meeting someone who would become such an unforgettable part of my life. Sandra was a true partner in fundraising, in purpose, in laughter, and in making a difference wherever she went.
From the countless hours spent planning and creating Celebrate the Tatas painting days, to radio interviews, to unforgettable moments at the Ritz, to adventures in New Orleans and Vegas—every step of the journey was brighter because of her. Together, we sent supplies to Israel, cheered on race cars, and worked tirelessly to raise funds for wigs, breast cancer research, and mammograms for uninsured women. She was also a fierce advocate for patients and their families, always showing up with compassion, strength, and an unwavering commitment to helping others through life’s most difficult moments. Sandra was also a passionate proponent of early detection, always encouraging women to get their mammograms and take charge of their health. But what stands out most isn’t just what she did—it’s how she did it. Sandra brought an energy that was contagious, a smile that could light up any room, and a heart that never stopped giving—even while facing her own battle with breast cancer This past year, Sandra passed away, leaving a profound void in my life and in the lives of so many who loved her. Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every woman she helped, and every moment of joy she created. Her spirit will always be present in every cause she believed in and in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Raising funds for mammograms at Celebrate the Tatas will continue to be a meaningful part of her legacy—helping ensure that more women have access to the care she so deeply believed in. In her memory, please consider making a gift to continue the work she cared so deeply about.
Honoring Catherine Barall
At just 35 years old, Catherine Barall's life changed in an instant. Originally from upstate New York, Catherine grew up in Columbia, Maryland, before attending the University of South Carolina, where she graduated in 2012 with a degree in Business. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Charlotte to begin her career at Bank of America, where she is proudly celebrating 15 years with the company. Catherine embodies everything that makes Charlotte such a special place to call home. She loves spending time with friends in her neighborhood, playing tennis, taking F45 classes, enjoying iced lattes, walking around the city, relaxing by the pool, visiting the beach, and discovering new restaurants. She is also looking forward to marrying her fiancé, Jason, next year in beautiful Pawleys Island. Catherine never imagined that breast cancer would become part of her story. When one of her closest friends was diagnosed with breast cancer, she decided it was a good reminder to schedule a mammogram herself. She never expected that decision would save her own life. To her complete shock, her mammogram revealed breast cancer. Since then, Catherine has faced surgery, chemotherapy, and is currently undergoing radiation treatment. Through every challenge, she has remained remarkably positive, courageous, and determined. Celebrate the Tatas is proud to honor Catherine—not only for her incredible strength, but also because her story reminds us of something we can never say enough: breast cancer does not only affect older women. It can happen to women in their 30s, and early detection truly saves lives. Because Catherine chose to get screened, her cancer was found when it could be treated. Her experience is a powerful reminder that listening to your body, advocating for your health, and getting recommended screenings can make all the difference. Catherine, your resilience, optimism, and grace inspire all of us. Thank you for allowing us to share your journey and for reminding every woman here that hope is stronger than fear.
In honor of Catherine and every woman facing breast cancer, please consider making a donation today. Your generosity will help provide lifesaving mammograms for uninsured women in our Charlotte community—because one screening can truly save a life.
Honoring Dr. Amy Sobel, MD
Dr. Amy Sobel is Division Head of the Breast Imaging Section at Charlotte Radiology which partners with Levine Cancer Atrium to provide comprehensive breast care to the greater Charlotte region. She has been with Charlotte Radiology for the past 26 years since completing her residency and fellowship training at the University of Virginia and has been section chief for the past 7 years. Dr. Sobel and her colleagues at Levine Cancer Atrium have built a robust multi-disciplinary breast program that is patient centered and community focused, providing breast cancer screening and diagnostic services to over 200,000 women a year in our community. Amy recently completed a masters in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill. She is working to translate her 30 plus years of healthcare delivery experience into meaningful action for a healthier Charlotte population. Her interests focus on addressing disparities in the cancer diagnostic and treatment space so that all people are afforded the same opportunity to access care and live a healthy and productive life. Amy and her husband Barry, an Ob-Gyn, have been part of the Charlotte community for 26 years, where they raised their three boys, Jack, Alex and Brian.
Honoring Dr. Matt Locker, MD
I am humbled and extremely grateful to serve in two extraordinary roles in my life, as radiologist by day and as dad at night - hopeful a third role as golfer may one day materialize. My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was early in my radiology residency, a tiny area uncovered by an unknown radiologist, working out of a dark room , inspecting every corner of every image, to take care of her, and they did! Now 20 years cancer free, I aspire to be like that unknown Radiologist, who I try to remember every day I open a case of someone else’s mom, wife, daughter and grandmother. Mammograms after life’s trajectory, not only for our loved ones but in many ways, our own. We are all in this together!
