KDI Cares Foundation, the charitable arm of BTA member KDI Office Technology, is proud to announce Brande Plotnick as this year's inductee into the KDI Fight Club, an honor bestowed annually at the Pink Ball to recognize community members who demonstrate exceptional strength, passion and positivity in the face of adversity. Plotnick's courageous decision to embrace life without breast reconstruction, choosing an aesthetic flat closure after a breast cancer diagnosis, has made her a powerful advocate for women's health and body autonomy.

Plotnick is also an American Cancer Society volunteer and will be one of the national faces of the American Cancer Society's 2024 national breast cancer campaign, launching in October.

Her journey is deeply intertwined with her family's history of breast cancer, a disease that took her grandmother and instilled in Plotnick a lifelong vigilance toward her health. Growing up in the Midwest and now residing in the Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, area, her experience navigating dense breast tissue, advocating for early screening and detecting her own cancer despite a normal mammogram, emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy and early detection.

Plotnick's decision to forgo reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy was influenced by a growing movement of women opting for flat closure. Inspired by stories she found on social media, Plotnick realized that this path was right for her health and aligned with her belief in reclaiming control over her body. Plotnick now advocates for greater awareness of aesthetic flat closure as an empowering option for women facing similar decisions.

"Brande's strength in choosing what was best for her body and future, and her commitment to empowering other women through her advocacy, is exactly what the KDI Fight Club stands for," said Crystal Manning, KDI Cares Foundation board member. "Her story inspires all of us to see beauty not in our outward appearance, but in the strength and resilience we show in the face of challenges."

As an avid CrossFit enthusiast, Plotnick's physical recovery was swift. She returned to the gym just two weeks after surgery, using each workout to celebrate what Plotnick's body was still capable of. Her commitment to fitness and healthy living underscores her broader message of self-care, resilience and empowerment.

Plotnick's induction into the KDI Fight Club comes as the Pink Ball Golf Outing again shines a light on breast cancer's impact, emphasizing education and support. Pink Ball also raises awareness that breast cancer affects men as well — an often-overlooked statistic, as more than 2,500 men in the U.S. receive breast cancer diagnoses each year.

"Through her advocacy, Brande is helping to ensure that every woman knows all her options when facing breast cancer,” said Rick Salcedo, president and CEO, KDI Office Technology and KDI Cares Foundation. "The Foundation is proud to amplify her voice and highlight the importance of self-check breast exams and early detection for both women and men."

Proceeds from the Pink Ball will benefit the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Greater Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, a cause KDI has proudly championed since 2018. As a Flagship Sponsor, KDI has raised significant funds for breast cancer awareness and research, continuing its strong commitment to supporting local communities.

Plotnick's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and her journey redefines beauty in ways that resonate with anyone facing their own battle with breast cancer. As this year's KDI Fighter, her message of empowerment, self-advocacy and health awareness will continue to inspire all who meet her.