FSM October 2021

FRISCOSTYLE.COM OCTOBER 2021 51

The StormA S H ELT ER F R O M
diagnosis at an early stage of the disease and
Hopeis the spirit and nature of NBCF. covered much of the costs involved with her
- Janelle Hail, founder treatment.

BY AfeMw YyeaKrsRaYgoZ, AJaKnelle Hail got caught in a Dallas rainstorm. From the However, after experiencing breast cancer
as a patient and connecting with others who
shelter of her car, she called her son, whose home was close to her own, were undergoing treatment, Mrs. Hail real-
and asked him whether he thought it was safe for her to drive home. He ized that not all women are as lucky as she
told her not to risk it, that hail was moving in and she’d be safer away was to have the financial piece of a breast di-
agnosis and treatment in place. She says she
from the house. began to “feel the call of God on (her) heart
As Mrs. Hail evaluated her options, she looked up toward the om- to help the poor and needy” as she and her
husband, Neal Hail, “realized (they) needed
inous clouds overhead. And that’s when she saw it: a small patch of to do something to help these women” who
clear, open sky. Mrs. Hail drove toward that patch and followed were struggling with the cost of care.
it all the way home. “It took me longer to get there,” she recalls,
That pull on the Hails’ hearts – paired with
“but it got me home safely.” much research, training and hard work – led
Following the open sky is a theme that has repeated itself the couple to found the National Breast Can-
cer Foundation (NBCF) in 1991, 11 years af-
throughout Mrs. Hail’s life. When dark clouds loom – be they ter Mrs. Hail’s breast cancer diagnosis.
fear, a medical diagnosis or another crisis – Mrs. Hail has
learned to take a step back and look at the bigger picture, Also that year, the Hails moved to the
Dallas area from West Texas to provide their
identify the open sky in the situation and take action in fledgling organization with a solid foundation.
that direction. Mrs. Hail recalls thinking, “If we’re going to
have (NBCF) grow, we’ve got to get to where
In 1980, Mrs. Hail experienced such a storm. At just the action is. We’ve got to get to Dallas,”
34 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. With where the opportunities and resources avail-
three young boys (then ages 3, 10 and 13) at home, an able would allow the organization to have the
largest impact on women nationwide.
extremely challenging aspect of her experience was
managing the fear of the unknown as well as that THE HAILS EVENTUALLY decided
to settle their family in the then-small city
A'of her own mortality. But as she walked through of Frisco, which she describes as “a really
diagnosis and treatment, she recalls that one thing natural and good place to bring up children
she didn’t have to fear was the financial cost of and live in. So, we moved our home here and
her breast cancer treatment. Being blessed with wanted to have our work in the same place.
good health insurance allowed her to receive a We have loved Frisco. It’s an amazing city. …
Our hearts are here in Frisco.”

NBCF truly is a family affair, envisioned
by the Hails on the heels of her breast cancer
diagnosis. During its early days, the couple
and their sons traveled around the United
States, meeting and partnering with hospitals
and corporations to build the organization.

Over the years, several Hail family mem-
bers have been integrally involved in the or-
ganization. Mr. Hail passed away in 2018,
leaving a legacy of vision. Mrs. Hail continues
to serve as NBCF’s CEO while her son Kevin
Hail serves as its president and COO. Before
his passing in 2019, son Brent Hail served as

52 BEST OF BUSINESS

Janelle Hail employs patient navigators to help women
through every step of their journey. They
senior vice president of development. Mrs. Hail says. “With breast cancer, delay- “guide patients through and around barriers
This strong foundation, rooted in family, ing is (the difference between) life and death in the complex cancer-care system to help
is a cornerstone of NBCF’s success. “Every sometimes. … At one point, from March to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment and sup-
storm that comes along in life, we are not June 2020, 90 percent of women didn’t get port,” including patient education, financial
shaken off of that foundation because we are their mammograms.” Now, NBCF “antic- assistance, treatment support and emotional
solid,” Mrs. Hail says, “which is why we’ve ipates a great influx of more breast cancer support. To date, NBCF has provided 1.7
been able to withstand everything that has found at later stages because women couldn’t million patient navigation services to women
come our way.” get in” for screenings due to appointment de- throughout the country.
CELEBRATING ITS 30TH YEAR lays, fears of contracting COVID-19, stresses
of helping women and their caregivers navi- on finances or other circumstances related to LOOKING AROUND NBCF’S NEW
gate breast cancer, NBCF’s mission is to “pro- the pandemic. Frisco headquarters near Gaylord Parkway
vide help and inspire hope to those affected However, Mrs. Hail is hopeful as she ex- and the Dallas North Tollway, where the or-
by breast cancer through early detection, ed- plains that NBCF is well positioned to help ganization relocated earlier this year, there
ucation and support services.” This includes women. “We’re grateful that we grew during is no mistaking its heart and motivation. Its
providing life-saving diagnostic care (includ- (the pandemic) and were able to preserve core values and mission statement are literally
ing mammograms and screenings) to women funds to address needs as they come in.” written on the walls of the office. Everything,
in need, offering in-person and virtual sup- Quickly adjusting to a new set of needs, including the office space, “tells the story of
port groups nationwide, tending to the phys- NBCF has gone beyond providing care for who we are. Our staff sees it all the time and
ical needs of women undergoing treatment breast health and breast cancer. “When they live it,” Mrs. Hail says.
through distribution of its HOPE Kits, pro- we first started dealing with the effects of
viding community outreach and educational COVID, we realized people were having In addition to its 37 staff members, numer-
materials and, above all, supporting women problems in a lot of different areas, not just ous consultants and interns, NBCF also relies
emotionally as they battle for their lives by in- breast cancer,” she says. “So that’s when we on community volunteers to help women na-
stilling a sense of hope in their journey. started the COVID-19 Fund, and we’ve given tionwide. Local volunteers frequently gather
October is Breast Cancer Awareness over $100,000 with that. People were strug- at NBCF headquarters to pack HOPE Kits –
Month, According to NBCF, breast cancer is gling so much with transportation to appoint- containing such comfort items as fuzzy socks,
the most common cancer among American ments, hiring babysitters (to care for children lotion, lip balm and journaling materials
women (outside of skin cancers), and one in during appointments), if they needed a little – that are sent to women undergoing cancer
eight will be diagnosed with the disease in her help with some of their bills, we could step in treatment. Volunteers also pack breast health
lifetime. The organization explains that early a little bit there. We helped 300 patients with kits for community outreach events and write
detection and treatment is key to positive pa- over 1,500 services during that time. It’s a encouragement cards for women fighting
tient outcomes. specialty fund and we’ve been happy to help.” cancer. (Information about NBCF’s volunteer
It also understands that the COVID-19 During its 30-year history, NBCF has pro- opportunities is available at nbcf.org.)
pandemic has made the already challeng- vided more than 305,000 screenings and di-
ing nature of diagnosing and treating breast agnostic breast cancer services to women in Of its support and encouragement endeav-
cancer more complicated. “During ([the pan- need. The screenings are vital to catch breast ors, Mrs. Hail says, “We address the emotions
demic), many appointments were delayed,” cancer in its early stages. In addition, NBCF as well as the physical needs (of women). Emo-
tions are such an important part of every sin-
gle thing we do that we can’t set them aside.
Clinically, the doctors address the medical
(concerns), but they don’t give you advice on
how to live your life. We realize you have to
inspire hope, and that’s part of our mission to
help women now. Even in the worst circum-
stances, there’s hope.”

When dark clouds and storms in life gather,
finding a bit of open sky – and hope – is vital.
“When you have one billowing black cloud
after another, you have to keep looking at the
good and the positive and keep searching for
your goal and your mission. Get your focus
on where you’re going. One way or another
you’re going to get there,” Mrs. Hail says.
“Hope is the spirit and nature of NBCF.”

Amy Kryzak is a wife, mom and blogger who loves
connecting fellow moms, food in all shapes and forms
and loves all things Frisco.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM OCTOBER 2021 53

Apple Spice Cake

PROVIDED BY WHITNEY WILSON OF CARB CRUSH (@CARBCRUSHFRISCO; @CARBCRUSH_WW)
PREP TIME: 25 minutes COOK TIME: 50-55 minutes SERVINGS: 12
Nothing says fall quite like this delicious cake laden with seasonal spices and a crumbly topping.
Gild the lily with a drizzle of creamy custard sauce.

INGREDIENTS

CRUMBLE CAKE OPTIONAL CUSTARD SAUCE
¾ cup flour 1 ¼ lbs (approximately four large) apples, 6 large room-temperature eggs yolks
¼ cup old fashioned oats peeled and thinly sliced (Granny Smith, Hon- 6 Tbsp granulated sugar
6 Tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small eycrisp, Royal Gala or a combination of these 1 ½ cups whole milk
pieces varieties) 1 whole vanilla bean or 1 Tbsp vanilla bean
½ cup light or dark brown sugar 2 Tbsp lemon juice paste
½ cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans ½ cup unsalted room-temperature butter Splash of whiskey or bourbon (optional)
½ cup brown or granulated sugar
2 large, room-temperature eggs
3 Tbsp heavy cream or whole milk
1 ½ cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 whole vanilla bean or 1 Tbsp vanilla bean
paste or 2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp cardamom
Pinch of salt
Powdered sugar for dusting the finished cake

54 BEST OF BUSINESS

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 F. Place a parchment fully incorporating each egg. Add the heavy For the custard sauce, whisk room-tem-
paper round (cut slightly larger than the bot- cream or whole milk until combined. Add the perature egg yolks with sugar until pale in
tom of the pan) into a 9-inch springform pan dry mixture to the wet ingredients on slow color. Bring milk to a simmer in a saucepan
and spray with cooking spray. speed until combined (avoid overmixing). over medium heat, stirring frequently to pre-
vent burning. Drizzle some of the hot milk
For the crumble, place all of the ingredi- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and over the egg mixture while whisking quickly.
ents in a small bowl and combine until crum- arrange apples on top. Spoon the crumble Add the egg and milk mixture to the remain-
bly with a sand-like texture (no flour should mixture evenly over the batter and fruit. Bake ing milk in the saucepan and whisk until the
be visible). Refrigerate. Peel and thinly slice for 50 minutes, checking for brownness of the mixture is thickened and coats the back of a
the apples; toss in lemon juice and set aside. crumble after 35 minutes (cover with foil if spoon. Add the vanilla and optional whiskey
browning too quickly). Cake is done when a or bourbon. Strain the sauce through a fine
For the cake, in a medium bowl combine toothpick inserted into the center comes out mesh sieve to remove any lumps. Refrigerate
the dry ingredients and spices and set aside. with a slight crumble. Allow to cool on a rack until ready to serve.
In a stand mixer or a large bowl using a hand- for 15-20 minutes; remove the springform
held mixer on medium speed, cream togeth- and place cake on a serving plate. Dust with
er the butter and sugar until light and fluffy powdered sugar.
(about two minutes). Add eggs one at a time,

FRISCOSTYLE.COM OCTOBER 2021 55

SMALL BITES

KOLACHE FACTORY
5995 Preston Road, Frisco, TX 75034

214-387-0001 | kolachefactory.com
Offering a variety of warm pastries stuffed with eggs, meats and
fruits in flavors including Chicken Enchilada, Bar-B-Q Brisket, Sau-

sage, Jalapeno and Cheese, Cherry and Apple.

7 LEAVES CAFÉ
9292 Warren Parkway, Frisco, TX 75035

469-200-5614 | 7leavescafe.com
Colorful macaron cookies – in flavors including Rose Water, Sea
Salt Caramel and Earl Gray – complement Asian-inspired teas and
coffees including Taro Milk Tea, Sea Cream Black Coffee and Mung

Bean Milk Tea.

GREAT HARVEST BREAD CO.
6363 Dallas Parkway, Suite 211 Frisco, TX 75034

972-987-5067 | frisco.greatharvestbread.com
Sandwiches are served on slices of freshly baked bread including
Honey Whole Wheat, Cranberry Orange and Cheddar Garlic. Muf-

fins, rolls, and cookies are also available.

56 BEST OF BUSINESS

FRISCOSTYLE.COM OCTOBER 2021 57

9/11 REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY
FREEDOM MEADOW
AT WARREN SPORTS COMPLEX

ONE DAY IN FRISCO | BY CHRIS FRITCHIE

DID YOU KNOW?

LEADERSHIP FRISCO CLASS STUDENT PUBLISHES ENROLLMENT CONTINUES
MEMBERS ANNOUNCED MATH BOOK TO INCREASE
The Frisco Chamber of Commerce recently Shreya Bhandari, a senior at Frisco’s Inde- Frisco ISD reports that enrollment at schools
announced the names of two dozen people pendence High School, recently published throughout the district increased by more
selected to participate in its Leadership Fris- Addition Workbook For Kids, a children’s math than 2,400 students over the past year, in-
co Class XXV. The nine-month community book, which is available through Amazon cluding a jump of 1,365 students since the
leadership program, which kicked off Sept. and Barnes and Noble. The book was born last day of the 2020-21 school year in May.
10, intends to develop a pool of individuals in- out of the teen’s passion for making education The increase brings total enrollment in Frisco
terested in expanding their leadership skills, accessible to impoverished students. Shreya ISD above 65,600 students as of last month,
deepening their sense of civic responsibility also purchased 100 copies of her book, using including the more than 8,300 students en-
and becoming more involved in the Frisco funds she earned working as a tutor, and do- rolled in the district’s online learning pro-
community. Each year, class members work nated them to the Ronald McDonald House gram. Meanwhile, Frisco ISD is preparing
together on a project that benefits the city. Charites, Children’s Advocacy Center of Col- to introduce proposed attendance zones for
Class members for the 2021-2022 program lin County and Kairos International organi- Panther Creek High School, as well as the
year are Torei Crain, Sangita Datta, Nicole zations. She is also the founder and president new Minett Elementary, at the school board
Denson, Josh Dill, Daniel Ford, Ryan Geb- of the community organization called Future meeting scheduled Oct. 12. The campuses,
hart, Amanda Hall, Kathryn Hardaway, Ja- Problem Solving Frisco, which focuses on which are currently under construction, are
mie Heit, Sarah Jacob, Monica Johnson, Jen- generating and implementing solutions to is- set to open in fall 2022.
nifer Luney, Ruan Meintjes, Nikki Mouton, sues that may arise in the future. LOCAL AUTHOR PENS NOVEL
Nicol Naaman, Alex Nestor, Laura Rummel. GOLF TOURNEYS SCHEDULED Frisco resident and author Lane P. Jordan
Ashley Saenz, Travis Simons, Kimberly The Frisco Chamber of Commerce will recently released a historical-romance novel
Smith, Scott Snellings, Jenn Van Dahm, Lori host its 5-Star Golf Tournament Oct. 18 at titled Evangeline. Set during civil rights move-
Wiltz and Lauren Wood. Stonebriar Country Club in Frisco. Events ment of the 1960s, its story was taken from
GALA GOES VIRTUAL will include longest drive and closest to the that of the biblical story of Esther and fol-
The 18th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin pin challenges. A light breakfast and lunch lows a young, bi-racial, Jewish orphan who
County’s Gala, Somewhere Over The Rainbow, will be served. Additional details, includ- is taught not to reveal her roots. Ms. Jordan
will be held virtually at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 16. ing registration information, is available a is also an international motivational and in-
The event, which was previously scheduled at friscochamber.com/golf-tournament. spirational speaker, professional life coach,
Frisco Embassy Suites, was moved online for The Families of World War II Veterans or- seminar leader and Bible teacher. The novel
safety reasons due to the pandemic. Addition- ganization has its golf tournament scheduled is available through Amazon.
al information is available at bgccc.org. Oct. 25 at Trinity Forest Golf Club in Dallas.
As part of a raffle to be held during the event,
one winner will be awarded a trip to England.
Information about the tournament is avail-
able at familiesww2veterans.org/events/2021.

60 BEST OF BUSINESS

DID YOU KNOW?

PET OF THE MONTH

PERFORMERS LAUDED STUDENTS, STAFF GET ACCESS CALLIE
AT STATE Frisco ISD has partnered with direct health- Meet Callie! Count on this sweet girl
Several Frisco ISD high school students were care company Nomi Health to offer its stu- to purr anytime she receives attention.
recently selected as Outstanding Performers dents and staff access to free PCR and anti- Although she gets along well with other
in the Texas State Solo & Ensemble Competi- gen testing. A Nomi Health COVID-19 rapid non-threatening cats, she is not able to
tion. More than 25,000 students participated testing drive-thru site is located at the north- be around dogs. This pretty kitty would
in TSSEC this past year, with an estimated west corner of Technology Drive and World likely thrive in a home with adults and
250 selected as Outstanding Performer in Cup Way in Frisco. It offers a priority access older children who can remain patient
the State of Texas. Those receiving the rec- line for district staff and students where tests with her, especially as she adjusts to new
ognition were Frisco’s James Li (cello); Cen- via nasal swabs are performed. PCR results surroundings. If you think Callie would
tennial’s Allison Qiu (harp); Independence’s should be returned in 24-48 hours and anti- be a good fit for your family, complete an
Danielle Yoon (cello); Lebanon Trail’s Wi- gen results within about an hour. The priority adoption application on Frisco Humane
ley Liou (viola), Willa Liou (viola) and Yura access lane is open from 6:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Ahn (harp); Liberty’s Nailah Donatto (vocal), daily. Schedule updates and other informa- Society’s website.
Megan Guidry (vocal) and Giselle Menezes tion is available at nomihealth.com. For additional information about this ani-
(harp); Lone Star’s Harvest Aquino (key- GRANT TO FUND TRAINING mal, as well as the adoption process and fees,
board); Memorial’s Amelia Zhang (vocal); The Texas Veterans Commission has award-
and Reedy’s Manyaa Bhatia (piano). ed the nonprofit NPower Texas – a leading visit friscohumanesociety.com.
COLE JOINS PCA STAFF nonprofit for equity in tech that serves veter-
Dr. Shannon Cole, formerly the director of ans, military spouses and reservists through
special education (instruction) for Irving ISD, free training programs – a $300,000 grant
will begin in January as curriculum director to help vets and their spouses launch careers
of Prestonwood Christian Academy in Plano. in technology. The funding will provide free
She earned a master’s degree in educational tech training to more than 200 people in 16
leadership from Grand Canyon University Texas counties across Texas. NPower serves
and completed her doctorate in K-12 educa- trainees from Denton and Collin counties,
tional leadership at Dallas Baptist University. among others. Trainees will receive 16 weeks
During her career, Dr. Cole has worked at the of intensive tech training through an instruc-
elementary, collegiate and district levels in tor-led virtual learning platform covering IT
various capacities, serving as assistant prin- fundamentals, followed by a paid internship
cipal and principal at Irving ISD’s Farine El- or project-based learning experience. To ap-
ementary, principal at Grapevine Colleyville ply to receive the training, visit npower.org/
ISD’s Silver Lake Elementary and an adjunct locations/texas.
professor at Dallas Baptist University and
Grand Canyon University.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM OCTOBER 2021 61