Remember Common Thread for the Cure This Giving Tuesday

November 18, 2025  by Karen Parrish in Business Strategy, Designer Weekly, Industry   

The grants offer relief in areas where insurance does not apply. For example, a grant can be used to meet financial obligations, household needs, and transportation to medical appointments. The intent is to enhance the quality of life for those who have breast cancer, enabling them to maintain as normal a lifestyle as possible while they are confronting the disease. One grant beneficiary shared, “Even with employer-provided health insurance, there is a huge financial burden that people don’t realize. Your generosity has helped me to lessen that – and for that I cannot thank you enough.” To that, another added, “Thank you does not even describe the overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief this grant has brought me and my family. Because of you, I have the peace of mind to focus on getting well.”

 

The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. It was established in 2000 by the late Suzann Burkhead-Bray and her brother, Scott Burkhead, in honor of their younger sister, Sandra Burkhead Campbell, who died from breast cancer. After witnessing firsthand how devastating this disease can be — both for the individual fighting it and for the entire family — Bray focused her passion on helping others, and the concept of The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation was born. In recent years, the organization has seen a dramatic increase in grant applications from women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, many of whom are young mothers. The Foundation has given more than $2 million in grants to deserving recipients in the design and furnishings industry in 41 states, Canada, and Mexico.

 

You can also help The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation in the following ways:

• If you know someone affiliated with the design and furnishings industry who is currently battling breast cancer, please tell them about The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation and the grants.
• Make a monetary donation on Giving Tuesday or any other time in any amount to The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation.
• As a company or as an individual, donate funds for a grant.
• Specify or purchase sponsors' designated products that benefit the foundation.
• Ask the company where you work to support The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation through financial contributions, sponsorship, or a fundraising event.
• Attend, sponsor, or volunteer at one or more of the industry fundraising events held throughout the United States.
• Spread awareness of The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation to friends, co-workers, and companies within the design and furnishings industry.

Please visit The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation to learn more and donate to this meaningful program on Giving Tuesday.