For Rick DeCicco, supporting The Pink Agenda is personal.
His cousin, Samantha Shoobs, was a devoted member of TPA’s Board and a radiant force in the breast cancer advocacy space. She was a mother, a wife, and a beloved friend to many. When she was diagnosed at 30, she didn’t retreat—she stepped up. Samantha joined TPA with purpose and determination, becoming a fierce advocate for the research that could one day change the future for others.
She passed away last May, just shy of her 35th birthday.
“Samantha made a conscious decision to fight back,” Rick shares. “She joined The Pink Agenda and never lost her sense of purpose. I miss her every minute of the day—but continuing her work with TPA helps me feel close to her.”
Rick now serves on The Pink Agenda’s Leadership Council, where he channels his loss into action. Through events like his family’s Comedy Night for Breast Cancer Research, he’s raising critical funds—and creating space for healing through laughter
and connection.
How did you first learn about The Pink Agenda?
I have a very small but close family. Growing up, my two cousins were like sisters. Samantha was one of them.
When she joined TPA as a Board member, I began to see firsthand just how important this organization is—not only for research, but for building community and purpose. I have been a staunch supporter ever since.
What drew you to The Pink Agenda, and what has the experience been like since joining the Leadership Council?
Joining TPA is a way for me to stay connected to Samantha while helping raise moneyand awareness so that no one else has to endure the pain she experienced.
It’s also an incredibly young, energetic, and passionate organization. They really put the FUN in FUNdraising. The level of professionalism and purpose is amazing—and it’s inspiring to see people from every industry come together with a shared goal of ending breast cancer.
This is your second year hosting an incredible comedy night fundraiser. What inspired you to use comedy as the vehicle for this event?
I can’t take all the credit! My Aunt Nancy has been hosting comedy fundraising events since I was a kid—she’s always the MC, and she’s hysterical.
After Samantha’s diagnosis, our family’s focus shifted to supporting breast cancer research. Aunt Nancy and I teamed up to launch Comedy Night for Breast Cancer Research to raise awareness and funds—while also having a few laughs along the way.
Comedy brings people together. It’s a great vehicle to raise awareness and money in a social setting that’s a bit lighter in tone for an otherwise very difficult topic.
What was the planning process like? Any moments or highlights that stood out?
It was incredibly heartwarming to see people come together in support of a common cause. Literally everything was donated—Rodney’s Comedy Club gave us the venue, local restaurants donated food, and all the comedians donated their time.
100% of the event’s proceeds went directly to TPA. We didn’t cut a single check to any vendor. Aunt Nancy deserves huge credit for pounding the pavement on the UES, asking every restaurant and shop to donate to the buffet or live auction. I did the same
on the financial side!
Some stores couldn’t give money but offered auction items instead, which was really meaningful.
And I have to give a huge shoutout to Serra Eken and the TPA team. Serra helped us set up the Classy page—it made everything easier. I’d send her a question at 9 PM and get a reply by 9:05. We’re so lucky to have her.
Any tips for someone thinking about hosting their own fundraiser for TPA?
Ask, ask again … and then ask again.
It can feel uncomfortable to ask for money, even for a great cause. But take two minutes to explain why you’re personally involved and how impactful a donation can be. TPA is a financially efficient nonprofit—90% of funds raised go directly to research. That kind of impact resonates with people.
And don’t forget to ask if their company offers a matching gift program!
What does it mean to you to raise funds for breast cancer research?
It’s unbelievably fulfilling. These funds support research, prevention, early detection, treatment, and care.
Even more meaningful is knowing that TPA is a terrific steward of capital—90% of proceeds fund the best and brightest researchers, in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. These dollars have an exponential impact.
Any future events or initiatives you’re excited about?
Call me biased, but I can’t wait for next year’s Comedy Night for Breast Cancer Research.
I’m also really looking forward to the Annual NYC Gala in October. It’s such a production—and so much fun. Everyone works so hard to make it an incredible night.
Rick’s involvement with The Pink Agenda is about more than fundraising—it’s about community, connection, and carrying on the work Samantha so boldly began. By giving back and gathering in laughter, Rick is helping to ensure her legacy lives on.
Join Rick—And Help Fund the Future
You don’t need to host a comedy night to make an impact. Start a fundraiser, organize a gathering, or share your story. Together, we can laugh, give back, and bring us closer to a world without breast cancer.