For women without adequate health insurance, an abnormal breast screening can bring a frightening question beyond the medical concerns: How will I afford the next step?
A Greater Cleveland Chamber of Commerce initiative is working to make sure cost does not prevent local women from getting the answers they need.
The Chamber’s Power of Pink campaign raises money to help uninsured and underinsured women receive breast-health services they might otherwise delay because of cost. Money raised through the campaign is awarded to the Health Center of Southeast Texas as a grant specifically designated to help those patients.
So far, the campaign has raised $27,000, helping the Health Center provide nearly 60 diagnostic services this year. Organizers are hoping to increase that impact, setting a fundraising goal of $40,000.
For Power of Pink co-chair Camille Landry, the cause is personal. Landry was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 and knows firsthand the fear and uncertainty that can accompany a diagnosis, as well as the financial strain that can come with medical care.
Her experience as a breast cancer survivor eventually became part of her motivation to help other women in the Cleveland area obtain diagnostic care, regardless of whether they have insurance or can afford the next step.
“Power of Pink is personal to me. I know how important early detection and timely diagnostic care can be. No woman in our community should have to put off answers because she is uninsured or cannot afford the next step,” Landry said.
Landry and other committee members are bringing together local businesses, volunteers, sponsors and residents throughout October for a series of fundraisers benefiting the campaign.
Among them is Tacos for Tata’s, held every Thursday in October beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Reyes Mexican Grill. A Wagon Wheel Pink Out Event is planned for noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 10 at Wagon Wheel.
The campaign’s Pink Flamingo Flocking fundraiser gives supporters an opportunity to have a flock of pink flamingos placed at a local business. The flock then moves on to another participating business, spreading a little fun — and breast cancer awareness — around the Cleveland business community.
Raffle ducks also are being sold for $20 each, with the drawing scheduled for Oct. 30.
The month of activities will culminate with the Boob Bash at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 30 at Reyes Mexican Grill. The event will include food, games, raffles and prizes while celebrating breast cancer survivors and the community supporting them.
Proceeds from the various events, sponsorships and donations increase the amount of funding available to the Health Center of Southeast Texas. Because the money remains local and is designated for uninsured and underinsured patients, organizers say contributions to Power of Pink can translate directly into diagnostic services for women who need them.
The campaign also seeks to recognize breast cancer survivors, encourage those currently undergoing treatment, honor those who have died from the disease and acknowledge the families and caregivers who support patients throughout their journeys.
Residents can participate by attending one of the October events, purchasing a raffle duck, sponsoring the campaign, volunteering or arranging for a flock of pink flamingos to visit a local business.
With $27,000 already raised and nearly 60 diagnostic services provided, organizers are hoping the Cleveland community will help Power of Pink reach its $40,000 goal — and, in the process, help more local women get answers when they need them.
For information about events, sponsorships, volunteering or making a donation, follow announcements from the Cleveland Chamber of Commerce and the Power of Pink campaign.