For the last 13 Octobers, the annual “Pink Out!” Breast Cancer Awareness event at the WKDZ/WHVO Metroplex has continually grown, and become an all-inclusive conclave where friends, families and businesses come together and shared more than just T-shirts, cupcakes and other promotional items.
It’s become a give-what-you-can fundraiser, and one that over the last five years has benefitted the Pink Ribbon Network.
Friday morning in Cadiz, Edge Media Group President and CEO Beth Mann was ready to reveal just how much was raised and turned over to the non-profit, life-saving organization.
And it came as a surprise.
So, what can $4,000 do for the Pink Ribbon Network? Ann Isom, herself a breast cancer survivor and active member of PRN, noted it can go in so many positive directions.
For years, the ladies of PRN used “Bunco” — a popular family dice game — as a fundraising mechanism.
Kathy Anderson said that because of the growing community support, that’s no longer necessary, and that they’re appreciative and thankful to help struggling women.
Early detection is vital for all forms of cancer, but particularly that of the breast. Most recently, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman brought attention to such, when she announced a successful double mastectomy following a leery diagnosis.
Isom added contour, noting the prognosis is gutting.
Nearly four years ago, Connie Rindfleisch and her husband retired from Wisconsin and moved to Oak Grove — in search of warmer temperatures and an easier drive to Nashville, Tennessee.
She always got her mammogram every year, but the spring after moving here, a self examination led to the discovery of a lump on her right breast — and a number of appointments with an Oak Grove surgeon through Jennie Stuart Health.
A biopsy confirmed fears, and after the lump was removed, she went through 16 treatments of two different types of chemotherapy, as well as radiation.
And it’s here, when she went for her first surgery, that she was introduced to PRN — a gift bag from the organization bringing comforts to her concerns.
Mann, herself a breast cancer survivor, lauded west Kentucky and Tennessee’s facilities — which help keep women closer to homes and support networks necessary to fight the fight.
She also lauded the ladies of PRN.
PRN can be contacted through Facebook, or by email at annisom55@gmail.com.
