A New Year Message from President Mary Pat Meyers

Our mission: To reduce financial stress for those in SE Michigan undergoing breast cancer treatment by providing prompt funding for everyday living expenses. 

January 13, 2023

This new year is full of promise for Shades of Pink Foundation and the clients we serve. Based on initiatives taken in 2021-22, we have experienced continued growth and development.  Funding of client grants in 2022 was up 42% from 2021. The number of clients served increased by 11%.

We reflect on the generosity of our supporters. Our growing base of donors and volunteers gave generously of their time, treasure, and talents. Many corporations and small businesses provided in-kind services and/or sponsored one of our three signature events. Every contribution, no matter the size, improved the lives of those in need in our community.  Thank you!

We have ambitious goals for 2023 to continue to grow exponentially, in order to increase the number of clients served and dollars granted to each. We are expanding our outreach and providing more guidance to local healthcare providers and social workers who identify their patients, our  clients,  in need.  Focus will also be on growing our grant and donor base.

We are off to an amazing start! We are excited to announce that Shades of Pink Foundation has been awarded a $100,000.00  grant from the A.A. Van Elslander Foundation.  Yes, there were tears of joy! We know the tremendous impact this grant will make on helping ease the financial burden of a breast cancer diagnosis for so many. We are also  grateful to the Dr. Kristy KC Foundation, which raised $20,911 for us during November’s Giving Tuesday, and Ooze Foundation which raised $31,778 during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.  Another 15 third-party contributors raised money in October. Thank you!

Every day we are reminded why our mission matters. Recent studies confirm that out-of-pocket expenses for cancer patients are highest for individuals diagnosed with breast cancer. In a collaborative report with the CDC, American Cancer Society, and the National Cancer Institute, out-of-pocket and patient-time costs highlight the immense economic burden of cancer, making it a “public health priority.”  Our own statistics reveal that job loss after a diagnosis is also a significant factor. A cancer survivor recently wrote, “Finding breast cancer funding support is overwhelming. If you can help someone, you will be helping keep them alive.” S. Odgers.

Let’s make it a priority in 2023 to appreciate the needs around us and do our part to help make our families and communities stronger!

I also want to personally thank the SOPF Board of Directors and staff. Our board has grown to thirteen amazingly talented, giving, and kindhearted women and men. Please visit our website (www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org) to learn more about each of them. I impressed by their dedication and am honored to be a part of their lives, this board and this foundation.

Please follow us on our journey in 2023! Messages from our newest board members will be posted over the next few weeks.  Join us for our SOPF A Walk at the Zoo on April 29th, our golf outings in the fall, or our Social Worker Appreciation event later this year.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2023!

Mary Pat Meyers, President and on behalf of the Shades of Pink Foundation