Let’s continue to shine a light on the impact of breast cancer
I am honored to sit as President of the Board of Directors of SOPF. When a friend told me about SOPF and its mission, I knew immediately I wanted to be a part of it. As Breast Cancer Awareness month concludes, let’s all resolve to continue to shine a light on the physical, emotional, and financial impact of breast cancer.
We’ve all been touched by breast cancer, whether it’s you, a family member, a friend, or colleague. Like most of us, I was aware of the stress of a breast cancer diagnosis and its emotional and physical impact. What I did not fully understand was the financial stress that can result from a diagnosis and continue during treatment and through recovery. Some individuals are fortunate to have the resources to get through it, but many, even those insured, do not. So many individuals lose their jobs because they are unable to work while being treated. Others need to find alternative childcare. With limited resources, hard choices need to be made about where money will be spent. That is where SOPF can help.
And the landscape in which we operate continues to change. The covid pandemic hit the female population particularly hard in terms of lost jobs, income, and insurance coverage. Women delayed getting mammograms. Many put off their annual checkups, screenings, and treatment. As we have heard on public service announcements, including during NFL games, these delays are now resulting in a rise in the diagnoses of later-stage cancers. In this uncertain economic time, financial assistance for breast cancer patients is needed more than ever.
SOPF implemented a new strategic plan in 2021 setting measurable goals of growing awareness of the organization and its mission, serving a larger number of clients, and enhancing our funding through donations and sponsorships. Our new interim director, Kevin Browett and our multiskilled and diverse Board of Directors are moving us forward with a sense of urgency.
As you read this, I hope you will consider contributing to SOPF with your talent or treasure. SOPF’s success is driven by the many people who volunteer to plan and execute events, work on a committee, help with outreach activities, and sit on the Board. We are always looking for volunteers and Board members. If you are interested in joining us, please contact our executive director at executivedirector@shadesofpinkfoundation.org.
We have three terrific annual events on the calendar for 2023: Our signature “Wild Time at the Zoo” Walk on April 29, the Pars Fore Pink Golf Outing (date TBD) and the Nine, Wine and Dine (a really fun golf outing for the ladies) at the Lincoln Hills Golf Course (Birmingham) (date TBD).
Other social, informative, and sponsorship opportunity events are being scheduled, so please check our website (www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org) and Facebook page (@ShadesOfPinkFoundation) frequently.
Our donors and sponsors play a critical role in assuring that we can serve the increasing number of applicants who need our help. We are grateful for their continued support for the past 17 years. Please consider a donation to SOPF by clicking on https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/take-action .
There are many ways you can participate as a sponsor. Check out https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/become-a-sponsor-1 for more information. Hosting a fundraising event on our behalf is another option. Check out our third-party event link at https://www.shadesofpinkfoundation.org/host-an-event-for-sopf. We are happy to answer any questions and assist you.
We genuinely appreciate everyone who has supported us for so many years. Your contributions from our early days helped us build a strong foundation upon which we continue to grow. You have made a difference in the lives of hundreds of our friends, families, and neighbors. We are stronger together.