In the U.S., 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, along with 2700 men each year; those are just statistics until you or someone you love is that “one.” For the women and men who hear, “You have breast cancer,” the journey to overcoming this disease is a full-time job and requires physical and emotional support. While you are going through this challenging time, the road to recovery can sometimes become difficult, due to healthcare costs and financial realities. Pretty In Pink Foundation, PIPF, is a North Carolina-based 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that provides uninsured and under-insured breast cancer patients in North Carolina with financial assistance for quality, life-saving, medical treatment. Founded in 2004 by Lisa A. Tolnitch M.D., F.A.C.S, Pretty In Pink Foundation is committed to providing grants to breast cancer patients to help pay for critical treatment. PIPF grants help with surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation, insurance co-pays, deductibles, and premiums, as well as COBRA.
There are many great organizations involved in the research of breast cancer, but what makes Pretty In Pink Foundation unique is that all monies raised stay in North Carolina to fulfill the organization’s mission, and all grants are paid directly to the medical providers. PIPF is the only charity in North Carolina that is focused specifically on providing service after breast cancer diagnosis for medical treatment for the financially disadvantaged. Since serving its first patient in 2006, PIPF has supported over 2000 breast cancer patients in the state.
Sayla Nedell recently joined PIPF as Business Development Manager to establish a presence in Northwest NC for the organization.
“Our founder, Dr. Lisa Tolnitch, is a surgical oncologist in Raleigh, NC, and in her practice, she saw that patients weren’t completing their treatment plans after surgery because they couldn’t pay for their chemotherapy or radiation; because of this, Dr. Tolnitch founded the organization. Pretty In Pink Foundation’s vision is to ensure that all breast cancer patients in North Carolina receive medical treatment regardless of their ability to pay. 85% of our funds go to patient care and we are wise stewards of every penny we receive. Our patient coordinator works first to get medical bills reduced and then we pay the providers, taking the worry of dealing with money and bills out of the patient’s hands. Our medical financial assistance covers surgery, chemo, radiation, office co-pays, co-insurance, insurance premiums and deductibles and COBRA premiums,” said Sayla. The work of PIPF is only possible through the donations of individuals and businesses across the state.
“None of what we do would be possible without the ongoing support of our donors. A monthly donation of $25 per month covers the cost of filling and mailing a Comfort Care Bag; $50 per month covers a co-pay for a Champion; and $100 per month covers a chemo treatment. On average, most breast cancer patients require 30 rounds of chemo. We make a measurable impact, and 90% of our Champions can become survivors with early detection and timely medical treatment. All donations stay in North Carolina to treat those in our communities who are in need. The average grant to a Champion is $2500-$3500. We receive no state or federal funding, so recurring donations are critical to what we are doing,” Sayla commented. Pretty In Pink Foundation also has a program, Beyond the Ribbon (™), which provides resources, bras, prosthetics, wigs, and Comfort Care Bags at no cost to any North Carolina breast cancer patient.
Pretty In Pink Foundation hopes to raise awareness of not only the costs of cancer treatments and the financial toll it can take on a person or family, but also their organization through their upcoming fundraisers.
“The First Annual Drink for Pink at Three Bulls American Steakhouse, located in Clemmons, NC, will be on Tuesday, October 29th, 2019, from 5:30 pm-9:30 pm, featuring Whisky Mic. A new drink, The Pink Lady, will be debuted with a portion of the proceeds from the purchase of the drink for the month of November going to PIPF. The month of October, we are participating in the First Annual Charity of Choice at The Wine Market, in Winston-Salem, NC, and then on November 2nd, 2019, at The Village Tap House, in Clemmons, NC, we’ll have our Taps and Ta Tas with The Exit 180 Band. That evening, from 5:30-8:30 pm, we’ll have $10 plated pasta dinners, provided by Cannizzaro Familia, LLC, out of Charlotte, NC, with music by DJ Bald-E followed by Exit 180 Band, playing 9:30 pm-1:30 am. Local vendors will also be a part of this event. All the proceeds from this event will go to Pretty in Pink Foundation,” stated Sayla.
For the women and men in North Carolina who are diagnosed with breast cancer, being able to focus on getting through their battle and becoming a survivor is so important. Taking some of the burden and worry of how to pay for treatments and expenses associated with breast cancer is where Pretty In Pink Foundation comes in and makes the journey a bit less stressful.
For more information on Pretty In Pink Foundation, how to donate, or upcoming events, visit www.prettyinpinkfoundation.org or contact Sayla Nedell at snedell@prettyinpinkfoundation.org. For information on vendor booth rentals for Taps and Ta Tas, contact Paparazzi Hair Salon at 336-893-7169. Go to Facebook and “like”
Pretty In Pink Foundation to follow them.
