‘Paint the Peninsula Pink’ returns to help battle breast cancer
MARQUETTE, Mich. (WLUC) - In Upper Michigan, several nonprofit organizations find ways to help people in the community, like those fighting breast cancer. One community nonprofit organization is launching a campaign to help raise awareness for breast cancer through October.
Superior Health Foundation CEO Megan Murphy says they have been doing this for years. It’s called ‘Paint the Peninsula Pink.’
“We have been painting the peninsula pink since 2014,” Murphy said. “All proceeds from this event this October go towards our breast health fund, which supports individuals who are going through diagnosis, treatment and recovery of breast cancer and other related breast health issues.”
Murphy says in 2023, the fundraiser supported five women with $4,500.
She says last year, the number increased to $40,000, supporting 17 people across the U.P.
Murphy says this fundraiser is something both people and businesses love taking part in.
“We put together a great pink calendar that individuals or organizations can sponsor a day on,” Murphy said. “Sponsorship is $150, a two-day sponsorship is $250. We promote those organizations on our website, through social media and on their website through social media on their selected date.”
The American Cancer Society says this year, there will be 300,000 new cases of breast cancer diagnosed in women and more than 40,000 women will die from breast cancer. Murphy says this is their way of giving back.
“A lot of people have to travel out of state, out of the U.P., to receive treatment,” Murphy said. “Those costs can add up, so this will help cover some of that. Co-pays and deductibles can all be very high, depending on what kind of treatment you’re receiving, so this really does support those individuals financially to help them.”
Murphy says any amount helps.