Pink Up: Help, Hope & Healing in the Pine Belt
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hattiesburg Clinic is grateful to continue its long-standing support of the Pink Ribbon Fund, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to Pine Belt residents for the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
Breast cancer is one of the most expensive types of cancer in the U.S, according to a JAMA Network Study. Kaye Ray, administrator of Pink Ribbon Fund, said the burden of these costs was the motivation to launch the Pink Ribbon Fund that has been around since 2003.
“After learning of the expenses related to breast cancer, the founders of the Pink Ribbon Fund formulated a plan [on how to help alleviate the financial burden],” Ray said. “A 501-c3 was accomplished, a board of directors was put together, and the fundraising began.”
All donations to the Pink Ribbon Fund go directly to the patient to assist with hospital and medical visit bills, lab and radiology bills, medication, insurance deductibles, diagnostic mammograms, breast prostheses and/or bras, wigs, hats, scarves, transportation assistance, physical therapy and mentoring, if requested.
When asked about Hattiesburg Clinic’s history with the Pink Ribbon Fund, Ray said the clinic has been a contributor since the non-profit’s inception back in 2003.
“It was natural for Hattiesburg Clinic to be on the ground floor of this wonderful accomplishment,” Ray said. “We are so thankful for the ongoing support of Hattiesburg Clinic, as they not only contribute monetarily, but also help to connect patients to the Pink Ribbon Fund.”
This year, Hattiesburg Clinic is a Diamond Level Presenting Sponsor for the Pink Ribbon Fund, with the help from the following departments:
- Surgery
- Breast Center
- Hematology/Oncology
- Plastic Surgery
To learn more about the Pink Ribbon Fund or to donate, visit thepinkribbonfund.org.