Annual Pink Out Picnic to honor cancer survivors and fighters
It is estimated that 281,550 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States this year, as well as 49,290 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports. Also, an estimated 2,650 men will be diagnosed and about 530 will die.
On Oct. 28, Let’s Pink Out will host the 10th annual Pink Out Picnic to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, fighters and caregivers and raise funds to help members in the community with their cancer needs. It will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Sanibel Fire Station 171, at 2351 Palm Ridge Road.
“One hundred percent of the money we raise goes to Sanibel and Captiva residents and employees to provide mammograms and to help with their cancer-related needs,” Ann Neubauer, board president for the non-profit San Cap Pink Project — the group best known on the islands as Let’s Pink Out — said.
Every year, proceeds from the fundraiser help to ensure early detection through mammograms and provide funding for cancer-related medical treatment, transportation to appointments and more.
Neubauer noted that one goal is to provide every woman a yearly mammogram who needs one.
“Yearly mammograms are absolutely key to early detection and survivorship,” she said.
The event initially stemmed from then-Sanibel Fire Chief Dan Duncan asking about how to get Radiology Regional Center’s Mobile Mammo coach at the station and raising awareness for the cause. Organizers explained that it kind of unfolded from there and the event has been held ever since.
“It was the community coming together and saying, ‘We have this need, and what can we do to meet this need in the community,'” Neubauer said.
In light of the ongoing pandemic, there will be a sit-down and a drive-thru option to participate.
“We’ll have the drive-thru option, which is especially great for anybody who is on their lunch break or does not want to mingle. They can come through the drive-thru and they will get their lunch,” she said. “There will also be an opportunity for people to come in and mingle and sit down, if they would like.”
Cips Place will provide the lunch; the choices are a chicken or tuna wrap.
“Sanibel’s Best Homemade Ice Cream will provide their custom-made flavor, Boobalicios,” Neubauer said, adding that it will be available in-store all month, with the proceeds to benefit Let’s Pink Out.
The lunch is free for cancer survivors; family, friends and supporters are by donation.
Attendees can also pick up an event T-shirt, plus raffle tickets for a chance at winning a prize.
“There’s going to be things such as restaurant gift cards, island excursions, gift baskets filled with wonderful goodies,” she said. “Participation in the raffle tickets and shirts is all by donation.”
Residents and visitors are encouraged to reserve their lunch and take part.
“I’m a recent breast cancer survivor. Their donation, no matter how big or small, makes a real impact in the lives of people who have been touched by cancer,” Neubauer said. “This helps with all the little things, when there’s a gap between real life and what insurance covers. Any donation at all really helps people be able to focus on treatment and getting well, and not have to be worried about being able to afford a mammogram or something that they need.”
“A strong supportive community is what helps people become survivors,” she added. “It’s what helps them keep a positive attitude about a wonderful life on the other side of treatment.”
To reserve a lunch, visit pinkoutpicnic.com or email pinkoutsanibel@gmail.com. People can also contact Mary Bondurant at 239-314-9026. When registering, provide a lunch meal selection.
For those who cannot or do not want to participate, they can still help out.
“They are still able to support our cause by providing a donation,” Neubauer said.
For more information, visit pinkoutpicnic.com or contact pinkoutsanibel@gmail.com or 239-314-9026. People can also follow on Facebook @SanCapPinkProject and like on Instagram @pinkoutsancap.
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IF YOU GO
What
10th annual Pink Out Picnic
When
Oct. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where
Fire Station 171, 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email