Annual picnic to honor cancer survivors, fighters

It is estimated that 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States this year, as well as 59,080 new cases of non-invasive breast cancer, the National Breast Cancer Foundation reports. An estimated 2,800 men will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer.
In 2025, an estimated 42,170 women and 510 men will die from breast cancer.
On Oct. 23, the San Cap Pink Project will host the Annual Pink Out Picnic: Health & Hope Wellness Expo from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171. The event aims to celebrate and honor cancer survivors, fighters and caregivers and to raise funds to help members in the community with their cancer-related needs.
“This is an opportunity for the community to come together and honor and celebrate anyone in their life, in the community, who has gone through any type of cancer journey,” San Cap Pink Project Board President and event chair Ann Neubauer said. “It’s an opportunity for us to gather together and have fun.”
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 fire station and raising awareness for the cause. The organization of the event unfolded from there, and it has become an annual tradition.
“It has turned into a communitywide awareness event where we have our same original mission, which is helping people get mammograms, but it has grown expediently to include help from there,” she said.
All funds raised support uninsured and underinsured community members with breast cancer-related needs as the San Cap Pink Project is dedicated to supporting the islands’ residents and employees.
“They are used for any Sanibel or Captiva resident or employee who needs a mammogram or financial assistance for a mammogram, or maybe they need financial assistance for other cancer related needs,” Neubauer said, noting that it could be help paying for a wig or covering rent because they have to take off of work. “All of those little areas where there’s gaps in your insurance, that’s what we’re here for.”
“We help the uninsured, the underinsured and the overwhelmed,” she added.
This year’s event will feature a free lunch for all, courtesy of Wickies Lighthouse Restaurant.
Provided refreshments will include pink lemonade and water.
“Everyone is welcome to come out and enjoy lunch,” Neubauer said. “Donations, of course, are accepted.”
The expo portion will feature nearly two dozen health and wellness experts.
“We have quite a number of wellness vendors from the islands and right off island that are there to help you round out your entire health,” she said, noting that whole health is especially important for those going through cancer. “Treating all of those different areas is what’s important to your overall help.”
From yoga and acupuncture, to mental well-being and fitness, they will share information with attendees, as well as talk about their offerings and services.
“They are all very enthusiastic about supporting the cancer needs of our community,” Neubauer said.
Attendees can capture the memories with a 360-photo booth.
“We haven’t had the 360 booth before, so we’re excited about that,” she said. “That should create a lot of fun and funny photos for people to enjoy.”
Deejay Judy is returning for the event to provide live music.
“A little surprise, we might even have some choreographed dancing,” Neubauer said.
Also, every vendor will bring a basket to raffle off. Attendees can purchase tickets to win them.
“Those are going to be goodies, merchandise, maybe gift certificates,” she said.
The sponsors for this year’s event include Bank of the Islands, the Bondurant Family Team, Cypress Living, Kingfisher Real Estate and Vacation Rentals, Sanibel Captiva Community Bank, Sanibel fire district, Superior Title Services, The Starr Team, and Wickies.
To help with planning, RSVPs are requested at pinkoutsanibel.com.
The community is invited to reserve a spot and take part.
“It’s more of a fun-raiser than a fundraiser,” Neubauer said, adding that the San Cap Pink Project wants people to know that it is available to help, even if the person just needs someone to talk to or to hold their hand. “In our community, no one is going to go on a cancer journey alone.”
For more information, visit online or contact pinkoutsanibel@gmail.com.
Station 171 is at 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel.
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IF YOU GO
What
Annual Pink Out Picnic: Health & Hope Wellness Expo
When
Oct. 23 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where
Sanibel Fire and Rescue District’s Station 171, 2351 Palm Ridge Road, Sanibel
Details
RSVPs requested for planning
To reach TIFFANY REPECKI / trepecki@breezenewspapers.com, please email