A Letter from Sandy: The Bountiful Bouquet of United in Pink
February 16, 2022YOU HAVE BREAST CANCER… These four words changed our family’s lives 18 years ago. And many of you reading this may share a similar story as well.
Little did any of us realize what blessings would come from this breast cancer diagnosis. Don’t get me wrong, it hasn’t been an easy journey for my mother who received the diagnosis and endured the treatments and life-long side effects, for my father who wasn’t able to stay home and care for her each day or be able to fix things and make it all better, or for my brother and I as we balanced caring for them while also caring for our young families. But what this diagnosis DID bring forth was a realization that cancer doesn’t just affect the patient, it affects everyone they love and everyone that loves them. It changes families, it impacts families, and it involves families.
It is impossible to share every story from the past 15 years since United in Pink came into existence. However, it is each of those stories that has shaped us into the amazing organization we are today. It is a testimony that one person can make a difference and that relationships are the foundation of growth and existence.
As I reflect on these past 15 years several things come to mind – Our Mission and Impact, Our People, and Our Community.
First and foremost, our mission to support local FAMILIES after a breast cancer diagnosis has not wavered. From the moment we incorporated in September of 2007 to today, United in Pink has always been about reaching the patient/survivor, their spouse/caregiver, and their children – the whole family. Each year, we impact thousands of lives through our programs and events and remain unique in our approach.
Our people includes every man or woman who has been diagnosed and allowed us to assist them and their families over the years, every volunteer who has donated their time to help us achieve our goals, every employee who has shared their gifts and talents to increase our outreach and provide compassionate care, every donor who has invested in our mission so that every patient and family can receive support at no cost, and to every person who has shared our message with others so that we could impact more lives throughout Central Georgia.
We are so fortunate to live in a community that thrives on partnerships and helping one another succeed. So many companies and individuals have provided gifts, donations, and in-kind services that have advanced our ability to grow and thrive.
We are beyond blessed to have this chance to celebrate 15 years in existence. Each day is a gift and we truly would not be here today without your support.
From our family to yours, let your blessings be greater than your burdens, and may we all continue to work together to increase the overall health and well-being of our community. To every person who has crossed our paths – thank you! Thank you for the opportunity and privilege to know you, to serve you, and to learn from you.
United in Pink has very exciting plans for the next 15 years and we hope to always have your support!
Grateful and humbled by your commitment to advance our mission.
Sincerely,
Laura Paxton
Co-Founder and Executive Director and Daughter of an Amazing Breast Cancer Survivor