Carroll Hospital raises $74,000 for Breast Cancer Services while Painting Carroll Pink throughout October
Westminster resident Alissa Harrington was filled with joy and gratitude as she drove through Carroll Hospital's campus where she was greeted with music, cheers and smiles from attendees, and received a "fairy dusting" care package for being a breast cancer survivor.
"I was grateful to know that people still recognized and cared about my well-being. It would have been easy for Carroll Hospital to cancel the event during the pandemic, but they found a way to continue to show their support," said Harrington.
Harrington along with more than 60 breast cancer survivors participated in the "fairy dusting" event, which was part of Carroll Hospital's 20th annual Pink Fling, presented by Advanced Radiology. For the month of October, the event aimed to "Paint Carroll Pink" and was a huge success raising a record-breaking $74,000 for the Center for Breast Health at Carroll Hospital.
Previously held as an afternoon luncheon, this year's event was a multi-faceted celebration of breast cancer survivors and promotion of screenings and early detection. In addition to breast cancer survivors receiving pink "fairy dusting" care packages, more than 30 local businesses had their storefront windows painted with inspiring quotes, residents participated in a mobile silent auction and were offered a range of special promotions from merchants, and more.
"Even though we were unable to gather with survivors and supporters for Pink Fling, presented by Advanced Radiology, I'm so glad everyone had a great time and generously donated their time, services and funds for such a worthy cause," said Dona Hobart, M.D., medical director of LifeBridge Health's breast care centers. "Holding events like this to raise breast cancer awareness, stress the importance of early detection and celebrate survivors is and always will be our focus," she added.
Heather Akers, events manager at the Carroll Hospital Foundation, said Paint Carroll Pink not only engaged many new participants, it also brought hope to the community.
"We had close to 100 businesses that were a sponsor, had their windows painted or gave auction items. It really was an astounding show of support," she said.
Harrington agreed and hopes this new Paint Carroll Pink initiative will become an annual event long after the pandemic.
"Rather than just one day, the energy of this event spanned over weeks. The messages of hope and encouragement painted throughout our county reinforced support and commitment from Carroll Hospital and our community," she said.
Carroll Hospital, a LifeBridge Health Center, is a nonprofit, acute care facility offering the latest in medical technology, experienced medical professionals in a variety of specialties and a continuum of programs and services to meet the needs of the community.
Photo caption: From left to right are Dona Hobart, M.D., medical director of LifeBridge Health's breast care centers; Tricia Wagman, R.N., patient educator at Carroll Hospital; Alissa Harrington; Melissa Dowd; and Marcia McMullin, R.N., manager of breast health services at Carroll Hospital.
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