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< Back Woodland fundraiser benefits Thriving Pink Special to The Enterprise May 13, 2025 WOODLAND — Thriving Pink, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by breast cancer in Yolo County, will be the beneficiary of a community fundraising and awareness event hosted by Luca Boutique from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 18, at 716a Main St. in Woodland. The event is organized by local entrepreneur Angelica Orozco, who founded Luca Boutique in 2020 and has committed to donating 20% of the day's proceeds to support essential programs and services for breast cancer survivors and thrivers. A special focus of the event will be ProspeROSA — "she thrives" in Spanish — a Thriving Pink program serving the Spanish-speaking community. We offer culturally relevant breast cancer education and resources. Bilingual volunteers will be on hand to share information and connect with attendees, ensuring access to compassionate care and vital health support. "This collaboration represents a beautiful intersection of community, culture, and compassion," said Alicia Silva, ProspeROSA Program Chair of Thriving Pink. "We're deeply grateful to partner with Angelica and Luca Boutique to raise both awareness and critical funding for breast cancer support services right here in Yolo County." "Fashion can be a powerful vehicle for change," added Guillermina Pérez, a Thriving Pink volunteer. "By supporting this event, we're investing in the wellbeing of women and families in our own community." Event highlights include live modeling of Luca Boutique's inclusive clothing; bilingual volunteers sharing breast cancer resources in Spanish and English; educational materials and breast health information; and light refreshments and community connection. Explore more about Luca Boutique at www.shoplucaboutique.com . Previous Next

< Back Applications open for Thriving Pink grant program ROBYN DOBSON Dec 23, 2023 Local nonprofit Thriving Pink is now accepting grant applications for their Granting Pink Program. Granting Pink provides grants for individuals being treated for breast cancer in Yolo County, supplying direct support for immediate and essential needs including medical care, rent, groceries, treatment and prescriptions. According to their website, Thriving Pink awarded $64,000 to 35 local breast cancer survivors last year. Since 2017, Granting Pink has helped over 200 individuals. “I am so proud of our Yolo county community which ensures Thriving Pink can continue to do this good work,” said Rose Cholewinski, Granting Pink chair and owner of SwimAmerica-Davis in a press release. “We have distributed a total of over $260,000 to help many in Yolo County who are fighting this disease that has taken too many loved ones.” Individual grant applications are now available on the website at www.thrivingpink.org in English and Spanish, and can be submitted until Jan. 31, 2024. Individuals can also nominate a friend, neighbor or family member, and fill out the straightforward application on their behalf. “The generosity and personal support provided for those of us who receive these generous gifts makes Thriving Pink unique in this community,” said Martha Ozonoff, a past grant recipient who volunteers her time as a Thriving Pink board member to help the community. Tatum Clinton-Selin, another grant recipient, had just moved to the area from the East Coast, away from her family, when she found a lump during a self-exam. “I was not even old enough for a mammogram when I was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in March 2021,” Clinton-Selin shared. “In the past eighteen months, I went through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. I am thankful for Thriving Pink and the great support from this caring community.” Thriving Pink also provides Pink Peers for newly diagnosed women, and open workshops facilitated and led by medical providers and other professionals: Pink Speaker Series: 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., 2nd and 4th Monday each month. Virtual Workshops with topics including wellness, treatment options, and support group settings. Metastatic Breast Cancer Support Group: 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 16, 23, 30 and Feb. 6. Facilitated in-person by Pam Cordano MFT with group sessions at the Thriving Pink Office & Community Room (501 2nd St., Davis Downtown) For more events, visit the website calendar at www.thrivingpink.org and RSVP to info@thrivingpink.org . Donations can be made in honor or memory of a loved one at www.thrivingpink.org , or a check can be mailed to Thriving Pink, P.O. Box 72314, Davis, CA 95617. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer or needs support for a diagnosis of breast cancer, please contact Thriving Pink at info@thrivingpink.org . “Until there is a cure, Thriving Pink is committed to its vision that no one will go through breast cancer alone,” said the press release. “Together, we are building a stronger community. Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season, and a bright and healthy New Year.” Previous Next

< Back Thriving Pink: Upcoming Pink Speaker series SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE Jul 1, 2022 Thriving Pink appreciates all the medical providers and professional facilitators for their monthly “Pink Speaker Series” workshops. These workshops are informative, open to the general public, and provide a much needed network of support and resources for those in Yolo County diagnosed with breast cancer. An open Q & A session is available at the end of each workshop as well. Our upcoming workshops include a Thriving Pink Spanish speaking Breast Cancer — Know Your Options Workshop from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 11. The workshop will be presented in Spanish and led by Thriving Pink board member Dr. Alivia Silva, a surgeon at Sutter Hospital. The presentation will cover detection and treatment options. Thriving Pink Monthly Morning Walk from 9-10 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, at North Star Pond in Davis (Parking at Tandem Properties, 3500 Anderson Road, Davis). This is a scenic, short loop, at your own pace (about 1.5 miles or more). Thriving Pink Peers will be helping to lead the walk for the group. Thriving Pink Health & Wellness Workshop from 7-8:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25, led by Dr. Karen Mo, a family physician with UC Davis Health System. This workshop is for breast cancer survivors and anyone interested in achieving their optimal health through self-care modalities, including sleep, pain management, supplements and nutrition. RSVP to info@thrivingpink.org to attend, and receive the Zoom link for the virtual monthly workshops. We are looking forward to opening a new Pink Place (Office & Community Room) soon in Davis downtown by early October this year at 501 2 nd Street! We will be hosting and leading support groups, educational workshops, our financial assistance grant program, and one-on-one pink peer mentoring support for newly diagnosed women in-person (with virtual options). The good work of Thriving Pink is made possible by our wonderful and caring community of volunteers. This summer, as we prepare for October, a time which focuses on breast cancer awareness month activities, we are seeking additional volunteers to help us with our core programs, from outreach at various community events to distributing comfort bags at local hospitals and healthcare systems, coordinating our financial grant assistance program, and helping with office work and data entry. Our Thriving Pink team is dedicated to making a positive difference for those impacted by breast cancer. For more information about volunteering for Thriving Pink, please email info@thrivingpink.org . Previous Next

Próximos Eventos de ProspeROSA ¡Acompáñenos para platicas educativas, conectar con otras personas y encontrar apoyo! Haga clic aquí Calendario de Eventos Mire nuestro calendario de eventos para ver talleres, reuniones, y otras actividades donde puede participar. Volantes de Eventos para Descargar ¡Vuelva pronto para conocer los próximos eventos en español! Actualizamos esta página regularmente con nuevas oportunidades. Cuando se programen eventos, encontrará volantes descargables aquí con todos los detalles importantes, incluyendo fechas, ubicaciones y programas especiales. Calendario de Eventos Guerreras, amigas y familiares están invitados a todos nuestros eventos. ¡Todos son bienvenidos a participar! Para ver todos los programas de Thriving Pink, haga clic aquí . Para los eventos a continuación, haga clic en cada imagen para ver o descargar el volante. Noche De Loteria En Familia Fecha: 26 De Febrero Hora: 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM Lugar: Oficina De Thriving Pink 501 2nd Street, Davis, CA 95616 Cafecitos 2026 Fecha: 4 De Abril 2 De Mayo 6 De Junio 1 De Agosto 5 De Septiembre Hora: 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM Lugar: Woodside Park 1599 Cottonwood St. Woodland, CA 95695 Por favor, déjenos saber si nos pueden acompañar enviando un mensaje de texto al (530) 205-3004 o por correo electrónico a prosperosa@thrivingpink.com ¡Conéctese con ProspeROSA en Facebook ! En esta página compartiremos información sobre los próximos eventos de ProspeROSA, así como datos y recursos generales sobre el cáncer de mama. Te invitamos a visitarla, seguirnos y compartirla con tu comunidad. ¿Te gustaría participar como Guerrera? Ofrecemos educación y actividades comunitarias para aumentar la conciencia sobre el cáncer de mama, la detección temprana, la prevención y el apoyo disponible a través de ProspeROSA por Thriving Pink . Puedes participar en nuestros programas, recibir apoyo y conectarte con otras Guerreras. Contáctenos para más información 530-205-3004 o prosperosa@thrivingpink.org ¿Te gustaría ser voluntaria? También puedes unirte como voluntaria para apoyar nuestras actividades, eventos comunitarios y programas educativos. Tu tiempo y energía marcan una gran diferencia para nuestra comunidad. Contáctenos para más información: 530-205-3004 prosperosa@thrivingpink.org Educando y Empoderando: Dra. Alicia Silva Habla sobre el Cáncer de Mama Durante el Mes de Concientización sobre el Cáncer de Mama, nuestra miembra de la junta directiva, Dra. Alicia Silva, dio una charla educativa en vivo para la Ventanilla de Salud del Consulado Mexicano en Sacramento. Mira el vídeo en Facebook.

< Back Thriving Pink: A new home for expanding programs SPECIAL TO THE ENTERPRISE Sep 2, 2022 Our home has always been in our community;to serve, support and advocate for the needs of those diagnosed with breast cancer in Yolo County. We are committed to showing up wherever we can make a meaningful difference. Sometimes at educational workshops, wellness seminars, and community outreach programs.Other times at local hospitals, with walking groups at the park, in the homes of those who are newly diagnosed, and more recently, in the virtual world via Zoom. We will soon have a new home, a real place for gathering, which will be the heart of our community in so many ways. Starting in October 2022, Thriving Pink will be opening a new office and community room at 501 Second Street in downtown Davis. The Pink Place will serve as a gathering place for our entire Thriving Pink community. The location is open and spacious on the first floor with an integrated private office, meeting space, kitchen, and resource library. It will accommodate in-person and hybrid virtual meetings, and includes an outdoor patio area as well. “We are really excited to see this dream come true,” Thriving Pink founder Mary Yin Liu said.“Our programs are growing and expanding after seven years, and we care deeply about our community.This will be a wonderful home and place for our community and volunteers to gather, and provide meaningful support.” Thriving Pink plans to host an Open House with a Pink Ribbon cutting at their holiday reception in early December. As we near the end of summer, the Thriving Pink team also plans several special events to provide unique opportunities for connection and support for the community. “Our workshops are open to the entire community. We welcome everyone to join us,” said Leslie Hunter, Thriving Pink’s new executive director. All of Thriving Pink’s programs and services are provided at no cost to the community. To RSVP to attend a workshop or volunteer to support Thriving Pink’s programs, please email info@thrivingpink.org . Sept. 10 , Thriving Pink Volunteer Day: Creating and assembling care-related items for comfort bags which will be distributed to local hospitals and to newly diagnosed survivors. 7-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12: Dr. Melissa Williams “Advances in Breast Cancer Research and Treatment” 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 17: Morning Walk at Northstar Pond (Parking at 3500 Anderson Rd, Davis) 7-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 26: Presentation by Breast Cancer Prevention Partners to focus on cancer prevention by reducing exposure to toxic chemicals and radiation linked to the disease. Sept. 24-25: Thriving Pink Annual Renewal Retreat. This is an annual retreat weekend for individuals in Yolo County newly diagnosed with breast cancer offers meaningful support and resources. The retreat is professionally facilitated and thoughtfully planned by pink peers who have been on the same journey through a cancer diagnosis. Thriving Pink honors, celebrates, and supports those who are impacted by breast cancer. The local nonprofit organization provides individual financial grants to help with essential needs, including medical and quality of life care, educational workshops and wellness seminars facilitated by medical providers, and a pink peer mentoring program for those who are newly diagnosed. “The most important part of Thriving Pink is the realization that no one is in this alone,” said Gayle Norman Barry, who serves as chair of the Mentoring Pink program for Thriving Pink. “There are other survivors always willing to reach out and lend a hand. I found chemo to be tiring and from talking with others, realized that I can take this one step at a time and fight each battle as it comes. There is a place to go to find a group of women who understand and are there to help in every way from the initial diagnosis through the entire journey. I am really passionate about helping others to provide encouragement and support.” Chris Pineda, a local nurse, grant recipient, and Thriving Pink volunteer, said, “I was inspired by Gayle and appreciate the support. I now have a healing plan in addition to my treatment plan.” — Submitted by Thriving Pink board of directors. Previous Next

PINKtober 2024 Photo Gallery PINKtober 2023 Photo Gallery

< Back Thriving Pink, Winters Healthcare partner to provide breast cancer resources Amelia Biscardi Mar 22, 2024 Thriving Pink received a $64,000 grant from Dignity Health. This grant is specifically for its ProsperROSA program which is collaborating with the Winters Healthcare clinic to provide support for women in the area. Thriving Pink is a Yolo County nonprofit agency that focuses on supporting breast cancer fighters and survivors. Its ProsperROSA program focuses on education, screening and supporting the Latina community. According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, every two minutes a woman in the U.S. is diagnosed with breast cancer, making it the most common cancer. One of the ways that ProsperROSA helps is by identifying women within communities like Winters who are considered high risk for breast cancer. Then they can get those considered high-risk earlier screenings and even genetic testings. Thriving Pink provides these genetic tests in collaboration with UC Davis Health. Rosa Gutierrez, a Population Health Coach at Winters Healthcare, explained how breast cancer hit closer to home for her. “We lost someone very close to us — like a cousin of mine — a couple of years ago to breast cancer. She was so young, she was 40,” Gutierrez said. “That kind of was an awakening for my family and we kind of all (...) made the effort to go get screenings and our genetic testing done.” Gutierrez has been volunteering and helping with Thriving Pink for a while now and started helping at a mammogram event. She notes that those who aren’t aware of the reality of breast cancer don’t always realize how important screenings can be. “I understand that sometimes patients may not know or may not know the power that education is or like, the power of screening and the importance of it,” Gutierrez said. “Sometimes just educating them on what they are being tested for. And also encouraging them to go get their screenings.” Thriving Pink prioritizes outreach in the local communities in a myriad of ways. Jodi Rubin, Chair of Thriving Pink’s Board of Directors, shared insight on working within Winters. “We do outreach in Winters and generally around breast cancer,” Rubin said. We (have) worked with some of the students at the high school. We did their capstone project on breast cancer. So you know, we do outreach in the community and we have a relationship with Winters.” One of the ways the two organizations have been working together is through a provision from Thriving Pink of their comfort bags. “Honestly, the moment when someone is diagnosed like you’re telling them for the first time that they have breast cancer, it’s big,” Gutierrez said. “It’s a big thing to take in. (...) There’s just so many emotions going through their mind in the moment and you show up with this cute little bag and there’s all these little nice resources in there, reminding them that they’re not alone.” Winters Healthcare uses Promotoras to reach the Hispanic community. Promotoras are community members trained in health care education who work to get the word out. Thriving Pink plans to support that with their grant and community assistance. One of the things the Promotoras can do is encourage early screenings. Additionally, they support those who are uninsured with resources to get medical care paid for. Rubin said they encourage women to get mammograms and act as a connector to get them tested. “We identify women who need mammograms, we can connect them either with mammogram clinics or with Every Woman Counts California,” Rubin said. “(It) has funding for mammograms for women. So we will try to identify people who have not been screened.” For Gutierrez, who ended up getting tested early — it was a big deal. “I remember being terrified to find out. I thought about that test forever,” Gutierrez said. I didn’t want to do it. But like, when I realized, how important it was for us to be educated, and yeah, education is power, right? It’s a big tool.” While the grant is new and Thriving Pink is working on the groundwork, they plan on continuing their mission to support those who have had or who are at risk for breast cancer. Gutierrez recommends any member of the community who is worried about breast cancer top come in and make an appointment at Winters Healthcare. “Feel free to ask questions, it doesn’t hurt really to get the information,” Gutierrez said. Gutierrez also notes that a lot of Winters Healthcare staff are bilingual and hopes that makes Spanish speakers more comfortable there. Winters Healthcare public hours are available online at wintershealth.org/contactus . “When you go into a facility and you see a familiar face, or you see someone who speaks your language, it helps,” Gutierrez said. “And it helps you feel more comfortable and like, you open up more, right? So that’s our hope with our patients that they see someone who speaks their language and we can help them navigate the resources.” Rubin said they can support those with breast cancer with a myriad of resources. “Our vision is that no one goes through breast cancer alone,” Rubin said. “We’re super committed to making sure that we are out and connected.” Some of the other resources Thriving Pink provides for those with or recovering from breast cancer are workshops, both in person and over Zoom as well as events and support groups. For more information, send an email to prosperosa@thrivingpink.org or info@thrivingpink.org . Previous Next

< Back Students lead efforts to educate on breast cancer Crystal Apilado Oct 17, 2024 Winters High School students Karen Covarrubias Lopez and Kendra Cabrera are combining their passion for community outreach and education with their Senior Capstone Project by hosting a Pink Out football game on October 18, aimed at raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The event will serve as a powerful visual demonstration of the statistics surrounding breast cancer, where 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed in their lifetime. “We feel it would be more impactful to show it instead of just say it,” said Covarrubias Lopez, explaining why they chose this particular approach for their project. The duo aims to normalize conversations about breast cancer and stress the importance of awareness for both men and women. Pink Out game Join them this Friday at the Dr. Sellers Football Field on Oct. 18 for the Pink Out game. Junior varsity kicks off at 5:30 p.m. and varsity follows around 7 p.m. As part of their project, Covarrubias Lopez and Cabrera sold Pink Out T-shirts, with all proceeds going to Thriving Pink, a local nonprofit supporting breast cancer survivors and education. Thriving Pink will also have a booth at the game, offering resources and information to attendees. In addition, Solano Pink Heels will make a special appearance with their signature Christine Pink firetruck, helping to further spotlight the cause. In a unique fundraising effort, the pair is introducing the “Pipe It Up” challenge. During the game, attendees can drop change through connected PVC pipes that run from the bleachers to the field, symbolizing the flow of support from the community to those affected by breast cancer. The WHS cheer squad is also getting involved, with a special entrance and halftime routine to further boost the Pink Out spirit. Personal connections Both Covarrubias Lopez and Cabrera have personal motivations for taking on this project. Cabrera said she lost an aunt to the disease when she was young. “I was too young to understand then, but as I got older, I started to realize more and wanted to learn,” she said. Cabrera’s experience sparked her desire to educate herself and others about breast cancer, especially the importance of self-exams. Covarrubias Lopez, too, has personal ties to the cause, mentioning how her mother’s friend lived with breast cancer. “I wanted a project that would be impactful,” she said. “Not only am I learning, but I’m also teaching others, and I think that’s really important.” For Covarrubias Lopez, bringing awareness to a subject that can sometimes feel uncomfortable to discuss is key. Community outreach Beyond the Pink Out game, they have extended their outreach efforts into the broader community. On Oct. 21, the duo will help host a class as part of Thriving Pink’s Prospa Rosa program, specifically designed for mothers and daughters. The session, held in the Margaret Parsons Room, will provide educational resources on breast cancer in Spanish, with English translators available. The goal is to bridge the information gap in bilingual communities and emphasize the importance of early detection. Learning, spreading awareness One of the most surprising lessons both girls have learned during their project is that breast cancer can also affect men, a fact they hope to share more broadly. “I had no idea,” said Cabrera. Both students emphasize that their journey of learning and sharing doesn’t stop with the project. “I still want to learn more about it,” Cabrera said. “I’m still going to the meetings to learn more.” To follow updates on the Pink Out game and their other initiatives, visit: instagram.com/whs_pinkout2024 . Previous Next

Partnering Pink—A special thank you to our amazing community partners, including local businesses, organizations & individuals who give their time, resources and heart to our community. To become a pink partner, you can donate online. Partnering Pink A SPECIAL THANK YOU to our amazing community partners, including local businesses, organizations, and individuals who give their time, resources, and heart to our community. To become a pink partner, you can donate online . To view our partnership levels, click here . PLATINUM PINK Mary & Harris Liu, Golden Arch Enterprises, Inc The George and Lena Valente Foundation Mikuni Charitable Organization Carole Pirruccello, John and Eunice Davidson Fund Dignity Health, Woodland HOT PINK Dutch Bros of Woodland, Inc. Davis Firefighters Local 3494 Angelica Sanchez, Perfect Union Sofia Gagliardi Peter & Eleanor Chiang Natasha & Harry DeCourcy Kaiser Permanente Sutter Health BRIGHT PINK Jim Anderson Lori Schilling-Davis & James Davis Nichols Consulting Engineers, CHTD Vandergriff Brent Family Fund Western Health Advantage Michael Miille & Mary Whelan-Miille Nugget Markets UC Davis Medical Center, Comprehensive Cancer Care Center Ben Yoder, 5B Remodeling Co SHINING PINK Davis Food Co-Op • Doug Smith • John Youmans • Capital City Sisters • Rose Cholewinski, Swim America • Mara & Dennis Lindsay • Capuchino High School Volleyball • Davis Ace Hardware • Karen Carberry-Goh • Gayle Norman Barry • Jan Uriu-Adams • Corner Drug Company • Melissa Williams, MD • NorthBay Health • Joni Rubin & Robert Wiebe, MD MAGENTA PINK Katie & Dave Minke • Denise & John Rose • Rosemarie Leonardi, Haven A Boutique • Amy Spence, Thrive • Lori Raineri • Sevgi Leno, Balance Point Pilates • Evon Willhoff • Blanche McNaughton, FIT House • Yolo Federal Credit Union • Sacramento Region Community Foundation • Earlyn Noll, MD, Davis Dermatology • Brelle Albert • Delta Chi Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta • Catherine Norvell • Kathleen & Paul Hart • Virginia Joyce, MD • Joy & Robert Penner • Mayra Vega • Marcia Wilson • Woodland Police Officers Association • Christina Hayes, Mojo's Lounge • Kenneth Ealy • Brianna Brandon, Yolo Barre • Yolo County Sheriff Department • Marilyn Clark, SL8 Fitness and Nutrition • Heather Caswell, The Wardrobe • Breast Cancer Care & Research Fund • The Sunset Rotary Club of Davis • Angelica Orozco, Luca Boutique • Jeanie Hartranft • Michelle Silva • Ariel & Chris Pineda • Andrea Mayer • Luna Vista Rotary of Woodland • Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority • Josh & Athena Chapman • Trisha Butcher • Albert Chow • Jennifer Curtis • Emily & Leonard Galindo • Erin & Matthew Perry • Nelson Pohl • Nancy Anderson • Joan Byard • Sherri Wood, Capay Valley Lavender • Congregation Bet Haverim/Bieberstein Social Action Fund • Davis Odd Fellows Lodge • Patty Estopinal • Teresa Fong • Vesta Ghavamzadeh • Celeste Hanagan • Eva Hess • James Long • Matthew L. Molitor, DDS, MS • Denise Negley • Noel & Leoma Negley • Jennifer Olson • Thomas & Lynn Read • Brian Vikstrom • Mark Ward • Julie Young • Diane Scanlon Many individuals donate every year to honor friends and loved ones. Thank you for embracing our cause and mission, and most of all – our Thriving Pink Community!

Thank You For Your Generous Donation To Thriving Pink! We thank all of our amazing community partners, including local businesses, organizations, & individuals who give their time, resources, and heart to our thriving community. Many individuals donate to honor friends and loved ones. Thank you for embracing our cause and mission, and most of all, our Thriving Pink Community!

Patti Hadrava Why I Volunteer When I was diagnosed in 2006, I struggled on my own and was paralyzed with fear about my diagnosis. I did not have much support during my treatments and went online to find a group chat to help me get through this. One day when I went for her treatment, I was given a bag containing a heart pillow and other items. I was touched that someone took the time to care enough to help out a stranger. I now use my sewing talents to make heart pillows and quilts for others. I really wanted to volunteer and give back. The pillows are especially meaningful because after surgery many women find that the seat belt of their car will rub right where the stitches and scars are, irritating the spot and causing discomfort. The pillows, shaped like hearts, soften the weight of the belt and ease the irritation. Our amazing sewing group made 20 pillows their first year and now make up to 200 pillows and 30 quilts every year. Thriving Pink’s volunteer group, Stitches of Love, also gives out comfort bags with helpful items, and financial grants to help many others. I would say that the world and community around breast cancer has changed a lot in the last 15 years. And that is a very, very good thing. This story was developed in partnership with @KLJ Studios in Woodland.

< Back ProsperRosa program provides resources for underserved breast cancer community Angela Underwood Mar 28, 2024 Thriving Pink, Yolo County’s resource for fighting and surviving breast cancer patients, works hard to darken the shade of the color associated with the widespread disease. “A breast cancer diagnosis can carry significant physical, emotional, spiritual and financial challenges,” Joni Rubin, board of directors’ chair, said. “Our vision at Thriving Pink is that no one will go through breast cancer alone.” Citing high breast cancer statistics, with one in eight women diagnosed, Rubin said community support and resources are so important throughout the breast cancer journey. According to Rubin, many patients from Winters receive the group’s Granting Pink financial grants, adding, “We want to make sure that anyone who might benefit from our support knows about us and is able to participate in our no-cost programs and services.” Educational workshops, monthly walks, and the Pink Peer Mentorship program also benefit Winter’s residents. Thriving Pink’s ProseROSA program supports the Latina and Spanish-speaking communities in Winters with outreach programs virtually for Yolo County’s rural communities. “Each month, we have two educational workshops on Zoom that are open to anyone,” Rubin said, adding topics include cancer treatment developments and post-healing well-being. “We have had people join us from as far away as New York and Canada.” Surgeon and ProspeROSA Chair Alicia Silva, who grew up in Woodland, said she is passionate about providing support and education to the Hispanic/Latino community facing breast cancer. “Being diagnosed with breast cancer is difficult enough without added challenges of language and limited resources,” Silva said. “We aim to help Latinas and their families through their journey with breast cancer.” The group recently added a monthly “Cafecito” and Walk in Woodland for Spanish-speaking thrivers to supplement monthly walks in the Davis area, as well as providing outreach to the incorporated and rural community. of Western Yolo. “We do talks about breast cancer, early detection and risk reduction throughout the County for local groups such as RISE in Esparto and Empower Yolo in Knights Landing,” Rubin said. “We also table at local community events, such as the Almond Festival in Esparto.” Breast cancer survivor Maria Del Rio, a mental health clinician, volunteers with ProspeRosa, detailing how “a breast cancer diagnosis is, or any cancer diagnosis, feels like someone pulled a rug from under you.” “Especially when you are 27 years old and have a healthy diet and exercise regime,” Del Rio said of her own story. I think when you get a diagnosis, you just want to survive, and you get in this survival mode that you need to survive to watch your child grow up and be present for her.” Del Rio said she is still learning from breast cancer as a survivor, calling it a lifetime process. “We learn to live a new normal and be an advocate for women’s health and breast cancer awareness. I think that while I was undergoing chemotherapy what helped me was my faith, family, and determination that I was going to get through chemotherapy and not let it stop me.” Del Rio says she volunteers to give back to the Hispanic/Latino community and be part of a great team providing advocacy, education, empowerment, and community healing. “The Latino Community in Woodland is so rich in culture and togetherness,” Del Rio said. “It is nice to see the community support each other in moments of hardship.” Del Rio hopes to grow with ProspeRosa’s Spanish-speaking community. “It is so important for all communities to have access to services and thrive regardless of their background,” Del Rio said. Also a survivor, Rubin said volunteering and sharing one’s breast cancer journey is a part of the healing process. Diagnosed with stage three breast cancer 15 years ago, Rubin said, “Connecting with people who had walked this journey ahead of me really helped me through my treatment, and now I am able to do the same for others.” “It allows me to pay it forward,” Rubin said. Last fall, the group worked with the two Winters High School seniors on their Capstone project to raise community awareness for early screening. “During October Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we participated in the Winters High School Pinkout football game, did downtown business outreach, and received a proclamation from the Winters City Council,” Rubin said. Thriving Pink supported two Winters High School seniors in the Capstone project to bring awareness to breast cancer through a Pink Out football game. The group also delivers comfort bags for newly diagnosed patients to all local healthcare systems, including Winters Health Care. “Winters Health Care is also one of our partners, along with UC Davis, in a grant we received from Common Spirit Health that brings breast cancer outreach and education to the Latina community, including education on genetic risk and support for genetic testing,” Rubin said. The group is also a member of the Winters Chamber of Commerce and is working to partner with the Winters Downtown Business Association. “We are always open to additional ways that we can get out the word about Thriving Pink in order to support anyone in Winters experiencing breast cancer at any point in their journey,” Rubin said. For more information about Thriving Pink and the ProsperRosa program, visit www.thrivingpink.org . Previous Next