Search Results

< Back Mix 96 - Good Deeds With Thriving Pink SHERYL STEWART Sep 8, 2023 Previous Next

Gayle Norman Barry Overcoming Challenges About 1 in 8 U.S. women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime. While that fact sinks in, you think about the people in your life. Chances are you know someone who has had to deal with breast cancer or you may have fought this battle at some point in time. If you are ever diagnosed, at some point in your journey with breast cancer, you can reach out for support and include Thriving Pink on that list. Thriving Pink is a non-profit, volunteer organization dedicated to helping those in Yolo County who have been impacted by breast cancer. Their services and resources help those facing breast cancer, and those who have conquered their cancer, to thrive with network of compassion and partnership. As chair of the Mentoring Program and a board member, I am really passionate about giving back to help others through this difficult time in their life by sharing my story and doing my best to provide encouragement and support. INTERESTING FACT #1 I grew up in Bozeman, Montana and I am still a partner in my family’s cattle and wheat ranch that was originally settled by my great grandfather. Yolo County with its focus on agriculture is a perfect fit for me. INTERESTING FACT #2 I have my annual mammogram every year, yet found a painful lump in my breast nine months later. It was discovered that I have the most aggressive form of breast cancer (triple negative) that is harder to treat with a low survivor rate. Yet five years later, I am free of cancer and grateful I can help others navigate through the very individualized experience of breast cancer. Initially, I kept quiet about my diagnosis because I didn’t want to overstep or assume others would be open to hearing my story. Then I realized that there were others also going through a challenging and difficult journey, and I started to openly share my struggles and experiences. You can’t predict who gets cancer and who doesn’t or who suffers a more severe case and who doesn’t. Everyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer asks themselves why it happened to them. And many times, there is no answer to that question. INTERESTING FACT #3 My diagnosis in the spring of 2017 forced me to take a hard look at my life and reassess my priorities. I decided to take a step back, focus more on my family, and fortunately, after I was done with chemo, radiation, and surgery, I was able to move to beautiful Yolo County. My family loves the area, and my daughter even volunteers for Thriving Pink after reading about the good work we do in the newspaper. I felt that my family was more scared than I was. I was determined to be brave for them—I have always been a fighter! I feel like a warrior that will beat breast cancer. Want to know about Thriving Pink? 1. The most important part of Thriving Pink is the realization that no one is in this alone. 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 needed to take it one step at a time and fight each battle as it comes. I feel stronger now and continually learn more every day. Everyone is different and may need different services or resources. Some may want to talk about their experience during the process, while others find it difficult talk about even 20 years later. 2. Whatever you need, Thriving Pink has it! Go outside for a walk with others? Check! Peer-to-peer mentoring? Check! Zoom meet ups? Check! A speaker series to keep up with experts in the field? Check! Financial resources for those in need? Check! There is even the Stitches of Love group who sew quilts and seat belt pillows for those who need them. Comfort bags? Check! Workshops, an annual retreat, and a spring gala? Check, check, and check! An emerging outreach in Spanish? Check again! Not bad for a local, volunteer-driven organization. 3. Five years from now, Thriving Pink strives to provide services and resources to an even larger group through expanded outreach. For now, they hope the Pink Gala and other programs offered by Thriving Pink will be a way to connect with the local community. Though the survival rate for breast cancer and the treatments offered are better than ever, the diagnosis still feels like devastating to those who hear it. Fortunately for those diagnosed in Yolo County 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 throughout your entire journey. A strong base of support can have positive lifelong impacts. This story and photo was developed in partnership with @KLJ Studios in Woodland.

Scrip Program—Help Thriving Pink thrive as you shop at Nugget Market or Food For Less. Nugget Market offers a wonderful program that gives a percentage of your grocery purchases to Thriving Pink. It’s an easy enrollment process and there is no charge for participating. Farm Fresh To You Fundraiser We are proud to partner with Farm Fresh To You to offer you a unique and convenient way to eat healthfully! With each delivery of fresh, organic produce and natural grocery items you receive, Thriving Pink will earn 10% back when you add promo code PINK to your account. For new subscribers: Get 20% off your first 5 deliveries when you enter the promo code THRIVINGP (see more details in the below flyer). You can also add the promo code PINK to donate 10% of the proceeds from your subscription purchases to Thriving Pink. For current subscribers: Help out Thriving Pink earn 10% back from your subscription purchases by adding the promo code PINK to your account! We thank you for your support!

Chris Thriving Warrior I’m a mother, wife, friend, and a nurse who goes to Zumba to dance and de-stress. I happened to meet Mary Liu, the founder of Thriving Pink, at a Zumbathon benefitting the organization. So when a routine mammogram in January 2019 revealed a lump, she was the first person I reached out to. The breast cancer diagnosis truly made my life “messy”. I had five surgeries in 2021 and 2022. I believe early detection saved my life. “I never thought I would be a recipient of Thriving Pink’s resources,” says Chris. The non-profit organization has allowed me to meet many warriors and thrivers. I join everyone on the monthly Saturday morning walks and connect via Zoom to the Monday workshops. I have learned more about breast cancer life through the Pink Speaker series as well as meditation, mindfulness, Yoga, Reiki, seasons of survivorship, worldwide clinical trials and so much more. My favorite part of the workshops is the “check-ins” at the end where the simple “how are you doing” goes a long way. In addition to the medical plan I have with my team of doctors and medical personnel, I now also have a healing plan. This story and photo was developed in partnership with @KLJ Studios in Woodland.

Granting Pink—We provide financial grants to help the Yolo County breast cancer community with immediate and direct needs. Until there is a cure, we are committed to our mission to help others throughout their breast cancer journey. Granting Pink We provide financial grants to help the Yolo County breast cancer community with essential needs. Until there is a cure, we are committed to our mission to help others throughout their breast cancer journey. Grant Eligibility: Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer who lives in Yolo County and has not received a prior grant from Thriving Pink can apply. You can also nominate someone diagnosed with breast cancer by applying on their behalf. Funding and Criteria: A Granting Pink Committee evaluates eligible applications based on diagnosis and treatment plan, financial need, and other special circumstances. Since 2017, Thriving Pink has awarded over $350,000 in individual grants to 259 local breast cancer survivors, giving recipients the freedom to use funds as they need most, from medical care and prescriptions to rent, groceries, or transportation. Applications Available Starting Applications Due By Applicants Notified of Status Grants Awarded at Granting Pink Weekend Grant Recipients Invited to Attend Gala September 1, 2025 January 31, 2026 February 19, 2026 March 7 & 8, 2026 April 17, 2026 (Gala Event) To apply to Granting Pink for the 2026 cycle, fill out an online application via Google Forms or download a PDF version of the form (both linked below). More detailed instructions can be found in the application. Granting Pink Applications are now Closed for the 2026 Cycle Please contact us with any questions. Need Immediate Assistance? Our Pink Petals Program provides financial support for small, immediate needs to Yolo County residents who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer or are in active treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) and have not previously received a grant from the Pink Petals or Granting Pink programs. Up to $150 in the form of a gift card(s) may be received. Limited funds are available each year. For more information, please contact us . Thank you! Investing in the health and well-being of our community benefits us all. We could not accomplish our goal of supporting local breast cancer survivors (thrivers) without the support, involvement, and amazing dedication of our program chairs, board members, donors, volunteers, and community partners.

< Back Events throughout Yolo County to support Thriving Pink this October ROBYN DOBSON Oct 6, 2022 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and local organization Thriving Pink is hosting a sizable calendar of events to spread awareness and information about the impacts of breast cancer. Thriving Pink is a nonprofit organization focused on helping those in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer by providing a network of support and resources. Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed among U.S. women, with one in eight women in the U.S. being diagnosed with breast cancer in the course of their lifetime. Men are affected, too, with 1% of diagnoses being male. Throughout October, community members interested in supporting the organization or those a part of the breast cancer community can get involved in the various events, including a Zumbathon fundraiser, a Thriving Pink meet and greet and online workshops. “This is a super busy month for us,” said Joni Rubin, board chair. “One because we are really trying to go around and get the word out about awareness about breast cancer but then also the support that is available to people who are diagnosed with breast cancer.” Thriving Pink will be opening an office in Downtown Davis this month in order to offer workshops, support groups and easy access to materials. “It will be a gathering place for our community,” Rubin emphasized. The Woodland Police Officers’ Association, in partnership with the Woodland Law Enforcement Assistance Foundation, will be selling pink patches for the entire month. Patches are $10, with all proceeds going to Thriving Pink, and can be purchased from the Woodland Police Department lobby Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. The Davis Food Co-op and Davis ACE Hardware will be hosting a “Round-up at the Register” for the entire month of October. Customers are asked to round up their purchase to the next dollar, with the extra cents being donated to Thriving Pink. Residents looking to combine their daily exercise while also supporting the organization can participate in three fundraisers being held around Davis. On Oct. 15, Balance Point Pilates Studio, located at 760 5th St., will be holding a “Pilates for Pink” fundraiser at 11:30 a.m. Those interested can sign up on the Balance Point Pilates’ website at https://balancepointpilatesdavis.com/ . On Oct. 22, Mirror Image Dance Studio, located at 2121 Second St., will be holding a Jazzercise fundraiser at their studio in Davis and online via Zoom. For details, visit www.facebook.com/jazzercisedavis/ or email jazzercisedavis@gmail.com . All fitness levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Finally, a Zumbathon fundraiser will be held both in-person and online at Get Fit Davis Sport, located at 1809 Picasso Ave., from 7 to 8:30 p.m. “A big part of this is thanks to our local businesses sharing this information, so it is just blanketed across our community,” Rubin said. Other events this month include: -Woodland Luna Vista Rotary members and Thriving Pink volunteers will be visiting businesses in downtown Woodland and Davis to ask them to put up Thriving Pink window clings to show support for the breast cancer community. – Circle Z will donate a percentage of their flower sales throughout the month. Flowers can be purchased at Lucy’s Cafe & Farm Pantry at 16850 Yolo Ave. in Esparto. -Oct. 8: Thriving Pink will receive a financial grant from the Woodland Sunrise Rotary at the annual Salmon and Tri-tip Barbeque at the Yolo County Fairgrounds beginning at 6 p.m. -Oct. 11: Yolo County Board of Supervisors Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation. -Oct. 15: Thriving Pink meet and greet at Matchbook Winery, 12300 County Rd. in Zamora, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. -Oct. 15: Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Woodland Community College, 2300 E Gibson Rd., at 10 a.m. -Oct. 18: Davis City Council Breast Cancer Awareness Month proclamation at 6:30 p.m. at the Davis city offices. -Oct. 22: Morning walk with local dignitaries at 10 a.m. in Northstar Park, located at 3434 Anderson Rd. in Davis. -Oct. 24: Zoom Workshop on integrative oncology from 7 to 8 p.m. Email Thrivingpink.org for the Zoom link. Rubin emphasized that they are always looking for more people to join their organization as they look to expand their services. “We are overwhelmingly a volunteer-run organization and people can sign up to volunteer,” Rubin highlighted. “There are a lot of different volunteer opportunities from making comfort bags to doing outreach to serving as peer mentors if people had breast cancer to helping us with translation in Spanish. We have a whole long list of ways people can volunteer.” For more information and ways to support Thriving Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/ . Previous Next

< Back Cholewinski is the 2024 Davis Citizen of the Year Rebecca Wasik Dec 28, 2024 Rose Cholewinski is known for her involvement in an array of organizations and projects in the Davis community. Her hard work and dedication is why she has been named the 2024 Davis Citizen of the Year. The Citizen of the Year Award is an annual award given to a Davis resident that has exemplified outstanding service to the community over time. “I have been around Davis for a bit, since 1978, and have been fortunate to know many of the tireless volunteers that make Davis the community it is,” said Cholewinski’s nominator Chuck Cunningham. “Rose is definitely one of those special individuals that is deserving of Citizen of the Year.” You may recognize Cholewinski from a number of different community organizations - the most likely being Swim America Swim School, which she owns. Cholewinski has over 25 years of teaching and coaching experience and founded the AquaStarz synchronized swimming team. The Davis AquaStarz were established in 1999. The AquaStarz Founder’s Award is given each year through donations to an individual who has demonstrated hard work and determination through commitment, fun, teamwork and a positive, upbeat attitude. Recently, Cholewinski and her Swim America staff provided a free, eight-week course of swim lessons for young children in the Knight’s Landing community as a way to help the kids learn life saving skills. In 2022, the United States Swim School Association honored Cholewinski for her work in the local community and nationally with the United States Swim School Association Humanitarian Award. According to the organization’s website, “This award is given periodically and seeks to recognize members of the U.S. Swim School Association who have provided outstanding service to others, demonstrating empathy, selflessness and commitment. The Humanitarian Award seeks to encourage good works among the members of the U.S. Swim School Association, particularly good works that impact children, learning to swim, safety, community and families.” Thriving Pink Cholewinski makes an impact out of the water too. She is a founding board member of local nonprofit Thriving Pink and has served as the Granting Pink Chair since 2017. According to Thriving Pink Executive Director Leslie Hunter, Cholewinski’s leadership has allowed the organization to partner with local businesses and her efforts to raise funds to support newly diagnosed patients have been invaluable. At the eighth annual Pink Gala, Cholewinski was honored with the 2024 Community Service Award for her work. Under her coordination, over $300,000 in individual financial grants have been awarded over the past eight years to support breast cancer patients. “Rose's compassion drives her to be successful as a nonprofit volunteer, always showing up with positivity to lead others,” remarked Hunter. Citizens Who Care/YoloCares As a Citizens Who Care board member, Cholewinski helped oversee its 2018 merger with YoloCares, a local nonprofit hospice organization. Cholewinski continues to be a board member with YoloCares, advocating for respite care for family caregivers. “Rose is a valuable member of our Board of Directors, offering strategic planning insights and remaining an advocate for the caregiver support component of YoloCares,” said YoloCares CEO Craig Dresang. Sunrise Rotary/Natalie’s Corner For many years, Cholewinski has been an active member of the Davis Sunrise Rotary, serving as president in 2018 and 2019. In 2023 and 2024, she organized a “Touch a Truck” event for kids and their families, benefitting the Officer Natalie Corona Memorial (Natalie’s Corner) and Make it Happen Yolo, which provides underserved transition age youth (generally between ages 18 and 24) in Yolo County who are transitioning into independent living situations with furniture, household goods and resources to furnish their first home. Alongside the City of Davis, the Davis Joint Unified School District and the National Touch a Truck Organization, Cholewinski worked with public agencies, contractors, farmers and more to assemble a wide variety of trucks, tractors, backhoes, garbage trucks and more for kids to climb, blow horns and have fun exploring. Through sponsorships and gate receipts, in conjunction with the Davis Sunrise Rotary, $70,000 was donated to Natalie’s Corner and $15,000 to Make it Happen. “Rose embraced Touch A Truck with enthusiasm, involving many members of our club,” stated 2023-2024 Davis Sunrise Rotary President Brodie Hamilton. “We were pleased to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to two very worthy local causes.” Chamber of Commerce In addition to her many other endeavors, Cholewinski has also served on the Davis Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, including a time as president in 2016. "I am deeply honored and humbled to be selected as the Citizen of the Year," Cholewinski told The Enterprise. "I have loved this community since I moved here in 1987 and my plan is to keep serving in a variety of ways while always giving my attention to water safety as my number one focus. This community has always been a source of inspiration, challenge, energy, success, warmth and kindness. I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to our community in meaningful ways. Thank you to everyone, all those who have been part of the SwimAmerica team, past and present, and to all the committees and Boards of Directors with whom I have served. It’s been a meaningful journey and I’m not finished…yet." Previous Next

< Back PINKtober Walk set for Saturday, Oct. 19 Oct 18, 2024 PINKtober Walk set for Saturday, Oct. 19 The annual event is put on by Thriving Pink. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and local organization Thriving Pink is set for its annual PINKtober Walk, which aims to support breast cancer survivors during National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Previous Next

< Back Local Surgeon to Lead Free Workshop on Breast Cancer Prevention and Action Oct 20, 2025 Board Director Dr. Alicia Silva to share latest statistics and actionable prevention strategies DAVIS, CA – October 20, 2025 – In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Thriving Pink will host a free virtual workshop presented by Alicia Silva, MD, FACS, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 7:00-8:00 PM. The presentation, titled "Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Breast Cancer Facts, Prevention & Community Action," will cover the latest breast cancer statistics, practical prevention tips, and actionable ways community members can support breast cancer survivors and prevention efforts. Dr. Silva is a local board-certified general surgeon that specializes in breast surgery at Sutter Health in Davis and Board Director with Thriving Pink. She has previously presented educational talks on breast cancer for the Ventanilla de Salud at the Mexican Consulate in Sacramento. "Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about more than wearing pink—it's about empowering our community with knowledge and tools to make a real impact," said Leslie Hunter, Executive Director of Thriving Pink. "Dr. Silva's expertise as both a surgeon and a leader in our organization makes her uniquely qualified to help people understand not just the facts, but how we can all take meaningful action." The workshop will provide attendees with evidence-based information about reducing breast cancer risk and concrete ways to support the breast cancer community in Yolo County. Participants will leave with practical steps they can take to make a difference in breast cancer support and prevention efforts. This free virtual event is open to the public and is part of Thriving Pink's PINKtober recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. There are many events and activities throughout the month designed to raise awareness, provide education, and build community support for those impacted by breast cancer. Event Details: When: Monday, October 27, 2025, 7:00-8:00 PM Where: Virtual via Zoom Registration: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87917038340 For more information, visit www.thrivingpink.org or email info@thrivingpink.org . About Thriving Pink Thriving Pink is a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and Yolo County's leading resource supporting the local breast cancer community. Programs include Granting Pink financial assistance, Thrivers' Circles support groups, and ProspeROSA, offering culturally relevant services in Spanish. Tax ID #81 -2972130. Previous Next

Modern Ballet Price $600 Duration 12 Weeks Enroll < Back About the Course This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. Want to view and manage all your collections? Click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Here, you can make changes to your content, add new fields, create dynamic pages and more. Your collection is already set up for you with fields and content. Add your own content or import it from a CSV file. Add fields for any type of content you want to display, such as rich text, images, and videos. Be sure to click Sync after making changes in a collection, so visitors can see your newest content on your live site. Your Instructor Ashley Amerson This is placeholder text. To change this content, double-click on the element and click Change Content. To manage all your collections, click on the Content Manager button in the Add panel on the left. Previous Next

< Back Two Yolo County organizations awarded grants totaling $94,000 from Dignity Health ROBYN DOBSON Jan 14, 2024 Dignity Health recently announced the distribution of $1,060,274 to 15 community-based organizations in Sacramento and Yolo Counties to improve the health and well-being of vulnerable and underserved populations. Every three years, Dignity Health and health system partners conduct a Community Health Needs Assessment in each county to determine the most pressing health priorities. The 2022 community assessment indicated that having access to mental and behavioral health and substance-use services are key priorities, as well as having access to basic needs such as housing, jobs and food, according to a press release from Dignity Health. “A core element of our mission is giving back and we take pride in sustaining our support for organizations that go the extra mile to address the diverse needs of our community,” said Dignity Health Community Health and Outreach Manager, Phoua Moua. “These collaborations empower us to take on the intricate health and human challenges faced by our community.” Two Yolo County community partnership projects were selected, totaling $94,000 in community grants. The first selected program was Thriving Pink ProspeROSA: A Collaborative Breast Cancer Outreach, Education and Program Model. Thriving Pink was awarded $64,000. Thriving Pink is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization that aims to support and serve those in Yolo County impacted by breast cancer by providing a network of support and resources. ProspeROSA addresses the need for breast cancer education, screening and support among Latinas in the county by deploying Tu Historia Cuenta, an evidence based promotores education program that connects those at high risk to screening. The program also offers support, education, navigation and resources for breast cancer patients and survivors. ProspeROSA connects the Latino and Spanish-speaking community with information to resources including important genetic testing, free mammograms and breast cancer support. Thriving Pink Board Chair Joni Rubin said they were excited to get the grant award, emphasizing how important outreach and education are for everyone, especially those in the Latino community. Approximately one in 10 Latina women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. According to Rubin, those in the Latino community are also four times less likely to get genetic testing. Rubin also mentioned how grateful they were for their partners, as it allows them to reach more parts of the community and further their goals for the program. “I think this will advance our goals for ProspeROSA tremendously,” Rubin said. “This also really allows us to further enhance the connections with our partners. This will be really transformative.” Collaborators include the UC Davis Office of Community Outreach and Engagement Comprehensive Cancer Center and Winters Healthcare. To learn more about Thriving Pink and ProspeROSA, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/prosperosa or email prosperosa@thrivingpink.org . Yolo County Public Defender CARES was awarded $30,000 for their Resilient Futures Fund. This project targets incarceration and poor health function as a causal loop for many indigent individuals who are accused of crimes and struggle with social determinants of health. Resilient Futures Fund helps to remove financial barriers to success by partnering with agencies who represent and/or provide services to justice impacted clients. Collaborators include the Yolo County Conflict Panel and Yolo County District Attorney’s Office – Restorative Justice Partnership. “I find ongoing inspiration in the inventive and unique solutions crafted by our community partners to address the expanding needs of our community,” said Michael Korpiel, Greater Sacramento Market president of Dignity Health. “Through our investments in these organizations, we aim to cultivate a sense of belonging and comprehensiveness. Our objective is to provide the community with the necessary resources and support essential for leading healthy, prosperous lives while also minimizing the likelihood of significant future health interventions.” Previous Next

After Treatment Thrivers' Circle The After Treatment Thrivers’ Circle is a professionally facilitated emotional support circle for Thrivers who have completed treatment (surgery, chemo, radiation) Group Benefits: It is designed to provide social and emotional support to participants as they take steps forward in their lives as breast cancer thrivers. The circle provides a safe and supportive place for meaningful conversation and connection to be made with others walking a similar path Participants learn coping skills, discover sources of resilience within themselves, share their stories, and listen to and learn from one another. Register Meeting Information When: 6:00 – 7:30 pm First Thursday of each month 2026 dates: April 2 March 7 June 4 July 2 August 6 September 3 October 1 November 5 December 3 Where: Thriving Pink Office 501 2nd Street, Davis Facilitator: Bahia Yackzan Certified Core Alignment NLP Coach, Emotional Wisdom Training Specialist, Equity Coach (National Equity Project) The support circle is offered at no charge. Please submit your registration as soon as possible as space is limited.