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< 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

Recent Thriving Pink News! Thriving Pink: Pink Gala recognizes grant recipients Mar 30, 2024 Read Article ProsperRosa program provides resources for underserved breast cancer community Mar 28, 2024 Read Article Thriving Pink, Winters Healthcare partner to provide breast cancer resources Mar 22, 2024 Read Article Thriving Pink restarts monthly ‘cafecito’ in the park event Mar 9, 2024 Read Article Thriving Pink's ProspeRosa hosts origami event Feb 5, 2024 Read Article Two Yolo County organizations awarded grants totaling $94,000 from Dignity Health Jan 14, 2024 Read Article Programa Granting Pink brinda asistencia financiera a sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama Dec 30, 2023 Read Article Applications open for Thriving Pink grant program Dec 23, 2023 Read Article Thriving Pink, a group of extraordinary volunteers, with guest Joni Rubin, on Imagining Yolo Davis, Oct. 13, 2023 Oct 14, 2023 Read Article Breast Cancer Awareness 2023: Thriving Pink expands reach to Hispanic community Oct 11, 2023 Read Article Breast Cancer Awareness 2023: PINKtober calendar Oct 11, 2023 Read Article Winters goes pink for breast cancer awareness Oct 5, 2023 Read Article Survivors encourage screens for breast cancer detection Oct 5, 2023 Read Article ‘Pinktober’ events throughout Yolo County to support Thriving Pink and breast cancer awareness Oct 4, 2023 Read Article Mix 96 - Good Deeds With Thriving Pink Sep 8, 2023 Read Article Letter: Stand Up To Cancer In October Sep 6, 2023 Read Article Pink Gala celebrates grant recipients May 27, 2023 Read Article Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA holds first ‘cafecito’ event in Woodland May 21, 2023 Read Article Thriving Pink: Grants help families through difficult times Apr 2, 2023 Read Article Thriving Pink holds open house to celebrate launch of ProspeROSA Mar 7, 2023 Read Article

< Back Thriving Pink: Pink Gala recognizes grant recipients Special to The Enterprise Mar 30, 2024 Next month, Thriving Pink will host its eighth annual Thriving Pink Gala at the beautiful Yin Ranch Indoor Pavilion on Friday, April 26. Our community will be recognizing all the recent grant awardees with their families, many generous community partners, and community service awardees: Rose Cholewinski (Granting Pink Chair), Sneha Geethakrishnan (UC Davis), and Guillermina Perez (ProspeROSA Committee Member). Each of these outstanding women have been dedicated volunteers and positive leaders supporting our breast cancer community. Please mark your calendar to join us to celebrate and recognize these Local Pink Heroes. Visit www.thrivingpink.org to reserve your seat for this good cause. Thriving Pink’s grant program will provide financial assistance this year to 27 inspiring and very deserving local women who have been diagnosed and impacted by breast cancer in Yolo County. These individual financial grants provide direct support for immediate and essential needs, including medical care, rent, groceries, treatment, and prescriptions. We will be “Honoring the Journey” and supporting each of these incredible women at the upcoming Thriving Pink Gala. Many breast cancer survivors face challenging financial hardships while going through extensive treatment with limited health insurance. So many of these women care more about their families than themselves, and they worry about providing for the basic needs of their children and loved ones. The grant committee works closely with many medical providers, nurses, and physicians who refer their patients to receive mentoring support and financial grants from Thriving Pink. We wish to thank our generous and caring community for embracing our mission which helps Thriving Pink to provide so many women in the breast cancer community with a network of compassionate care and practical resources. Thriving Pink’s Granting Pink Chair, Rose Cholewinski, owner of SwimAmerica-Davis, shared “I am so proud of our community partners who ensure Thriving Pink can continue to do this good work. We have been able to provide a total of over $300,000 since this program started to help many in our community who are fighting an uphill battle with this disease that has taken too many loved ones.” “The generosity and personal support provided for those of us who receive these generous gifts makes Thriving Pink unique in this community,” says Martha Ozonoff, a past grant recipient who volunteers her time as a Thriving Pink board member to help the community. Another grant recipient recently shared, “I am thankful for Thriving Pink and the great support from this caring community. Your generosity has helped to pay for my medical care and treatment which is so very helpful, and I appreciate all the love and support from other women who have been on the same journey.” Thriving Pink also provides Pink Peers with support groups for newly diagnosed women, and open workshops which are professionally facilitated and led by medical providers on the 2 nd and 4 th Mondays of each month. Please join the Pink Team for a upcoming calendar events, visit the website calendar at www.thrivingpink.org , and RSVP to info@thrivingpink.org . The Thriving Pink team is focused on its mission to serve and support thrivers and survivors impacted by breast cancer in Yolo County. As a volunteer-driven, local nonprofit, Thriving Pink is led by a dedicated group of board members and community leaders, including many who have been through this difficult diagnosis of breast cancer and want to give back to the local community. “What’s Raised Here, Stays Here,” says Joni Rubin, Thriving Pink Board Chair and local breast cancer survivors/thriver. “I mentor and support others because no one should go through this journey alone. Thank you for supporting our Thriving Pink community! “We truly appreciate all the generous supporters and donors who give their time and resources to support Thriving Pink and this amazing financial grant program. 100% of the donations will stay in this community to directly help local breast cancer survivors,” shared Leslie Hunter, Executive Director of Thriving Pink. Until there is a cure, Thriving Pink is committed to its mission to help others through this difficult breast cancer journey. If you or someone you know would like to volunteer or needs support for a recent diagnosis of breast cancer, please contact Thriving Pink at info@thrivingpink.org or visit www.thrivingpink.org . Together, we are building stronger families and a stronger community. — Submitted by the Thriving Pink Board of Directors Previous Next

< 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 Thriving Pink restarts monthly ‘cafecito’ in the park event GERARDO ZAVALA Mar 9, 2024 Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA is restarting its “cafecito” in the park aimed at providing a space for the county’s Latino population to connect and discuss issues relating to breast cancer. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month from April through September at Woodside Park located at 1599 Cottonwood St. in Woodland. Attendees will also get to participate in a walk around the park together inviting people to “caminar con guerreras.” ProspeROSA is a Spanish-speaker-centered program run by Thriving Pink, a Yolo County-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people in the county impacted by breast cancer. It created its “cafecito” in the park event last year to provide outreach and support to the Latino and Spanish-speaking breast cancer community. Maria Del Rio, Spanish community coordinator for the program, said during the first event that it’s important to address the lack of support for the Latino population battling breast cancer. “For Latinos, we’re very community-driven,” she said during the first “cafecito” event in May 2023. “Building networks and sharing a meal, that’s meaningful and provides support.” Del Rio is a breast cancer survivor and argued that she would’ve benefited from a support group with other Latinas prior to the creation of the event. “I was diagnosed at 27 with stage two breast cancer and… my friends were there to support me, but I couldn’t find a network of people that was my age or knew someone who has gone through this,” she recounted. Dr. Alicia Silva, a chairperson for Thriving Pink, spearheaded the creation of ProspeROSA — the nonprofit’s Spanish-centered program — after noticing that there was a lack of resources available for her Spanish-speaking patients. She highlighted the need to create more awareness among the Latino community because although breast cancer rates for Latinos in Yolo County are roughly the same as the average rate for other communities, they are often diagnosed in more advanced stages leading to worse outcomes. “So this is really important and really special,” Silva stressed in May 2023. ProspeROSA’s headquarters are located at 501 2nd St. in Davis and serve as a place for individuals to connect, build community, check out books and other resources in Spanish and English and participate in programs, according to Board of Directors Chair Joni Rubin. To learn more about Thriving Pink and its programs, visit thrivingpink.org . 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

< Back Programa Granting Pink brinda asistencia financiera a sobrevivientes de cáncer de mama GERARDO ZAVALA Dec 30, 2023 Thriving Pink alentó a locales sobrevivientes del cáncer de mama a solicitar el Programa Granting Pink de la organización que brinda asistencia financiera a personas que reciben tratamiento por cáncer de mama en el condado de Yolo. El programa brinda apoyo directo para necesidades inmediatas y esenciales, incluida atención médica, renta, alimentos, tratamiento y prescripciónes. “Estoy muy orgullosa de nuestra comunidad del condado de Yolo que garantiza que Thriving Pink pueda continuar haciendo este buen trabajo,”Rose Cholewinski, propietaria de SwimAmerica-Davis, dijo. “Hemos distribuido un total de más de $260,000 para ayudar a muchas personas en el condado de Yolo que están luchando contra esta enfermedad que se ha llevado a demasiados seres queridos.” Las solicitudes de subvenciones individuales ahora están disponibles en el sitio web thrivingpink.org en inglés y español, y pueden enviarse antes del 31 de Enero de 2024. Las personas también pueden nominar a un amigo, vecino o familiar y completar la sencilla solicitud en su nombre. “La generosidad y el apoyo personal brindado a aquellos de nosotros que recibimos estos generosos obsequios hacen que Thriving Pink sea único en esta comunidad,” dijo Martha Ozonoff, una ex beneficiaria de una subvención que ofrece su tiempo como voluntaria como miembro de la junta directiva de Thriving Pink para ayudar a la comunidad. Tatum Clinton-Selin dijo que ni siquiera tenía edad suficiente para una mamografía cuando le diagnosticaron cáncer de mama invasivo en Marzo de 2021. “Me mudé aquí desde la costa este, lejos de mi familia, y encontré un bulto durante un autoexamen,” ella relató. “En los últimos dieciocho meses, pasé por cirugía, quimioterapia y radiación. Estoy agradecido por Thriving Pink y el gran apoyo de esta comunidad solidaria.” Thriving Pink también ofrece “Pink Peers” para mujeres recién diagnosticadas y talleres abiertos facilitados y dirigidos por proveedores médicos y otros profesionales. Visite el calendario del sitio web en thrivingpink.org para conocer algunos de los próximos eventos y confirme su asistencia a info@thrivingpink.org . Los talleres virtuales de Pink Speaker Series se llevarán a cabo de 7 p.m. a 8:30 p.m. el segundo y cuarto lunes de cada mes con temas que incluyen bienestar, opciones de tratamiento y entornos de grupos de apoyo. Además, se llevará a cabo un grupo de apoyo para el cáncer de mama metastásico de 5:30 p.m. A las 7 p.m. los martes 16, 23, 30 de Enero y 6 de Febrero. El grupo será facilitado en persona por la terapeuta matrimonial y familiar Pam Cordano con sesiones grupales en la oficina y sala comunitaria Thriving Pink ubicada en 501 Second St. en Davis. “Hasta que haya una cura, Thriving Pink está comprometida con su visión de que nadie pasará sola por el cáncer de mama,” afirmó un comunicado de prensa de la junta directiva de Thriving Pink. “Se pueden hacer donaciones en honor o memoria de un ser querido en thrivingpink.org , o se puede enviar un cheque por correo a Thriving Pink, P.O. Box 72314, Davis, CA 95617.” Si usted o alguien que conoce desea ser voluntario o necesita apoyo para un diagnóstico de cáncer de mama, comuníquese con Thriving Pink en info@thrivingpink.org . “Juntos, estamos construyendo una comunidad más fuerte,” el comunicado dijo. “Les deseo a usted y a los suyos unas maravillosas fiestas y un año nuevo brillante y saludable.” 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 Applications for Thriving Pink’s financial grant program now available Robyn Dobson Dec 4, 2022 The application period for Thriving Pink’s annual Granting Pink program is now open. Founded in 2016, Thriving Pink is a volunteer driven organization that focuses on supporting local breast cancer patients and survivors through a mentorship program, financial grants, workshops and renewal retreats. Volunteers also put together comfort bags for newly diagnosed patients that include items such as heart pillows to help after breast surgery and hand-knitted hats. Thriving Pink’s program Granting Pink provides financial grants of up to $1,500 to assist the Yolo County breast cancer community with immediate and direct needs. In 2022, Thriving Pink awarded $64,000 in financial assistance with individual grants to 35 local breast cancer survivors. Since the program’s inception five years ago, over $191,000 in total awards have been provided, according to the organization’s website. “These financial grants are used at the recipient’s discretion for important needs, such as medical and prescription co-pays, care providers, counseling, wellness programs, rent, groceries, and transportation,” Joni Rubin, Board of Directors chair, wrote in an email. The grant application period will be open until Jan. 31. Anyone diagnosed with breast cancer who lives in Yolo County and has not received a prior grant from Thriving Pink can apply. Applications are available in English and Spanish on Thriving Pink’s website. Applications can also be downloaded and emailed to info@thrivingpink.org or mailed to Thriving Pink, PO Box 72314, Davis CA 96517. Grants will be awarded the weekend of March 11-12, 2023. For more information or to fill out an application, visit https://www.thrivingpink.org/granting-pink . Previous Next

< Back Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA holds first ‘cafecito’ event in Woodland GERARDO ZAVALA May 21, 2023 Thriving Pink’s ProspeROSA – a program aimed at providing outreach and support to the Latino and Spanish-speaking breast cancer community – held its first “cafecito” event Saturday at City Park in Woodland. The event was the first since the program held since it held its open house in early March and welcomed several breast cancer “guerreras” – Spanish for warriors. Several “guerreras” told their stories over coffee and pan dulce highlighting their struggles ranging from chemotherapy complications to common stigmas associated with breast cancer. Letitia Garcia, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2016, said this was her first time attending a Thriving Pink event. “I’ve known about the organization for about a year,” she explained. “I got this invite a couple of days ago and I said, ‘I have to go and be there with my gals,’ because we’re all going through this journey together.” She noted that the journey is a difficult one and commended the program for providing a space for the Hispanic community to speak about their experiences. “Especially our women who are not speaking, are afraid and need somebody to talk to and that they can connect with,” she stressed. “Come and join us, we’d love to have you.” Maria Del Rio, the Spanish community coordinator for the program, said events like this were created because of a lack of support for the Latino population battling breast cancer. “For Latinos, we’re very community-driven,” Del Rio remarked. “Building networks and sharing a meal, that’s meaningful and provides support.” She explained that everyone attending has gone through similar struggles and is often more understanding of each other than relatives or friends who haven’t had breast cancer before. Del Rio is herself a breast cancer survivor and argued that she would’ve benefited from a support group with other Latinas. “I was diagnosed at 27 with stage two breast cancer and… my friends were there to support me, but I couldn’t find a network of people that was my age or knew someone who has gone through this,” she recounted. When she learned about the program, Del Rio said she was thrilled to be a part of developing something for Yolo County’s Latino community. “I wish I had that when I was going through chemo and through all of my treatment, which I’m still going through now,” she highlighted. “So it’s nice to see this community being built and just being a part of that.” Dr. Alicia Silva, a chairperson for the program, spearheaded the creation of ProspeROSA after noticing that there was a lack of resources available for her Spanish-speaking patients. “Today is a very special day because this is our very first event that’s really focused on Latinas in Yolo County having a get-together,” she argued. “I think it would be amazing if we could have a Latina support group.” Silva also highlighted the need to create more awareness among the Latino community because although breast cancer rates for Latinos in Yolo County are roughly the same as the average rate for other communities, they are often diagnosed in more advanced stages leading to worse outcomes. “So this is really important and really special,” she stressed. ProspeROSA’s headquarters are located at 501 2nd St. in Davis and serve as a place for individuals to connect, build community, check out books and other resources in Spanish and English and participate in programs, according to Board of Directors Chair Joni Rubin. The program has two upcoming events – a Spanish Zoom workshop at 5:30 p.m. on June 28 focusing on self-care for breast cancer survivors, and a Spanish workshop at 5:30 p.m. on July 6 featuring a leading genetics and breast cancer doctor. Previous Next

< Back Davis’ FIT House holds benefit spin class for breast cancer awareness month GERARDO ZAVALA Nov 1, 2022 With Breast Cancer Awareness Month coming to a close, Davis’ FIT House chose to hold a Survival of the FITest PINK Spin Class Saturday – a benefit ride that donated all proceeds to the nonprofit organization Thriving Pink. “Thriving Pink provides support for those diagnosed with breast cancer and to their families as well,” Caryn DeMoura, event coordinator and spin instructor, emphasized. “They have made a huge impact in the community and FIT House is proud to be a part of their community this year and past years.” The event was a success, with 15 people attending the outdoor spin class that featured four instructors and a DJ raising $1,600 for the Yolo County nonprofit. DeMoura noted that Royal Guest House partnered with FIT House this year to benefit Thriving Pink. “We are all thankful for this wonderful community who continue to show up and support each other through the hard and good times,” she stressed. Blanche McNaughton, co-owner of FIT House, noted that the business and Thriving Pink have always had a close relationship because they shared the same building before the nonprofit outgrew the small office. She argued that it’s important to support Thriving Pink because of what they do for local women. “They actually give to women of Davis… and you can see it enriches their lives right now in a time that’s really challenging for these women,” she highlighted. “They’re experiencing something most of us can’t even relate to and we feel it’s important that it gives back to women in our community.” FIT House Davis is located at 302 G St. in downtown Davis. To learn more about the business and upcoming events, visit fithousedavis.com . Leslie Hunter, executive director for Thriving Pink, noted that the nonprofit and FIT House have partnered on several events in the past, especially in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. “We appreciate the support of the FIT House owners, instructors and clients who continue to volunteer for Thriving Pink,” Hunter highlighted. “They are a special Davis business who have supported our efforts since Thriving Pink was formed six years ago.” Joni Rubin, chair of the Thriving Pink Board of Directors, argued that “the statistics are daunting,” with one in eight women in the United States diagnosed with invasive breast cancer throughout their lifetime and an estimated 3.8 million survivors. “This is a disease that impacts all of us,” she stressed. “Everyone can help by increasing awareness around prevention and early detection and also by helping to support those in our community who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.” Rubin noted that increasing awareness can help to reduce stigma and fear while also promoting early detection and prevention. “If breast cancer is caught early, the outcomes are quite positive,” she explained. “The five-year survival rate for localized invasive breast cancer is 99%, according to the American Cancer Society.” “For those of us who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, October can be a particularly difficult month with all of the reminders of our disease but seeing the level of community-wide support throughout Yolo County is a powerful and inspiring message that we are not on this journey alone.” Rubin encourages people to be more proactive about early detection and prevention and can do so by first trying to notice any changes in our bodies. “I have heard many stories of women finding their breast cancer themselves because they noticed a change – maybe a lump or a change in their skin texture – and they didn’t ignore it,” Rubin remarked. “Anyone can stop by the Thriving Pink office to pick up materials in both English and Spanish on breast self-exams.” Additionally, Rubin said regular mammogram screening exams are important for early detection noting that “the earlier breast cancer is caught, the better the outcomes.” “During COVID there was a big drop off in mammograms, so we encourage people to return for their recommended screenings,” she emphasized. “In California, the Every Woman Counts program provides free breast cancer diagnostic screening for those with financial need.” Although October is breast cancer awareness month, Rubin stressed that breast cancer continues day in and day out. She encouraged people to stop by the Thriving Pink Office between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, or Friday to speak with one of its volunteers about breast cancer and to find support for the time of their diagnosis and throughout their survivorship. “It is our hope that no one in Yolo County will ever go through breast cancer alone or without the support that they need to thrive,” she continued. “Thriving Pink serves those impacted by breast cancer in Yolo County with no cost programs and services.” The nonprofit’s new office is located at 501 Second St. in Davis. For more information, visit thrivingpink.org . Previous Next