NONPROFIT
Text courtesy of Susan G. Komen | Photos by Alyx Garner
Susan G. Komen to Host Annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon
The annual Pink Ribbon Luncheon will be held March 9 at the Holiday Inn in Springdale. Hundreds of guests are expected to attend the annual event benefiting Susan G. Komen, the world’s leading breast cancer organization. During this year’s luncheon, Susan G. Komen will honor breast cancer survivors and those who we have lost. Proceeds from the fundraiser will advance Komen’s mission and fund groundbreaking research.
Through the community’s generosity, Susan G. Komen has been able to invest in research and community outreach that has led to a more than 41% reduction in deaths from breast cancer. However, the fight is not over. The mission is to save lives by meeting the most critical needs in our communities and investing in breakthrough research to prevent and cure breast cancer.
These investments have led to the Komen Patient Care Center, a suite of integrated services that work to ensure that no one faces breast cancer alone. Care Services programs include the Breast Care Helpline, which offers psychosocial support and connection to lifesaving health services, a screening and diagnostics program, patient navigation, financial assistance and education resources for anyone concerned about breast health. Patients can easily access this service by calling 1-877-GOKOMEN or going online at www.komen.org.
This year’s Pink Ribbon Luncheon will showcase the annual Susan G. Komen BigWig campaign supporters, present the latest advancements from the medical community, and introduce and support local survivors. The luncheon will begin at 11:30 a.m. and run through 1 p.m.
Six community leaders are participating in the BigWig campaign this year, raising awareness and funds to help end breast cancer forever.
The ultimate BigWig will be crowned at this year’s luncheon, so keep a lookout for Susan G. Komen BigWigs and donate to your favorite.
For more information, visit www.one.bidpal.net/23pinkribbonluncheon/welcome.
Ashley McCarty Weyl
Retired Educator, Weyl Farms:
“I am excited and honored to be a part of the BigWig team and to support the Komen mission. The reason why I want to participate is that I can help build community support and awareness for the Komen mission. After retiring from 30 years in education, I want to work with the community to build awareness and in turn serve our community in this way.”
Juli McWhorter
Chief Executive Officer for Willow Creek Women's Hospital and Northwest Physicians Specialty Hospital:
“As a woman in health care, I’ve seen firsthand the impact breast cancer has on patients and their families. For me, the BigWig platform is an excellent way to let men and women in our community know the importance of screening mammograms and that support is available to them if they are diagnosed with breast cancer.”
Zach Arns
Program Director/Host, ESPN Arkansas
"My grandmother was a breast cancer survivor. I watched her fight the disease and, in the end, win the battle. It means so much to me to participate as a BigWig and raise money for a great organization like Susan G. Komen. I don’t know anyone that hasn’t been affected by breast cancer. I hope the money I raise will help find a cure and someday eliminate this terrible disease.”
Candace Dixon Horne
7 Brew Franchisee
“I chose to join as a 2023 BigWig as my entire life has been filled with friends and family facing breast cancer as fighters and seeing too few survivors. In the last decade I have seen many early detected cases result in survivors, and I attribute this to broader awareness and improved treatments available. I am hoping that the next generation will eradicate this disease with research and continued progress on treatment and prevention for which funds continue to be needed.”
D. Scott Hancock
Division President, Centennial Bank
“Cancer has no prejudice and is a bully. It will fight anyone, whether prepared or not. I have seen the effects on friends, co-workers and my family, with the ultimate loss of my mother in 2020. I hope my small contribution will continue to help Komen in the fight against cancer as well as bring further awareness and education to the masses.”
Caleb Cash-Tobey
Assistant Director, University of Development, University of Arkansas - Fort Smith
“I participate in the BigWig program to raise awareness of breast cancer and the resources Susan G. Komen has to offer our community. I am honored to advocate for those impacted by breast cancer and to raise awareness. It has been my pleasure to work with Komen over the last 10 years, and I look forward to serving in this fun extension of the organization.”
