Shades of Pink Foundation aims to raise $500K at annual "Walk at the Zoo"
The Shades of Pink Foundation, a local organization backing those battling breast cancer in Southeast Michigan, is gearing up for its annual Walk at the Zoo event this weekend.
In October 2024, Tiffany Easley was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"Receiving this diagnosis, it was the most traumatizing experience of my life," said Easley. "Your bills start to pile up, your different needs for your children start to get out of whack, and you really don't know where to turn."
Easley was introduced to Shades of Pink Foundation, an organization that covers the cost of everyday living expenses like rent, utilities and transportation for those going through breast cancer treatment in Southeast Michigan.
"I'm a breast cancer surgeon so I know the journey that individuals have to go through and when they have this extra burden of the financial costs of breast cancer because breast cancer is one of the highest costs for cancer, to see that one piece is taken off their shoulders, it's amazing what a difference it makes," said Shades of Pink Foundation co-founder Dr. Pamela Benitez.
In the 20 years the organization has existed, Benitez says they've helped more than 1,600 people and distributed roughly $3.2 million in financial assistance.
Annual fundraisers like A Walk at the Zoo, happening April 26, are one of the many ways Benitez says they rally behind this resilient community. What is the fundraising goal this year?
"Five-hundred-thousand dollars it's an audacious goal, but we really, really feel that it's time to give back even more to our community," Benitez said.
The Shades of Pink Foundation's mission is to give people hope, healing and support.
"I am so, so, so grateful for Shades of Pink because having that piece of mind where all I had to do was focus on my family and healing, that was half of my battle," said Easley.
A Walk at the Zoo is held at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. The organization says they expect more than 3,000 people to attend.
If you'd like to take part, head to the Shades of Pink Foundation website for more information.
