photo by: Derek Redd

The “Think Pink” organization presents WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital with a check for $60,000 for its oncology fund. Pictured are, from left, Think Pink chair Julie Joseph; Kyla Morris, program coordinator for the Comprehensive Breast Care Center; Melissa Mealy, patient navigator for the oncology department at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital; and Dr. Rosemarie Hardin, oncology surgeon at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital.

WHEELING — Organizers of the annual “Think Pink” fundraiser say they continue that mission each year because they see a need in the community to help those battling breast cancer and want to fill that need. The proceeds from their most recent event will fill an even bigger gap than ever before.

Think Pink organizers presented WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital with a $60,000 check for the hospital’s oncology fund. That total topped last year’s donation of $50,000.

“It’s a labor of love,” Think Pink chair Julie Joseph said. “It’s hard enough to get a breast cancer diagnosis, let alone being stressed out about funding your care and the things that you need. So we see a need and want to aid in the whole process.”

Dr. Rosemarie Hardin, an oncology surgeon at WVU Medicine Wheeling Hospital and the Think Pink auction chair, said these proceeds will go directly to patient care in the area. It will help pay for imaging and mammograms, for MRIs and any other patient needs. Some of the funds also will go to a “Surviving and Thriving” event coordinated annually by Kyla Morris, program coordinator for the Comprehensive Breast Care Center and a breast cancer survivor herself.

“It’s an amazing gift to the patients in the community and the women in our community,” Hardin said. “And I think part of the reason why we are so successful every year is because everyone in the valley has had someone – whether it be a friend, a sister, a mother or a relative – who has been touched by breast cancer.

“So I think it’s a cause that’s near and dear to everyone’s heart,” she continued, “and everybody is willing to pour in as much energy as they can to make the event possible.”

The next Think Pink fundraiser will be Thursday, Oct. 16, at the White Palace Ballroom at Wheeling Park. Those interested in being a sponsor for the event can call Joseph at 304-312-0307.

“Our community is amazing,” Joseph said. “We have huge support and we just keep reaching out further and further into the community.”