A patient, friend, and the patient’s doctor met at an epicurean restaurant in Ferndale, Michigan in the fall of 2005 to discuss the very real problem that the patient had regarding financial difficulties she was experiencing as a result of her breast cancer diagnosis.  Besides coping with her diagnosi,s there was so much more to worry about: her mortgage payment, a utility bill, car payment and even how she would pay for groceries.

By the end of that meal, there was a deep desire to develop a foundation that could address this issue for her and the many other women that face the same issues.  And, thus, the idea for the Shades of Pink Foundation was born. 

Suzanne Krueger, the friend, and Pamela Benitez, MD, the doctor, continued exploring a way to accomplish this task, and when joined by three friends of Suzanne’s – Colleen Batdorff, Bev Napier, and Kitty (Karen) Waldron – the Board of SOPF was created in 2006.

Through various fundraising events, SOPF has been able to address its mission, funding women who have presented with financial difficulties as a result of a breast cancer diagnosis.  These efforts continue with 100% of the proceeds going directly to breast cancer patients.To date, no eligible requests have been denied.

Partnering with the social work departments of hospitals in Southeastern Michigan, potential clients are screened and recommended to a committee of the Foundation.  Monetary assistance has been provided for COBRA payments, rent, mortgage payments, food, transportation, utility bills, car repair, and day care. We have expanded our network of hospitals through our connection with area hospital social workers. 

We began small but continued to dream big.  Friends who shared our vision had events that named Shades of Pink Foundation as the beneficiary.  From a private dinner party to a high school football team outfitted in pink to a home holiday party where donations are the holiday gifts, supporters have gathered together creating events for the benefit of the foundation.

As we grew, others joined our pursuits.  Our major fundraising events brought new friends to the table and new board members.  Committees were formed as we rolled up our sleeves to make our fundraising events successful.

We have two major fundraising events yearly.  A Walk at the Zoo, held in April, celebrates breast cancer survivors with a day at the Zoo.  It begins in a festive Big Top Tent and concludes with a 1, 3, and 6 mile walk at the Detroit Zoo.

Our other spring event is a gathering of friends and supporters at a luncheon or other event where we also recognize survivors and create a learning experience about the importance of breast cancer research and treatments, healthy eating, and going ‘green’. 

The foundation will continue to explore ways to share our mission, spread the word, and gather support to fulfill the mission of a foundation that a small group of women created in 2005.