Desert Cancer Foundation Paints El Paseo Pink for annual breast cancer awareness
October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and on Oct. 14 our community came together to once again Paint El Paseo Pink in recognition. This year, the movement was affectionally named “PEPP,” as in “Let’s get PEPP in our step!”
More than 2,500 men, women, children and four-legged friends, including doctors, nurses and survivors, congregated on El Paseo wearing pink to support a common cause, one that unfortunately has touched many of our lives. Cancer takes no prisoners; however, we will continue to fight until one day we have a cancer-free world. But until then the spirit of togetherness, which is displayed annually on El Paseo, gives hope to those suffering and treasures the memories of those lost.
By 7:30 a.m., the street overflowed with pink. Local shop owners had the pink ribbon proudly displayed in their windows, water bowls were set out for our furry friends, music played and booths were set up. And Desert Cancer Foundation (DCF) was once again raising financial support for residents in need because, let’s face it: No one budgets for cancer.
Alison Mayer Sachs from Eisenhower Health addressed the crowd with a heartwarming opening message. Next came event chair Elyssa Goldberg Weintraub, a shop owner on El Paseo for more than 33 years and a proud survivor and thriver. She is also a huge advocate of DCF and the work they do helping people navigate the overwhelming costs of chemotherapy, radiation, out of pocket expenses and to assist those uninsured to get insurance and help with co-pays.
Teams of all sizes from all over the valley banded together, dressed in amazing and creative pink outfits, to show solidarity in the fight to eradicate this sneaky menace, which has interrupted the lives of families all over the globe.
Whitney Alvaroz was seen with her daughter, Taya, and pup Lola, walking for her mother, Maria, who is currently battling the disease. And Denise Dupont, a mother of four and grandmother of two, was among the many who joyfully rang the silver bell to celebrate being at least a five-year survivor.
Few in our valley know this traumatic disease as intimately as Dr. Janet Idhe, a leading breast cancer surgeon at the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional Medical Center, who is herself a cancer survivor. Idhe was on hand with colleagues Danielle DuPont and Jessica Silverman to show support, hugs and to offer words of support and encouragement.
The atmosphere was one of hope and courage, and although the event did not diminish the cause, it was a much needed break from the reality of cancer. This was an event where strangers became instant friends because “pink” is the color of hope, and hope is universal.
Thanks to everyone who donated and participated in this 17th annual event. In a perfect world, we wouldn’t need an 18th.
To donate to Desert Cancer Foundation or to volunteer, visit desertcancerfoundation.org or call (760) 773-6554.
Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman’s weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: DCF Paints El Paseo Pink for annual breast cancer awareness
