Pink Ribbon Trailblazers was founded after Pat Nolf, of Lake Orion, asked her husband Dein a simple question while they were driving in their car.
‘Is there any way we could raise money for St. Joseph Breast Health Care?? They found the answer after Dean read an article about the Polly Ann Trail receiving state funding. ‘Things jump out at you …of course the Polly Ann Trail is P-A-T,? said Dein.
After numerous brainstorming sessions, Pat came up with the Stroll, Ride Run ‘Fun’draiser.
The purpose of the event is to raise money to provide mammograms for undeserved and uninsured women in Oakland County.
The third annual walk, run and bike fund-raising event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12 starting at 8 a.m. People can choose to either do a one-mile walk, a 5k run/walk or a 20-mile bike ride.
The event starts at the Powell Lake Township Park on Pontiac St. behind the Oxford Public Library.
Each participant’s goal should be aimed for $108 dollars, or the cost of one mammogram.
Those who donate will receive a Pink Ribbon t-shirts when they show up to the event.
In addition to the bike runs and walks, there will be 50/50 raffles and a silent auction to raise additional money for the Trailblazers.
Items for the raffle and auction are being donated by local merchants.
Nolf was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. Since then, she has undergone a lumpectomy, mastectomy and staph infections. After making a full recovery, she wanted to figure out a way to give back to St. Joe’s because of the care she received during an 11-day stint there.
Since the inception of the idea in 2007, Pink Ribbon Trailblazers has raised $24,040 dollars, which is enough money to cover 230 mammograms. For every $108 dollars, St. Joe will provide a free mammogram for woman of all ages. The next free screening with be October 18 at the Breast Clinic at St. Joe’s Mercy Oakland. When the phone lines open on October 5, St. Joe’s only has room for 25 slots. The phone lines stay open 24 hours a day until all the spots are filled. The number for St. Joe’s is (800) 372-6094
The money can also be put towards more advanced screenings if needed.
‘If a woman does have a lump or show something, we also pay for the ultrasound,? said Pat. They also follow through and give other options and programs to help the woman.
Pat would like to thank Oxford for all of the support their foundation has received over the years.
‘Oxford has been very open and receptive. Some of the merchants said I could display my pink ribbon trailblazer t-shirt,? Pat said.
They are also letting her display her brochure and poster about the event.
For more information, please visit www.pinkribbontrailblazers.com or contact Pat at 248-693-3182.