Pink Lemonade Project Is Set To Celebrate Its 15th Anniversary At The Pink Glow Crystal Ball! -05/16/25
Vancouver, WA – Pink Lemonade Project will bring together 650 healthcare and business leaders, community members, and elected officials to celebrate 15 years of education, empowerment, and support for people affected by breast cancer across SW Washington and Oregon.
Today, one in seven women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the Northwest. Pink Lemonade Program began with a dream, a lot of passion, and a small group of founders led by local physicians, Drs. Allen and Cassie Gabriel. Starting with one program called Revive Retreats for women following a breast cancer diagnosis, this program provided emotional healing, an opportunity to build a new community, and offered hope and resilience. Today, Pink Lemonade Project offers a full continuum of care before, during, and after a diagnosis.
“There is very troubling data in breast cancer this year. 2025 projections place the Oregon screening rate at 65 percent – the bottom half of ALL states, and the Washington screening rate at 63 percent – the bottom quarter. And new breast cancer diagnoses are increasing for women under the recommended age of 40,” said Susan Stearns, Chief Executive Officer.
The gala event will highlight Pink Lemonade Project’s humble beginning, the major growth across programs and services over the past few years, and their plans for the next 15 years. “The needs have never been greater than today. We are expanding community and healthcare partnerships to increase screening rates, expand access to survivorship support, and improve quality of life,” said Susan Stearns, Chief Executive Officer.
“The Cowlitz Indian Tribe, Cowlitz Tribal Foundation, and ilani are proud to prioritize support to social service organizations, like Pink Lemonade Project, that provide basic needs and a safety net for the vulnerable individuals and communities. Pink Lemonade Project’s programs close the gaps for individuals affected by breast cancer before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis with educational, financial, and psychological support for those walking through their cancer journey with their caregivers and families,” says Kara Fox-LaRose, President & General Manager, ilani.
“There is no time to waste in reversing these disturbing trends facing breast cancer communities across 42 counties we serve in SW Washington and Oregon. We must come together to work on what’s facing breast cancer patients today and beyond,” said Stearns.
The event has a big fundraising goal, and activities will include a raffle, silent and live auctions, dinner and drinks, a dessert dash, a performance by a quartet from the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, and a story about a breast cancer patient diagnosed at the age of 26.
The event, on Saturday, May 17, at 6 p.m. in Ridgefield, Washington, is presented by Taylor Transport and hosted by the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, ilani Casino Resort, and the Cowlitz Tribal Foundation.
About Pink Lemonade Project
Pink Lemonade Project (PLP), founded in 2010 by Drs. Allen and Cassie Gabriel, was created to educate, empower, and support people affected by breast cancer. Its first program, Revive Retreats, served 40 people in the initial year. In 2024, PLP helped improve the lives of 4,226 people across SW Washington and Oregon who have been impacted by breast cancer, a 32% increase from 2023. PLP offers community education/outreach, retreats, screening/mammograms, financial aid, Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer series, Pink Peer Mentors, virtual/in-person education programs, fitness activities, support groups, and more. Learn more at pinklemonadeproject.org.
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