What happens when you paint a pumpkin pink?
Well, you support mammography at St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital.
This is the third year of the pink pumpkin promotion for breast cancer awareness and Shannon Wise, marketing and communications specialist at the hospital foundation explains the motivation.
Nicole’s friend Marnie Johnstone received a diagnosis of breast cancer, caught early because of a screening procedure.
You can read Marnie’s story below.
Three hundred pink pumpkins will be sold over the weekend with the goal of raising $5,000 to support mammography in the Diagnostic Imaging Unit at the hospital.
It’s a no-brainer says Wise.
It’s amazing how far $10 can go adds Wise.
Two hundred pink pumpkins will be on sale for $10 each (cash only) on Saturday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Geerlinks Home Hardware, 295 Wellington St, St Thomas.
Another 100 pumpkins will be on sale for $10 each (cash only) on Sunday from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Fire Hall Market, 218 Joseph St, Port Stanley.
Here is Marnie Johnstone’s story:
In May 2019, at age 47, I received a call from my doctor ‘you have breast cancer’. A conversation that took some time to sink in, and at times, still feels surreal.
Thankfully, I had been going for regular mammograms for a few years and it was that last one that led to further testing. Since diagnosis I have attended over 60 appointments between LHSC and STEGH for surgeries, port-a-cath placement & removal, scans, echocardiograms, bloodwork, chemotherapy and follow-up appointments.
I had never relied on medical care like I did during this time and had no idea all the services STEGH provided, including an amazing Breast Care and Chemotherapy Unit. I was always met with friendly caring faces who provided treatment in the most comforting atmosphere possible.
I continue to have annual follow-up appointments and several years taking a preventative drug but am happy to show no evidence of cancer. During this journey, I was fortunate to be surrounded, supported and treated by amazing family, friends and medical professionals.
So thankful to have STEGH in our community!
Written by Ian McCallum
