Sanford Lab community raises $4,000 for local breast cancer patients

This October, giant pink ribbons beamed from the Yates and Ross Headframes at Sanford Underground Research Facility (Sanford Lab). It was Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and below the illuminated ribbons, the Sanford Lab team was giving to those in their community who were in the midst of the fight against breast cancer. 

In 2020, the third-annual Sanford Lab Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign raised a total of $4,000 for the Lead-Deadwood Foundation for Health. The South Dakota Science and Technology Authority donated a $1,000 match during the campaign. The Sanford Lab campaign also included a "Go pink!" awareness initiative and an educational webinar for employees.

"I am overwhelmed by this number," said Laurie Wince, director of the Foundation for Health. "I can't express how much strength has come from the commitment that Sanford Lab has made for the community, for the people that need this support. And you never know how far it goes—that's the part that always amazes me."  

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to our Foundation for Health fundraiser," said Mike Headley, executive director of Sanford Lab. "It’s great to see the Sanford Lab team step up again with strong support for those battling breast cancer.”

While the Foundation for Health drives many initiatives for health, safety and personal needs in the Northern Hills community, all funds raised in the name of breast cancer, or the "pink bubble," go directly to helping local breast cancer patients overcome barriers to their care.

The Foundation for Health’s pink bubble bridges daily living costs for breast cancer patients that aren’t addressed by medical insurance. These include transportation to and from treatments, travel and lodging for the patient and their families, and lymphedema compression sleeves. Funds are also used for nutrition, pre- and post-testing and education. 

“One thing I want to emphasize is that the funds from this campaign stay local,” Wince said. Patients eligible for these funds live primarily in Lead and Deadwood, with a few in the greater Northern Hills. 

Despite successful fundraisers early this year, such as the “Tough Enough to Wear Pink” campaign during the Days of ’76 Rodeo, the Foundation for Health was in need of additional funds. This donation from Sanford Lab, said Wince, will go a long way to help local breast cancer patients receive care during the COVID-19 pandemic.  

When giving, people were given the option to share their reason for contributing. Here are some of the responses: 

“We know family and friends who have had breast cancer—survivors and those who have unfortunately died from the disease. Medical costs associated with treatment are expensive, and we recognize daily living cost for cancer patients are not addressed by medical insurance. This is our small effort to support the local Foundation for Health and all they do!"

 

“My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. Suddenly, the ‘1 in 8 women’ statistic falls away, and it’s someone you love fighting this disease.”

 

“In memory of my friend Jodi.”

 

“My mother and one sister have both fought breast cancer and won. This fight is personal for us.”

 

“Community support makes a difference for every, single person who is fighting the fight. Thank you, Foundation for Health!”

 

“In honor of my friend, Lisa."

 

“We’ve got to meet this goal!"

 

“It’s a good cause.” 

 

“Because about 1 in 8 U.S. women (about 12%) will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime.”

The Foundation for Health provides for multiple wellness initiatives in the area. These include funds to help the hospital purchase an ambulance; helmets for kids participating in ski programs; flu shots for non-profit children’s care organizations; and wheelchairs for business to offer to their patrons. To learn more about Foundation for Health, visit their website.