SEYMOUR, Conn. (WTNH) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the fight against the disease is bringing an entire town together right here in Connecticut.
Seymour Pink is the community’s fight against breast cancer. It is raising money to help patients in Seymour and the surrounding area. If you drive through Seymour you’ll notice lots of pink. Pink banners line the streets, 150 in all. They honor someone who has battled cancer and they stay up all month long.
“I know my mother’s banner is hanging and it’s very special to see her name in print. It’s like she’s still here with me,” said Mary Deming, Founder and President of Seymour Pink.
Deming joined the fight against breast cancer after her mother battled the disease. She wanted to raise as much money as possible, and the Seymour community got behind her. Seymour Pink – the community’s fight against breast cancer – began. Nearly all of the money raised goes to help patients financially so they can focus on getting better. Deming says they’ve gotten some moving thank you notes from some of the people they’ve helped.
“[A] woman wrote thank you Seymour Pink for helping pay these bills. Because of you I’ve chosen to fight one more day,” Deming said.
The organization has a store in Seymour with pink ribbon themed clothing, jewelry and comfort baskets for patients. It is open three days a week. Volunteers help customers and keep the shelves stocked. The hope is that soon people will be able to buy a Seymour Pink license plate to raise awareness.
“There are specialty license plates in the State of Connecticut such as for veterans or for firemen but there has not been one at all recognizing breast cancer,” said State Representative Theresa Conroy.
Pictures from Seymour Pink’s fundraising events, like the organization’s 5K and golf tournament, hang on the shop’s walls, along with photos of survivors. These events bring the community together and raise thousands of dollars.
“I went home after the walk and I sat down and cried,” said volunteer Donna Sorensen. “It’s just so emotional. It’s one of the best feelings in the world.”
That’s why volunteers and the Seymour community keep the organization going. The store isn’t just open during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is open all year long.
“You can’t help but when you walk in here feel positive,” said Deming. “You feel hope, and that’s what this is all about.”
Volunteers are hoping the license plates will be available in the next few months. It will depend on how many people apply for them. For more information on the license plates visit the Seymour Pink website.
