In 2007 the Devils Ridge Ladies Golf Association decided to allocate the proceeds from its annual charity golf tournament to a small, local group supporting local women who are underinsured and fighting breast cancer. LGA member Anne Winters found that local merchants she canvassed were very generous and enthusiastic in their support because the funds raised would be helping “neighbors”.

Three years later, Anne and her husband Mike were devastated when breast cancer claimed the life of their daughter.

As a result of this tragic loss, Mike’s law firm, Ellis and Winters, with offices in Cary and Greensboro, became more aware of the toll of breast cancer and mobilized to help the family. This year, Ellis and Winters is one of two primary sponsors of the Pretty in Pink charity golf tournament to be held on June 17. In a recent interview, Mike Winters stated, “As a corporate citizen, the firm wants to be involved”.

The firm has made a significant effort in the battle against breast cancer through its support of both the Pretty in Pink Foundation as well as the Susan G. Komen Foundation. The firm is a gold sponsor ($10,000) of the Komen Foundation and contributes at the same level to the Pretty in Pink Foundation.

Anne and Mike Winters are grateful to the seventeen partners of the firm for all their support.

Last year, Ellis and Winters sponsored a team in the Race for the Cure. The team counted 260 members and was the largest of the small business teams and was the second largest fund-raising team. Kristi’s Krew will participate again this year. Some team members will walk while others will run, but each team member will wear a tee shirt with Kristi’s picture on the back. One of the firm’s paralegals organizes the team with team members coming from as far away as Texas and California. According to Mike Winters, “When Kristi got sick it caused people in the firm to want to do something. Kristi’s story has motivated many folks to support research”.

Whether the event is a 25,000 person race or a golf tournament of 144, the goal is the same: to promote awareness of breast cancer and then to help those women (and men) who are fighting the disease. The Winters like “the personal touch” that Pretty in Pink provides for its patients. Pretty in Pink feels more tangible because it’s local.

Deeply religious, the Winters state, “We couldn’t have made it without our faith. God doesn’t promise we won’t have tough times, but He does promise that He will help us through them. We were the recipients of so many people doing nice things for us. We can’t get Kristi back, but maybe we can help others”. The Winters are willing to speak with anyone who needs hope and comfort. They may be contacted at home or through their church, Colonial Baptist Church in Cary.

Pretty in Pink Foundation is committed to providing life saving treatment and surgical options through a network of healthcare professional who understand and support the need for affordable and accessible breast cancer treatment choices. Fighting breast cancer is tough. The process of managing breast cancer treatment includes the careful coordination of medical professionals, surgeons, hospitals, oncologists and radiation oncologists. To make managing care a little easier for the patient, Pretty in Pink is adding a patient navigator to its staff. Pretty in Pink strives to make the financial hardships of paying for quality care a little less stressful.

The goal of the charity golf tournament is not only to raise funds for Pretty in Pink but also to raise awareness of the options for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The golf tournament is sold out, but if you’d like to contribute to Pretty in Pink there are several ways to help. If you or your business would like to “pay it forward”, please contact Margi Ludwig, this year’s tournament chairperson, at margiludwig@yahoo.com. We are still accepting hole sponsors at $100 each, or other sponsorships at higher levels. We would also welcome gift certificates from your business.

You may also attend a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar in Fuquay-Varina (1480 North Main Street) on Saturday, June12, from 7:30am to 10am. LGA members will greet, seat, serve, and bus tables. Tickets are $7 each and Pretty in Pink will get $5 for each ticket purchased. For advance ticket sales call Cindy Ostman at 557-5228 or email your requests to costman@embarqmail.com Plan now to join us for breakfast as we raise funds for women with breast cancer. As a registered 501© (3) charitable organization, all monies or goods donated to the Pretty in Pink Foundation are tax deductible.

Funds received by the Pretty in Pink Foundation go directly and immediately to local patients to help them in their battles against the disease that has touched so many.