Ford Warriors in Pink: Creating More Good Days For Those Touched By Breast Cancer
Terri Marshall
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Breast Cancer is Personal for Many of Us.
Five years ago on September 24, 2011, the weather in Chicago was chilly and damp. Despite the gloomy weather, the spirit of Carolyn Marshall was anything but damp as she crossed the finish line of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer 5K Walk hand-in-hand with her great-granddaughter, Katherine, who was 3 years old at the time. At 70 years old, Carolyn was celebrating a milestone birthday but more importantly, she was celebrating her 25th year as a breast cancer survivor.
Carolyn is my mother (or “Mama” as we say in the South) and the whole family was with her that day as she crossed the finish line. And I’m happy to report that we just celebrated her 75th birthday and 30 years as a breast cancer survivor.
My mother is just one of thousands of women and men who have fought breast cancer. Some won. Sadly, others including our friend and colleague Holly Reich, lost the battle. But all displayed courage as they fought the fight. As October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, AGirlsGuidetoCars wants to take this opportunity to talk about those who offer support to the women and men battling breast cancer.
Ford Warriors in Pink scarve. Photo: Ford Warriors in Pink
Ford Is Fighting the Fight Alongside Breast Cancer Patients
Ford Motor Company has been active in the fight against breast cancer since 1993. Over the past 22 years Ford has dedicated $130 million dollars to the fight against breast cancer. Over a decade ago, Ford created Ford Warriors in Pink to bring the breast cancer community together and support those who embody courage, commitment and hope in the fight. Ford developed a line of clothing and gear from which 100% of the net proceeds go to breast cancer charities.
By continually asking, “What more can we do?” Ford Warriors in Pink has evolved into a long-standing program that helps thousands of patients, survivors and co-survivors affected by the disease each year.
This year, Ford Warriors in Pink is showing its dedication to everyone touched by breast cancer by creating an army of warriors in select cities across the country. They’re called Models of Courage (MOCs). And they are patients, survivors, thrivers and co-survivors ready to help empower those currently in the fight.
Not only will Ford’s MOCs help raise awareness and funds for the cause, they’ll also help bring good days to those in the breast cancer community. Anyone touched by breast cancer knows bad days are far too common. Breast cancer patients and survivors count on their good days to help them fight through the tough ones.
Warriors in Pink Models of Courage working for More Good Days. Photo: Ford Warriors in Pink
Help Create More Good Days for Breast Cancer Patients
Ford has designed a program to empower breast cancer patients, survivors, co-survivors and caregivers with tips, tools and resources. Here are a few simple tips to help those touched by breast cancer find #moregooddays:
- Send fun-loving texts. A simple “XOXOXO” will do. Or mail a postcard
- Plan a girls’ night in with your friend’s favorite food, drinks and movies the day before a treatment to help her temporarily forget what lies ahead
- Organize a meal
- Take her for a walk
- Dance with her
- Take a Leap of Faith: try something new, exciting or thrilling with her
Ford Warriors in Pink Model of Courage, Camari Olson, took a real leap of faith when her friend encouraged her to try skydiving. A friend told her, “I know it’s scary, but we can do it.” Afterward, the two felt like they had triumphed over something together. Then they tried bungee jumping! Camari says she went into treatment the very next day with an “I can do this” attitude.
Dancing for More Good Days. Photo: Ford Warriors in Pink
Supporting Those Touched by Breast Cancer all Year Long
As we focus on breast cancer awareness in October, it’s important to remember that this is an everyday battle. Warriors in Pink is dedicated to fueling the spirit of those living with the disease 365 days a year. Let’s join them in creating more good days for everyone touched by breast cancer.
Meet the Models of Courage and find more details on Ford’s Warriors in Pink program here.
The Ford Edge dressed for the occasion in a Warriors in Pink scarf. Photo: Scotty Reiss
