tops cares: Twisted Pink

TOPS CARES:

Twisted Pink

BY KATHIE STAMPS PHOTOS BY DICK ARNSPIGER

Support. Research. Hope. These three words describe and defi ne Twisted Pink, the Louisville-based nonprofi t organization that supports research for metastatic breast cancer “to target the disease not only here in Louisville but across the country,” said Caroline Johnson, founder and executive director. “Hope comes in many forms and the mission of Twisted Pink is to provide hope and connection to people living with metastatic breast cancer (stage IV) by funding bold breakthroughs in research and awareness of the disease.

Caroline founded the organization in June 2014 and since that time, Twisted Pink has supported this important research with over $1.3 million. “Researchers have to fi nd funding to support their ideas and we are literally giving them the seeds to grow their ideas into something impactful for patients. This is hope!” Caroline said.

One in 8 women will develop breast cancer in a lifetime and 20% to 30% of people with a breast cancer diagnosis will have a recurrence of metastatic breast cancer, which is when cancer spreads beyond the breast to other organs and there is no cure. “It is estimated that only 7% of all research funding to breast cancer supports metastatic breast cancer research and this is simply not enough,” said Caroline.

In addition to funding research, Twisted Pink also helps individuals directly. Last year the organization started a program called Box of Hope. Each box is fi lled with health and beauty items to help survivors and patients feel supported, following what are often expensive treatments after a breast cancer diagnosis. One Box of Hope is available per breast cancer patient/survivor in each calendar year. The program is made possible through a collaboration between Twisted Pink and the United Breast Cancer Foundation, who provides in-kind product support. “We also receive grants to help cover the cost of shipping and handling. We rely heavily on volunteers to help with this well received patient program.”

Caroline (Founder and Executive Director, Twisted Pink) and Mike Johnson at the 2021 Twisted Pink event

2021 Twisted Pink attendees

One patient named Dru shared with the organization that she had been struggling but the Box of Hope “inspired me to get up, get showered and get 'ready' to face my day. The thought of trying out some 'new to me' cosmetic lines was so fantastically fun! And the socks! LOVE. THEM. I have been living with MBC for 3 years. My side effects and treatment strategy are keeping me stable for the time. Still, some days are harder than others emotionally and the box was just what I needed to remind myself I can (I must!) keep going.”

Twisted Pink is pleased that so many members of the community are stepping up to support the organization and its mission of funding research for MBC, metastatic breast cancer. The Hillbilly Coalition’s 20th annual Hillbilly Outfi eld Derby Event, May 6-7, is donating all net proceeds to Twisted Pink.

Caroline and Mike Johnson (courtesy photo)

Twisted Pink’s own annual fundraiser, “An Evening Inspired Gala” is Saturday, July 16 at Churchill Downs.

“This is an evening of hope and inspiration bringing over 400 people from our community and surrounding states together as we raise funding to support our mission,” said Caroline. The event will feature dinner, dancing, a silent auction and live auction, wheel of chance, a bourbon pull, and dancing to live music from the band Soul

Circus. This year the United Breast Cancer Foundation is the organization’s Title Patient Sponsor, covering the cost of 16 patients and a guest to attend the gala, and supporting other educational events throughout the year. “The United Breast Cancer Foundation has been a huge support to Twisted Pink and our mission and we are so thankful,”

Caroline said. Other sponsors include UofL Health, Baptist Health, Ad Cucina, Churchill Downs, WLKY and the magazine you are reading right now, TOPS Louisville.

Caroline says that what Twisted Pink is trying to accomplish can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. “But each time I am ready to quit, I receive a message or letter like the one below and know that what we are doing matters.”

Dr. Robert Alderman of Carmel, Indiana, wrote to Caroline about his wife. “If it wasn’t for an organization like Twisted Pink, Jenny may not have lived anywhere close to another 12 years. Without dollars being funded towards research which is earmarked for metastatic disease, Jenny and many other women and men like her, would have no hope. Thank you!” 

When you are ready to volunteer and support Twisted Pink, visit twistedpink.org.

SPONSORED BY LG&E