Pink Ribbon People

Marty Mullnix, although never having breast cancer, is a big supporter for those who have it and participates in many Pink Ribbon events. Along with the Beyond Pink Team, Mullnix has been a part of the Pink Ribbon Run, numerous “Pink-Out” matches for local sports teams and many more. When thinking about “Pink Ribbon Month,” Mulnix said many people come to mind. What really gets to her is that the women being diagnosed are young women, not older. “The individuals that get it aren’t among the norm. It’s the young mothers. It just doesn’t seem right. We need to do more,” Mullnix said.

Gabbi Dewitt, Cedar Falls mother, has been a part of the Beyond Pink Team for 15 years. As a part of her job, Dewitt helps people access funds when they are diagnosed and also gives mammograms. Dewitt is a also a big part of the annual Pink Ribbon Run, which helps raise money for breast cancer. She said that a big part of it is just getting the word out and educating people about breast cancer. Dewitt said, in her profession, she meets about five women who have been diagnosed each year. “I think about it (cancer) in two ways: One is comradery. The support and sisterhood. The community, the state, the nation. The second is that people wear pink because it’s our nature to want to support breast cancer. If I had breast cancer, and I saw a football team on TV wearing pink, I think about how it would make me feel,” Dewitt said.

Angie Hamilton, breast cancer survivor, has been cancer free for seven years. Hamilton said what got her through her tough battle with cancer was her family, her friends and her faith. “I had a really good support system,” Hamilton said. To this day, Hamilton helps others who have been in her shoes by writing thoughtful letters, participating in various walks and runs, and being a big part of the Beyond Pink Team. In battling cancer, Hamilton said that one of the words that really helped her get through was “believe.” “I had to wake up every morning and believe that today is gonna be a good day,” Hamilton said. She said this word along with her supportive family, friends and the Beyond Pink Team is what got her where she is today. Cancer free.

Adel Kessler, breast cancer survivor, has been cancer free for over 13 years. “Every day, week, month you can add on makes a huge difference for someone who is a survivor,” Kessler said. When battling breast cancer, Kessler had many people who guided her through her journey. “My husband was my bestie when I went through this very intensely,” she said. “I also had very supportive friends. My dad was also very encouraging and my friend Margaret. We are all in this together. I got lots of cards, and my husband, Tom, put them into a scrapbook for me because it was something he could do, and I think it also helped him cope.” When thinking of Pink Ribbon Month, Kessler has many activities and events that come to mind. The one that strikes her the most is the Pink Ribbon Run and how she participates in it in various ways. She loves encouraging people, especially ones just starting their journey with breast cancer. “Wearing my beads for 13 years, one strand for each year, can encourage those who are just starting this journey,” Kessler said. Through quarterly meetings and encouraging many people at the events she has volunteered at, Kessler said that she has made many friends along her journey with the Beyond Pink Team. “I am so very thankful for anything that anyone does to help find the cure,” Kessler said.

This group started out 28 years ago as a support group for women battling breast cancer. They spread awareness of mammograms and offer a support group to women with breast cancer so they can chat with other ladies dealing with the same thing they are. It is a totally volunteer based organization that because of the community’s support has grown to become increasingly influential. Formally called the Cedar Valley Cancer Committee, the Beyond Pink Team switched its name because of “it’s Beyond Pink trinkets to tell people how to prevent cancer and help these ladies,” Mullnix said. It’s about educating ladies to get mammograms and raising money for those in need of support. This organization is more than just a pink ribbon; it’s about helping families affected by breast cancer and educating people to get mammograms done so they can prevent breast cancer sooner.