WORCESTER—When Michelle Power established the Worcester nonprofit Pawsitively 4 Pink in 2018 to benefit breast cancer patients, she did so with life experiences as inspiration.
Power’s aunt had breast cancer as did her foster mother three times. Not only that, but her grandmother died from the condition and she also watched her best friend since the 8th grade battle the disease.
Feeling that resources given to patients were often limited, Power sought to offer long-term support to uplift low-income and underserved women in Massachusetts.
She said to herself, “I think I can do this and make an impact,” by providing comprehensive financial and emotional support. What makes the nonprofit unique is that it helps breast cancer patients, from diagnosis to recovery and beyond.
“We’ve helped women six months after treatment because many bills come in after the fact,” Power said. “They need time to get back to work, get their feet on the ground…That is important.”
Pawsitively 4 Pink is also different from many other charities for this cause in that it assists women in need with grants no matter what type of treatment they choose to pursue—including holistic measures.
“We support every woman’s decision on her path to healing and recovery,” she said.
Power explained that the organization receives referrals from the American Cancer Society, Dana Farber, UMass Healthcare, hospitals and other agencies. It grants funds to 25 to 50 women per year, depending on available resources.
A long-time psychotherapist in Worcester County, Power said she understands first-hand what it is like to feel stigmatized and embarrassed by financial challenges, having grown up in a low-income situation.
“There is shame and guilt being looked at in that way,” she said.
Patricia Collins is one recipient of the nonprofit’s generosity.
When she heard she would get aid, Collins recalled “falling to her knees” while standing in line for food donations.
“It meant so much to me,” Collins said.
Kathy Chapman, who is the nonprofit’s president, was acquainted with Collins and learned about her diagnosis via Facebook. She reached out to Collins’ daughter and was able to connect her with the organization.
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It’s unbelievable what they do,” Collins said. “They helped with my mortgage and for anybody, help take care of your highest bill.”
As to what she would say to a woman with breast cancer who may be hesitant to seek assistance, Collins replied, “Bite the bullet and do it. Swallow your pride and take the stress off yourself.”
She added, “I am beyond grateful to Pawsitively 4 Pink. We became a community.”
Pawsitively 4 Pink wants patients to focus on themselves and their recovery and not spend time worrying about finances and keeping a roof over their heads, Chapman noted.
Once an applicant’s income has been verified to meet federal and state guidelines, Power talks with each woman to assess her most pressing need. Ninety-nine percent of the time, Power said, paying rent or mortgages is where the money gets channeled.
Other needs could be paying for car insurance or repairs, utilities and other necessities—lasting anywhere from one to six months and even up to three years, she said.
As for the canine pawsitively of it all, Power noted the nonprofit initially trained rescue dogs to be means of support and placed with breast cancer survivors and their families.
Currently, they are supporting one service dog to assist someone with breast cancer and appear at events and visits to medical units.
Fundraising events are key to the nonprofit’s survival. An annual golf tournament brings in $50,000 to $75,000. They also hold a meat raffle, casino night and this past spring, had cornhole and pickleball tournaments, to name a few examples.
Chapman organizes and serves as point person at these events and said that local businesses have been generous donating raffle prizes and fundraising at their own locations, “some without us even having to ask.”
Chapman and the nonprofit were honored by Country Bank and the Woosox Foundation as one of their 2024 “Woostars,” at an August ceremony.
The next major event, a Taylor Nation Tribute Band concert, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at SAC Park in Shrewsbury. Tickets are limited and can be purchased online.
On Sunday, October 22, beginning at Noon will be a combination of Breast Cancer Awareness and a fall vendor fair. The 3rd annual Feel Good Fall Festival will be held at Brickstone Kitchen in Sutton. The money raised will be split between Dana Farber and Pawsitively 4 Pink.
Power’s childhood best friend (mentioned earlier) passed away from breast cancer two months ago. Her death has given the founder renewed inspiration for her work. “Losing her gives me so much motivation to continue on,” she said.
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