Matthew Kirtland said after his parents passed away and his dad's Oncology center was closed that folks don't realize the foundation is still there and still looking to help. Kirtland is the son of the late Howard and Barbara Kirtland, who started the foundation in order to help area residents who are battling cancer. "Sometimes some one needs a little gas money," Kirtland said, "Sometimes they need a lot more, but we're looking for people who might need help."
So events like the "Pink Splash for a Cure"Tuesday in Fountain Park are a big deal to let people know the work of the foundation is still there to help others. He said "we can't help if people don't ask."
The event also illustrates the importance of people coming together to support each other in a common cause.
October is national breast cancer awareness month and the annual "Pink Slash" kicks off the month and by adding the pinkish die to the fountain's water they hope the pink water coming from the fountain reminds people everyday of the terrible infliction cancer is on the individual and their families.
So events like the "Pink Splash for a Cure"Tuesday in Fountain Park are a big deal to let people know the work of the foundation is still there to help others. He said "we can't help if people don't ask."
The event also illustrates the importance of people coming together to support each other in a common cause.
October is national breast cancer awareness month and the annual "Pink Slash" kicks off the month and by adding the pinkish die to the fountain's water they hope the pink water coming from the fountain reminds people everyday of the terrible infliction cancer is on the individual and their families.
Keynote speaker Dr. Shannon Penland, a medical oncologist at the Hillman Institute at UPMC Northwest, is a breast cancer survivor herself. She said the advancements in drug treatments are amazing and the death rate for breast cancer is down from years ago.
She said it is encouraging that they are finding more and more ways to treat patiants and helping in their treatment. She also spoke about the support of each person battling cancer saying that a survivor is everyone passed diagnosis that is with us is a survior
She said it is encouraging that they are finding more and more ways to treat patiants and helping in their treatment. She also spoke about the support of each person battling cancer saying that a survivor is everyone passed diagnosis that is with us is a survior
That is a reason to celebrate and support one another.
More than 100 attended the annual event, but many others supported through basket raffles, t-shirt sales and other donations.
More than 100 attended the annual event, but many others supported through basket raffles, t-shirt sales and other donations.
The fountain in West Park will be running pink throughout the month.
Learn more about the Kirtland Cancer Foundation and how you can help your neighbor during a difficult time in their life at https://www.kirtlandcancerfoundation.org/support-the-cause
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