Local survivor auctions bust for new cause

The Birmingham Eccentric, October 12, 2006

Everyone deals with the diagnosis and treatment of a disease differently. One local breast cancer patient decided to create an everlasting memory of her body pre-surgery and is now using it to launch a new organization to help cancer patients and their families. Read more...

Breast cancer aid or bust

The Detroit Free Press, October 2, 2006

A breast cancer diagnosis last year changed Molly MacDonald's financial security from comfortable to constant worrying, scraping and borrowing to pay bills. Read more...

METRO VISION HOSTS SHADES FOR PINK EVENT: FASHION WITH A HEART

Birmingham, Michigan, April 13 , 2007... For those with an "eye" for fashion, and a heart for helping others, Metro Vision is proud to announce their participation in Share the Vision, Shades for Pink. The two-day event at their Clinton Township store benefits The Pink Fund, a non-profit organization providing short-term financial aid to breast cancer survivors during treatment and recovery.

Share the Vision, Shades for Pink takes place at Metro Vision during regularly scheduled stores hours on Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28. They are located location. There is no charge to attend. Store hours are insert hours. Metro Vision is located in the Garpointe Plaza at 17 Mile and Garfield. Please call 586 286 7200, or visit www.metrovisiondetroit.com

"Breast cancer has hit our family and our friends," states Mike Licavoli of Metro Vision in Clinton Township, "so we know firsthand how much it can hurt. The Share the Vision – Shades for Pink event lets us help alleviate some of the financial stress associated with breast cancer treatment, and showcase some of the hottest new looks in sunglasses at the same time." On April 27,and April 28th Metro Vision will be hosting a special sale on a fabulous array of designer eyewear, offering the most unique selection of high-fashion eyewear on the East Side at a savings of 20% storewide.

Prada, Versace, BCBG, Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior and an exclusive French eyewear collection will be featured on Friday April 27 between10:00 am and 6 pm and Saturday 10:00 am to 2:00p.m. In addition to Metro Vision’s personalized service and fine attention to quality, visitors to the event can enter a drawing to win a $100 gift certificate for the limited edition Breast Cancer Sunglass from BCBG.

Other participating optical stores include Bayne-Village Optical, Grosse Pointe, Clavenna Vision Institute, Birmingham, DOC, Trenton, Eye Services of Jackson, Heritage Optical, Detroit, Normandy Optical, Eastpointe, Oakland Optometry, Rochester Hills, Opti, Birmingham, OptimEyes of South Lyon, Pointe Vision Care, Grosse Pointe, Shades Optical, Birmingham, Sharper Vision, Canton, Specs Eyewear Studio, Commerce Twp, The Visionary, Allen Park To find out how to participate, contact event Chair Muriel Benedetti at Muriel@ThePinkFund.org

Fashion wise, for spring 2007, nothing is hotter than the color pink. It is therefore fitting that a limited edition pink sunglass debuts in time for the Shades for Pink event. Created by ClearVision Optical, the frames will be available in early April at select area stores. To get photos of the frames, or a list of locations carrying it, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald knew first hand as a women who underwent cancer treatment, that during treatment families are stretched to the breaking point both physically, emotionally and financially. "What I learned from my own situation, and confirmed by other women in treatment, is that the financial fallout from breast cancer causes stress often as devastating as the disease. I founded The Pink Fund to help women in treatment so they could focus their mental and emotional energy on healing and recovery," said MacDonald.

Each participating store makes a contribution to The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid in the form of direct bill payments for breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery that are not able to work or have lost their jobs. The Pink Fund will also assist in steering Pink Fund recipients toward job opportunities once recovery is complete.

CLAVENNA VISION INSTITUTE OF BIRMINGHAM HOSTS SHADES FOR PINK EVENT: FASHION WITH A HEART

Birmingham, Michigan, April 13, 2007... For those with an "eye" for fashion, and a heart for helping others, Clavenna Vision Institute is proud to host Share the Vision, Shades for Pink, at Clavenna Vision Institute and fine optical stores throughout the metro area to raise funds to financially assist breast cancer survivors and their families while showcasing the latest "shades" fashions.

Share the Vision, Shades for Pink takes place at Clavenna Vision Institute during regularly scheduled stores hours on Friday April 27. They are located at 600 S. Adams at the corner of Bowers. Hours are 8:00am to 3:00pm on Friday, April 27th. Store phone is 248-646-3733 and their website is www.clavennaeye.com There is no charge to attend.

Clavenna Vision Institute is proud to be involved in Share the Vision, Shades for Pink Trunk Show. Knowing the eye is the window to one’s state of health, ophthalmologists are often the ones to detect serious health conditions in patients. Says Clavenna Vision Institute’s Kate Seng, "We also witness the physical, mental and financial pain many of our patients face as they combat breast cancer. With a disease that seems to be out of our control and affecting the lives of so many, it is nice to be able to control one single part of the battle".

Clavenna Vision Institute is going above and beyond for Share the Vision, Shades for Pink by contributing 10% of all eyewear sales during the event to the Pink Fund. During the event, complete fashion frame collections from BCBG, Jessica McClintock, Ellen Tracy, Fisher Price, Ocean Pacific, Nautica, Coach and Izod will be showcased.

The Clavenna Vision Institute, as a medical practice, was originally established in 1965 in Birmingham. The practice has been dedicated to providing the highest quality, professional eye care since that time. We believe in offering complete eye care to all of our patients, from eye exams and glasses to the medical and surgical treatment of various ocular conditions and diseases. Both Dr. Carl Clavenna and Dr. Gregory Fitzgerald are graduates of Wayne State University School of Medicine and board certified by the American Board of Ophthalmology.

The Clavenna Vision Institute is one of the few offices that offer state of the art procedures including LASIK, PRK, CK, cataract surgery, and eyelid surgery.

Other participating optical stores include Optimeyes, South Lyon. Specs Eyewear Studio, Commerce Twp. The Visionary, Allen Park. Pointe Vision Care, Grosse Pointe. Metro Vision, Clinton Twp, Eye Services of Jackson, Jackson, Shades Optical and Optik in Birmingham and Heritage Optical, Detroit's first African American owned optical boutique. More outlets are signing up each day. To find out how to participate, contact event Chair Muriel Benedetti at Muriel@ThePinkFund.org

Fashion wise, for spring 2007, nothing is hotter than the color pink. It is therefore fitting that a limited edition pink sunglass debuts in time for the Shades for Pink event. Created by ClearVision Optical, the frames will be available in early April at select area stores. To get photos of the frames, or a list of locations carrying it, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald knew first hand as a women who underwent cancer treatment, that during treatment families are stretched to the breaking point both physically, emotionally and financially. “What I learned from my own situation, and confirmed by other women in treatment, is that the financial fallout from breast cancer causes stress often as devastating as the disease. I founded The Pink Fund to help women in treatment so they could focus their mental and emotional energy on healing and recovery," said MacDonald.

Each participating store makes a contribution to The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid in the form of direct bill payments for breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery that are not able to work or have lost their jobs. The Pink Fund will also assist in steering Pink Fund recipients toward job opportunities once recovery is complete.

OPTIMEYES OF SOUTH LYON HOSTS SHADES FOR PINK EVENT: FASHION WITH A HEART

Birmingham, Michigan, April 2, 2007... For those with an "eye" for fashion, and a heart for helping others Optimeyes of South Lyon, is proud to announce their participation in Share the Vision, Shades for Pink. The two-day event at their South Lyon store benefits The Pink Fund, a non-profit organization providing short-term financial aid to breast cancer survivors during treatment and recovery.

Share the Vision, Shades for Pink takes place at Optimeyes on Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28. They are located 22371 Pontiac Trail, South Lyon, 48178. There is no charge to attend. Store hours are Friday and Saturday 10 am to 3 pm. The phone is (248) 437-7600 and their website is www.drkontry.com.

Optimeyes received the South Lyon Herald's Reader's Choice Award for the best eyecare in 2006. Office Manager Sunny Northrup describes the business as providing, "the gold standard in eyecare, from customer service to the latest technological equipment, state-of-the-art eye examinations, an in-house lab that offers same- or next-day service on eyeglasses, and an extensive selection of designer eyewear, including Oakley, BCBG, Ellen Tracy, Gucci, Valentino, Polo, Kate Spade, Swarovski and Silhouette."

Dr Philip Kontry, specializes in all types of contact lenses, with same-day service available on most prescriptions, pre- and post-laser vision treatment and correction co-management, treatment for eye infections and foreign body removal, and is especially attuned to the needs of his pediatric patients. Homebound patients receive personal visits,

Northrup states why the Share the Vision Shades for Pink event is important to them. "We are participating in the Shades for Pink event because we all have mothers, sisters, daughters, friends and business associates who have been affected by breast cancer. This is just a small part we can do to help offset some of the loss of income. Hopefully, this will be one less thing for survivors to be concerned with, and to know that people do care," said Northrup.

The Optimeyes team commitment runs deep. In addition to a generous donation, they will also be giving 5% of the sales on April 28 to the Pink Fund.

Other participating optical stores include Specs Eyewear Studio, Commerce Twp. The Visionary, Allen Park. Heritage Optical, Detroit. Metro Vision, Clinton Twp, Eye Services of Jackson, Jackson, Shades Optical and Optik in Birmingham, Specs Eyewear Studio in Commerce Township. More outlets are signing up each day. To find out how to participate, contact event Chair Muriel Benedetti at Muriel@ThePinkFund.org. For a complete list of participants and their hours, visit www.thepinkfubd.org

Fashion wise, for spring 2007, nothing is hotter than the color pink. It is therefore fitting that a limited edition pink sunglass debuts in time for the Shades for Pink event. Created by ClearVision Optical, the frames will be available in early April at select area stores. To get photos of the frames, or a list of locations carrying it, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald knew first hand as a women who underwent cancer treatment, that during treatment families are stretched to the breaking point both physically, emotionally and financially. "What I learned from my own situation, and confirmed by other women in treatment, is that the financial fallout from breast cancer causes stress often as devastating as the disease. I founded The Pink Fund to help women in treatment so they could focus their mental and emotional energy on healing and recovery," said MacDonald.

Each participating store makes a contribution to The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid in the form of direct bill payments for breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery that are not able to work or have lost their jobs. The Pink Fund will also assist in steering Pink Fund recipients toward job opportunities once recovery is complete.

HERITAGE OPTICAL OF DETROIT HOSTS SHADES FOR PINK EVENT: FASHION WITH A HEART

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Melissa Bunker (313) 886-9074

Birmingham, Michigan, March 27, 2007Å . For those with an "eye" for fashion, and a heart for helping others, Heritage Optical, Detroit's first African American owned optical boutique, is proud to announce their participation in Share the Vision, Shades for Pink. The two-day event at their Detroit store benefits The Pink Fund, a non-profit organization providing short-term financial aid to breast cancer survivors during treatment and recovery.

Share the Vision, Shades for Pink takes place at Heritage Optical during regularly scheduled stores hours on Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28. They are located on the famous Avenue of Fashion, 19010 Livernois south of 7 Mile Road. There is no charge to attend.

Heritage Optical owner George Barnes says, " We are fortunate that breast cancer awareness has brought attention ad dollars t medical treatment and research, but many families need financial help to make it through. We at Heritage Optical know how important it is for breast cancer patients to focus on healing during recovery. The Pink Fund helps make this possible and we are proud to partner with them in this endeavor."

On Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28, Heritage Optical will hold a sunglass sale with frames from designers such as Versace, Gucci, Cazal, and BCBG. Bares wants Detroiters to get ready for summer sun with designer sunglasses everyone wants at profess the don¹t dare dream of. He asks that everyone demonstrate his or her support of the worthy cause by visiting Heritage Optical at their Avenue of Fashion store.

Barnes concludes, "Not only will you feel good about your support of the Pink Fund, you will look good doing it in sunglasses from Heritage Optical."

Other participating optical stores include Optimeyes, South Lyon. Specs Eyewear Studio, Commerce Twp. The Visionary, Allen Park. Pointe Vision Care, Grosse Pointe, Clavenna Vision Institute of Birmingham, Metro Vision, Clinton Twp, Eye Services of Jackson, Jackson. More outlets are signing up each day. To find out how to participate, contact event Chair Muriel Benedetti at Muriel@ThePinkFund.org

Fashion wise, for spring 2007, nothing is hotter than the color pink. It is therefore fitting that a limited edition pink sunglass debuts in time for the Shades for Pink event. Created by ClearVision Optical, the frames will be available in early April at select area stores. To get photos of the frames, or a list of locations carrying it, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald knew first hand as a women who underwent cancer treatment, that during treatment families are stretched to the breaking point both physically, emotionally and financially. "What I learned from my own situation, and confirmed by other women in treatment, is that the financial fallout from breast cancer causes stress often as devastating as the disease. I founded The Pink Fund to help women in treatment so they could focus their mental and emotional energy on healing and recovery," said MacDonald.

Each participating store makes a contribution to The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid in the form of direct bill payments for breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery that are not able to work or have lost their jobs. The Pink Fund will also assist in steering Pink Fund recipients toward job opportunities once recovery is complete.

For more information including artwork, interviews, and an updated list of participating retailers, contact Melissa Bunker at (313) 886-9074 and visit www.thepinkfund.org.

SHADES FOR PINK EVENT: FASHION WITH A HEART

Birmingham, Michigan, March 14, 2007—Spring sunshine is beginning to warm the earth, brighten our spirits and cast a glare over our eyes. All these make the case for a new pair of shades.

For those with an "eye" for fashion, and a heart for helping others, the Pink Fund has created Shades for Pink. The two-day event takes place at fine optical stores throughout the metro area and raises funds to financially assist breast cancer survivors and their families while showcasing the latest "shades" fashions.

The Shades for Pink event will take place during regularly scheduled stores hours at participating retail outlets on Friday April 27 and Saturday April 28. There is no charge to attend. Events and specials vary at each location.

Participating optical stores include Optimeyes, South Lyon. Specs Eyewear Studio, Commerce Twp. The Visionary, Allen Park. Pointe Vision Care, Grosse Pointe. Metro Vision, Clinton Twp, Eye Services of Jackson, Jackson, Clavenna Vision, Birmingham, and Heritage Optical, Detroit's first African American owned optical boutique.

More outlets are signing up each day. To find out how to participate, contact event Chair Muriel Benedetti at Muriel@ThePinkFund.org

Patrons at any of the stores are invited to try on the hottest new trends in eyewear and eyewear accessories from brands like BCBG, Cinzia, Revolution, iciberlin, Lindberg and the requisite Chanel, Versace, Prada and Gucci. Of course all women and their families should get protective eyewear as part of a broader commitment to health.

Fashion wise, for spring 2007, nothing is hotter than the color pink. It is therefore fitting that a limited edition pink sunglass debuts in time for the Shades for Pink event. Created by ClearVision Optical, the frames will be available in early April at select area stores. To get photos of the frames, or a list of locations carrying it, go to www.thepinkfund.org.

The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald knew first hand as a women who underwent cancer treatment, that during treatment families are stretched to the breaking point both physically, emotionally and financially. "What I learned from my own situation, and confirmed by other women in treatment, is that the financial fallout from breast cancer causes stress often as devastating as the disease. I founded The Pink Fund to help women in treatment so they could focus their mental and emotional energy on healing and recovery," said MacDonald.

Each participating store makes a contribution to The Pink Fund, a non-profit whose mission is to provide short-term financial aid in the form of direct bill payments for breast cancer patients in treatment and recovery that are not able to work or have lost their jobs. The Pink Fund will also assist in steering Pink Fund recipients toward job opportunities once recovery is complete.

For more information including artwork, interviews, and an updated list of participating retailers, contact Melissa Bunker at (313) 886-9074 and visit www.thepinkfund.org.

Two Sisters Gourmet Fundraiser

GROSSE POINTE, Michigan, November 16, 2006: Molly MacDonald and her touring bust "My Winged Victory" are continuing the Bust Stop Tour with a stop in Grosse Pointe on Sunday November 26 at the home of Susan Guleserian.

Guleserian is hosting a Holiday Two Sisters Gourmet Shopping Day on Sunday November 26 from 11-6 pm at her home located at 1022 Yorkshire, Grosse Pointe Park. Proceeds from the sale of Two Sisters Gourmet products will go to the Pink Fund.

The Pink Fund was established by MacDonald to educate the public about the financial impact of the disease, to steer women toward financial assistance and provide job placement support. More information is available at www.thepinkfund.org

Two Sisters Gourmet offers the finest gourmet ingredients from across the United States. They're simple to prepare and enhance any recipe and are designed for multiple applications. Guleserian is one of the top producing consultants in the nation.

BUST STOPS TOUR HITS THE ROAD

BEVERLY HILLS, Michigan, November 1, 2006: Breast Cancer Awareness Month may be over, but every three minutes another US woman receives a diagnosis of cancer and her life starts changing forever.

One survivor is taking her message about breast cancer's financial impacts "on the road" with an interesting traveling companion, a plaster bust of herself before her cancer surgery. Molly MacDonald, founder of The Punk Fund created the bust for a variety of reasons but never thought she would be accepting invites for it.

Such was the case when the officials from Wayne State University Women's Hockey Skate for the Cure extended an invite for Molly and her bust, named "My Winged Victory" to be part of their Skate for the Cure Event. Skate for the Cure is the culmination of a month-long campaign by the Wayne State Women's Hockey Program to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support within the WSU community. Other requests came in and the Bust Stops Tour was born.

The tour was designed to create awareness and thereby educate the public about potential financial ramifications of a breast cancer diagnosis on patients and their families.

The bust will begin a travel schedule with its first stop Friday, November 10th at Wayne Sate University Women's Hockey Skate for the Cure Initiative. On December 13 from 8 - 9 a.m. My Winged Victory and Molly MacDonald will be featured on Metro Chick radio, WNZK 690 am. In January, Women's Lifestyle Detroit will feature "My Winged Victory" and Molly's story.

Of course cancer waits for no invitation. Thankfully there have been millions of dollars invested in breast cancer for early detection, research and in programs for the medically under served. These programs have resulted in millions of women and men scheduling and receiving annual mammograms and, when medically necessary, treatment.

MacDonald found that there was another foe during treatment and recovery. Financial freefall. The Pink Fund was created to assist women and their families deal with the financial implications of months of treatment.

The Pink Fund encourages organizations to invite "My Winged Victory" and Molly MacDonald to their meetings and events. To schedule your personal Bust Stop, please contact The Pink Fund and send an email with the subject line "My Bust Stop." There is no charge for this service. Donations to The Pink Fund are always appreciated.