Pink Trailblazers September 11 event to fund breast health services at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland

Patricia Nolf, Chair of the Pink Ribbon Trailblazers.

The Pink Ribbon Trailblazers are gearing up for their 4th Annual Stroll Ride, Run "Fun"draiser on September 11, 2010.

Last year, more than 100 participants strolled, walked, ran, or rode their bicycles on the second Saturday in September. They raised $18,000 for St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Breast Health Services.

The Pink Ribbon Trailblazers will fund a total of four free breast heath clinics in 2010. Along with a free mammogram, uninsured women also receive a free screening by Dr. Amy Kirby, breast surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland. The organization also pays for an ultrasound, if needed. No one who has registered is turned away. If a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the hospital arranges for treatment.

In the past three years, Pink Ribbon Trailblazers have donated $42,840 to free clinics.

"I'll share with you a true story from our last clinic the day before Mother's Day," said chairperson Patricia Nolf. "A woman came up to me after seeing Dr. Amy Kirby, gave me a big hug and said, 'You have given me the best Mother's Day present I could ever have.'."

This year's event will include a silent auction, Chinese auction and a 50/50 raffle, with prizes donated by local businesses. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the short ceremony begins at 9 a.m. For more information or to get involved, visit pinkribbontrailblazers.com.