Ann Peters, Founder/President Pink Ribbon Society
Founder and President, Ann Peters, established the Pink Ribbon Society in 2001. At the time the Pink Ribbon was created, Ann was a 26-year breast cancer survivor. Having experienced the diagnosis of breast cancer and a year’s chemotherapy as well as breast reconstruction, she understood the fear of breast cancer and the uncertainty of her future.
Only 33 at the time of her diagnosis, Ann was married and had two small children. She understood that she might not live long enough to watch her children grow, graduate from high school or watch them walk down the aisle at their weddings. Or even worse, never become a grandmother.
Fortunately, God heard Ann’s prayers and blessed her with a beautiful family that include a hubby of 48 years, two beautiful children, Brian (wife Natalie), Christine (husband Bill) and four beautiful grandchildren, Taylor, Savanna, Benjamin and Shelbi. Proof that there is life after breast cancer.
Having survived the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer, she began to think of a way she could help others whose lives have been touched by the disease. For years, she thought of organizing what would ultimately become the Pink Ribbon Society.
Today, as a 43-year survivor, Ann has achieved her goal. She recruited the best of the best volunteers in the community to help her forge one of the most successful breast cancer support organizations in the area.
The Pink Ribbon Society serves men and women in Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton Counties in Northwest Indiana. It has always been important to the organization that the funds raised are dedicated to the local community supporting both individuals and other local breast cancer organizations.
When the Pink Ribbon Society was first organized, a determination was made that we would keep all of the funds we raise in our local community to support the men and women of Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton counties whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Of course, we’re grateful for the organizations and businesses who help raise funds to support breast cancer research. We are eternally hopeful that a cure for breast cancer will be found any day.
However, we are very aware of the immediate needs of those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer right here and right now, in our own back yards. Mammograms, prosthesis, wigs and support of many other kinds are needed today!
We are very proud of the choice we have made to keep the needs of our local community close to our hearts and we promise that this will be the direction we will continue to take.
Through fund raising efforts, since its inception in 2001, the Pink Ribbon has donated over $600,000 to the men, women and various other cancer support organizations in our community.
These funds help to underwrite a variety of Pink Ribbon projects including the wig reimbursement program, Indiana Women In Need, the State of Indiana’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, Methodist Hospital Foundation, Bundles of Hope and educational programs.
The major fundraiser, The Pink Ribbon Society’s Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Tea, is held each year on the last Sunday in September, in preparation for October Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Over the years, attendance at the event has grown to over 800 attendees, consisting of many survivors. Others include those most recently diagnosed with breast cancer and others in treatment. Family and friends, along with corporate supporters and underwriters, attend to lend their support and encouragement.
For more information about the Pink Ribbon Society and the programs available, contact our offices at 219 472 0704.