Our Story Begins with One Woman's Journey
The Pink Ribbon Society was born out of one woman's courage and compassion. When Ann Peters was diagnosed with breast cancer, she was a young mother with two small children, a loving husband, and a future she was determined to fight for. Through chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and the emotional weight of uncertainty, Ann leaned on her faith, her family, and her own resilience to carry her through.
Ann is today a remarkable 48-year breast cancer survivor — and she credits her survival to one thing above all else: early detection.
Rather than simply moving forward with her own life, Ann chose to turn her experience into something greater. In 2001, she founded the Pink Ribbon Society with a heartfelt mission — to ensure that no one in Northwest Indiana would have to face breast cancer without support, resources, and community.
A Message From Our Founder
As we reflect on more than two decades of the Pink Ribbon Society, we look back with deep gratitude at what this community has made possible. We are honored to have helped so many men and women across Northwest Indiana whose lives have been touched by breast cancer.
Through the generosity of our community, we continue to support individuals in Lake, Porter, Jasper, and Newton Counties. Since our founding, the Pink Ribbon Society has disbursed over $800,000 to support individuals and organizations who share our passion for helping those in need.
My own survival is a testament to the power of early detection, and it remains at the heart of everything we do. A new woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes in the United States. We want to do our share to change that. When breast cancer is detected early and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99–100%. That statistic drives us every single day.
To date, the Pink Ribbon Society has underwritten nearly $120,000 for screening and diagnostic mammograms and ultrasounds — most specifically for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or unable to afford these lifesaving tests.
Beyond early detection, we offer a range of programs to support those who have already been diagnosed, because we know that a diagnosis is just the beginning of the journey. Today, 1 in 8 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer, and breast cancer alone accounts for 30% of all female cancers. Yet on the other side of those statistics, more than 3 million women in the US are living with breast cancer — and many of them are fighting, surviving, and thriving.
The Pink Ribbon Society will continue to stand beside our community in every way we can — supporting early detection, walking alongside those in treatment, and celebrating every survivor. We look forward to continuing this important work with the generous support of our community.
With gratitude and hope,
Ann M. Peters
Founder, Pink Ribbon Society
Be a Part of Our Story
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Your participation enriches our community fabric, making every moment count for those facing breast cancer. Join us to make a tangible difference.
2027 Calendar Nominations
Each event is a testament to the power of community and the strength of those we support. Your presence amplifies our message and our impact.
25th Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon.
Sunday, September 27 th , 2026! Please visit again for further updates and details on how to reserve your place at
this event.