Bellefontaine and West Liberty and many other parts of Logan County will be lighting up pink, starting Thursday evening, to recognize and remember those currently going through treatment for breast cancer, survivors who endured the difficulties of the disease and in memory of loved ones gone too soon after their courageous battles.
The Paint LoCo Pink events kick off at 6:30 p.m. Thursday at the Logan County Courthouse fountain, followed by a celebration at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Liberty Town Hall.
During these events, about 30 survivors have signed up to participate, and their friends, family and their community are invited to join in the public commemoration.
The courthouse fountain, along with Christmas trees, the gazebo and town hall in West Liberty, will be lit up in pink lights, continuing throughout all of October in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Pink flags also will be placed in both downtown areas, with tags honoring area individuals. Pre-registered survivors at the Thursday events are treated to special T-shirts, along with swag bags supported by local businesses.
Last year, the “pink out” began with city resident Roni Lile spearheading the effort to light up public buildings in downtown Bellefontaine in pink and to raise awareness. The Logan County Cancer Society joined in with full support and to raise funds for local individuals fighting cancer.
Lile was diagnosed with breast cancer in September 2019 and underwent a double mastectomy in October that year.
“The pink out, it’s not for me; I feel so fortunate in the course of my treatment,” she noted as last year’s activities began. “But, I know too many people who have fought this disease and how much it has affected them. I also know people who are still fighting it, including some women who are fighting for their lives.
“We want this display to be a sign of hope and to let these individuals know we support them and are thinking of them on their most difficult days.”
Breast cancer is the number one form of cancer affecting women in Logan County, Christie Barns from the Logan County Cancer Society reports. The disease is treatable when detected early. Local health providers, along with cancer.org, encourage women ages 40 and older to have a breast exam and mammogram annually.
One hundred percent of the money raised and donated to the Logan County Cancer Society goes toward helping a neighbor, friend or family member with any type of cancer diagnosis. Assistance includes transportation and medication costs, wigs, prothesis, and other emergency needs.
As the Paint LoCo Pink activities kick off this year, Barns said West Liberty village officials have jumped on board with enthusiastic support and excitement, along with businesses around the area to support the Logan County Cancer Society.
Paint LoCo Pink T-shirts are currently for sale through mid-October as a fundraiser for the LCCS. A link to online orders is available through the Logan County Cancer Society’s Facebook page.
Pink light bulbs and Paint LoCo Pink decals are available for a donation at the following Bellefontaine, Indian Lake and West Liberty area locations: Glitter & Grit, Jacobs Auto Repair & Transmission, Citizens Federal Savings & Loan, Logan County Chamber of Commerce, Mary Rutan Hospital Gift Shop, Just U’NeeQ, Relax Nail Bar & Salon, Stoner’s Ice Cream Parlor, Peoples Savings & Loan Company, West Liberty Town Hall, The Depot and Luxe Salon.
In addition, a number of special offerings and donation opportunities to the Logan County Cancer Society also are available throughout October:
• Steve Austin’s Auto Group – $50 donated to LCCS from each car sale.
• Brewfontaine – $1 from each specialty pink dessert and pink cocktail will be donated.
• Roundhouse Depot Brewing Co. – $5 from each pink Roundhouse Depot T-shirt sold.
• The Syndicate – $1 given from each pink Mimosa sold.
• Iron City Sports Bar – Proceeds from Buckeye Bites sold.
• Bobber’s Pizzeria and Drive-Thru – Proceeds from Buckeye Bites sold.
• Cracked Pot Studio – A portion of the fee for classes will be donated.
• Peoples Savings & Loan Company – Proceeds from sidewalk cookouts on 9/30 and 10/14 will benefit LCCS.
• The Lock Shop – A portion of salon services will be donated.
• Glitter & Grit – Offering a 25 percent off pink T-shirts.
• Shoe Sensation – Seeking donations from shoppers.
Over the past five years, Barns said the Logan County Cancer Society has provided $730,000 in assistance to 1,350 Logan County residents. On average, LCCS helps almost 250 people annually. The local non-profit organization, administered by the Mary Rutan Foundation, is not affiliated with the American Cancer Society.
If you or someone you know in Logan County has cancer, call (937) 599-7022 to seek help.