Ladies 9 in the Pines funds mammograms and more
By Lisa Nicklanovich; photos courtesy of Lara Mark
Ladies 9 in the Pines committee members Roberta Hughes, Nicki Thibault, Trece O’Donnell, Louise Bowen, Karen Lombardo, Louise Melbye, Marcy Blair and Mary Sable at the breast cancer golf tournament fundraiser that raised $100,000 for Castle Rock Adventist Hospital. The hospital ordered a stereotactic breast biopsy machine with X-ray capabilities which will increase efficiency and keep patients from having to go elsewhere when they need follow-up tests.
The Ladies 9 in the Pines 9-hole golf league has been fundraising for breast cancer causes for 25 years, but the last two years’ events were game changers. The committee went from raising $15,000 in 2019 to $45,000 in 2020 and a whopping $100,000 was raised this year at the golf tournament luncheon fundraiser at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP). The funds raised went directly to breast cancer care at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital (CRAH) with every penny going to patient care.
“I knew in my heart the money should stay local and to give where you live made all the difference. It’s almost miraculous how generous our little community is,” said Louise Melbye, president of the committee.
Last year’s fundraiser supported foundation-funded mammograms for women in our community regardless of ability to pay. Committee member Marcy Blair said, “We wanted to raise money to make sure every woman, regardless of insurance status, has access to mammograms. As a breast cancer survivor, I am living proof of how important early detection and care is. Having care right in our community is critical.”
“Hopefully, you saved someone’s life; that’s the goal.”
To further provide breast care support, this year’s fundraiser allowed CRAH to purchase a biopsy machine with X-ray capabilities which keeps patients at the hospital when they need further testing instead of them having to travel elsewhere.
A table laden with baskets and auction items at Ladies 9 in the Pines golf tournament fundraiser at The Country Club at Castle Pines (CCCP) which raised $100,000 for breast cancer care at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital.
Harmony Furlong, chief development officer at the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital Foundation said, “From the hospital perspective, this is more than a gift. You don’t see this kind of partnership very often. The leadership of these ladies is transformational for patients.”
The fundraising event had delicious pink food, pink golf balls on the tables and guests wore pink attire. Funds were raised through sponsorships, donations and auction items, but what brought the tally up substantially was money raised by the president of the CCCP, Larry Woods. Woods volunteered to have his hair shaved off and pledges totaling $26,000 were collected. “The guys were really into it this year. The event touched everybody, as they all have known someone touched by cancer,” Blair shared.
The committee highly recommends checking in with the women in our lives to make sure they have had a mammogram and to share the resources available at CRAH, a nonprofit, with anyone who may need them. “Hopefully, you saved someone’s life; that’s the goal,” said Blair.
