Thurmont Thinks Pink for charity

Danielle Ryan

(9/29) Thurmont will kick-off their third annual Think Pink Campaign on October 1 and will continue the entire month of October. In 2014, the town of Thurmont began their Think Pink Campaign to spread awareness about breast cancer in order to support the Patty Hurwitz Fund at the Frederick Memorial Hospital during October. The town’s residents and businesses jumped into the campaign enthusiastically and it was a great success, raising $4,700 in 2014 and $10,000 in 2015. This will be the third year the town supports the campaign with various campaigns to raise funds for the The Patty Hurwitz Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital. The Patty Hurwitz Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital was created in 1999 by Jeff and Patty Hurwitz soon after Patty was diagnosed with breast cancer. The goal of the fund is to provide patients with the best options in early detection and treatment of breast cancer without having to travel long distances to receive treatment.

The campaign has grown over the past two years, and will surely continue to grow as the residents and businesses have shown overwhelming support for the cause. The first two years Pink light bulbs were sold with residents showing their support by turning on their pink every evening in the month of October from 6 PM-8 PM. This year Pink light bulbs are available at Cousins Ace Hardware and Hobbs Hardware. In addition, the campaign has a new addition debuting this year- Pink pinwheels! The Pink Pinwheels say "Gateway to the Cure" on the stick of the Pink Pinwheel. The Pinwheels will be $2.00 and available at Cousins Ace Hardware, Hobbs Hardware, and the Thurmont Town Office. The pinwheels will be placed on the front lawn of the Thurmont Town Office and the Thurmont Police Station to create a sea of Pink. Purchase extra pinwheels to take home with you! Over thirty generous Thurmont businesses will offer Pink promotions for the entire month with all the proceeds donated to the cause. Gateway to the Cure t-shirts, tote bags, and magnets may be purchased at the Thurmont Town Office as well with all proceeds donated.

This is the second year for the 5K, as the response last year was great, and is expected to be even better this year. The idea for the 5k came from Town Chief Administrative Officer Jim Humerick, who wanted do something new last year to support the campaign. He wanted an event that would bring the community together to have fun and support the cause. What better way than to have a "pink themed" 5K for people of all ages!

Last year, participants and supporters showed up to the event adorned in all sorts of pink gear including pink ribbons, hair, clothing, bows and more. There were runners of every age as many families came out to participate together. Commissioner Wes Hamrick started the Think Pink 5K by wearing Pink sequined high heels and Mayor Kinnaird came out to support the cause in his pink gear, from his pink shirt to the pink bows in his beard!

Last year, Frederick Memorial Hospital Senior Director Sadie Wolf was in attendance representing the Patty Hurwitz foundation. According to Wolf the foundation has their own 5k that they do each year in October and she was glad to see communities coming together and creating their own 5K to support the cause. Wolf spoke on behalf of the fund that is focused on raising money to help women in Frederick County receive treatment that is closer to them.

The Think Pink 5k will be held at Eyler Road Park on October 22nd. Onsite registration is available beginning at 7:00 AM and the event begins at 8:00 AM. Pre-registration is also available by visiting www.thinkpink5K.com. If you register online, the cost is only $25 per person, but will cost $35 per person if you choose to register on site that morning. T-shirts are available for every participant who signs up in advance.

Come on out and spend the morning supporting a great local cause! Show your support and get your Pink on! Come on North Frederick County-support Think Pink!