An event that has helped raise nearly $150,000 for those battling cancer over the past decade has been canceled due to concerns for the public’s health from COVID-19.
Medora resident Debi Wayman, who co-founded HOPE Medora Goes Pink with her daughter, Deven Wayman-Shirley, announced Saturday that this year’s event set for Oct. 10 is not going to happen.
The event has been held on the second Saturday of October each year since it was founded in 2010 as way to remember Debi’s mother, 75-year-old Helen Sipes, who died after her breast cancer spread.
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“For all those vendors, entertainers, volunteers and those who participate in the various events that are scheduled throughout the day, we thank you for your past support and hope you will all plan to attend the annual event on Oct. 9, 2021,” Debi Wayman said.
Funds raised throughout the year are distributed in the form of $100 money orders or $50 Jay C Food Store and $50 Circle K gift cards to those with cancer. Funds are delivered personally when possible while others are mailed in a pink envelope with a pink love letter.
As of Saturday, $147,700 has been distributed by the nonprofit organization.
Wayman said the HOPE Medora Goes Pink committee recently unanimously voted to cancel the event because of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected 417 Jackson County residents through Saturday. Two county residents have died from the virus.
Donations for HOPE Medora Goes Pink are accepted throughout the year, and all funds raised are distributed to help with expenses for those battling cancer.
Donations may be mailed to HOPE, P.O. Box 125, Medora, IN, 47260.
“We mail to all 50 states — as long as we have sufficient funds,” Wayman said.
She will take requests by text message at 812-530-0093. The message should include the person’s name and mailing address. Their type of cancer may be included but is optional.