MONROE - Think pink Wednesday to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Friends of Stephanie Pink, a young woman from Monroe battling leukemia, are planning the Pink Event, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Ludlow Bar.
The theme is a play on Pink's last name, organizer Tammie Wartenweiler said.
Pink graduated from Monroe High School in 2002. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a bone cancer. She was cancer-free for a short period. Then while home for Thanksgiving break from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she studies nursing, Pink was diagnosed with leukemia, caused by the treatment she received for the Ewings Sarcoma.
She remained in the hospital past Christmas and was put on the national bone marrow donor registry.
"Her sisters didn't match, her parents didn't match," Wartenweiler said.
Fortunately, a match was found and Pink underwent the bone marrow transplant March 19 at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. She's been at home recuperating for about three weeks.
Wartenweiler, whose daughter Jessica was Pink's classmate and is a longtime friend, said the Pink Event is a way to bring people together, honor Pink in a night of fun and raise money to benefit the leukemia society.
"It's a way to show love and support for Stephanie and her family," Wartenweiler said.
Laura Johnston is co-organizer of the event and will be running a marathon in June in Alaska to raise awareness of leukemia.
Popular local band The Crashers will perform. A silent auction will feature some high-end items such as a laser skin rejunveation session valued at $1,500, as well as microderm abrasion and a facial treatment, a pearl necklace and diamond earrings. Local businesses Studio 906, HIP Design and Color, Inch by Inch Toning and Tanning, Heartland Graphics and Baumgartners are among those donating goods and services. And to emphasize the pink theme, the first 50 people who come to the event wearing pink will get a special door prize; there will be special pink drinks.
There is no charge for the event. Donations will be taken, with everything going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Wartenweiler said.
Pink will not be able to attend the event, as her immune system still is compromised as she recovers. She said she is doing well, but has to be very careful for the first 100 days after her surgery. She also has to be re-immunized with all the vaccinations children usually receive. Now on a leave of absence from college, Pink needs to take a year off but plans to return to complete her clinicals.
She thinks it's "awesome" that friends are planning the event and "the community is coming together to make positive changes.
"I love that they're raising money for cancer research," Pink said. "Everyone knows someone who's been affected by cancer."
The event is a chance for those who know and love Pink to make a difference in the name of a young woman who, despite her illness, tries to make everyone around her feel better, Wartenweiler said.
"She's so strong. She's really a hero, a role model for anyone," Wartenweiler said. "She's the pillar for everyone else.
"She's the most positive person you'll ever want to meet. We're looking forward to a lot of people coming out and showing their support."
More information about the event is available by calling Wartenweiler at 325-9277.
Friends of Stephanie Pink, a young woman from Monroe battling leukemia, are planning the Pink Event, a fundraiser for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society from 6 to 11 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Ludlow Bar.
The theme is a play on Pink's last name, organizer Tammie Wartenweiler said.
Pink graduated from Monroe High School in 2002. Two years ago, she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma, a bone cancer. She was cancer-free for a short period. Then while home for Thanksgiving break from University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, where she studies nursing, Pink was diagnosed with leukemia, caused by the treatment she received for the Ewings Sarcoma.
She remained in the hospital past Christmas and was put on the national bone marrow donor registry.
"Her sisters didn't match, her parents didn't match," Wartenweiler said.
Fortunately, a match was found and Pink underwent the bone marrow transplant March 19 at University of Wisconsin Hospital in Madison. She's been at home recuperating for about three weeks.
Wartenweiler, whose daughter Jessica was Pink's classmate and is a longtime friend, said the Pink Event is a way to bring people together, honor Pink in a night of fun and raise money to benefit the leukemia society.
"It's a way to show love and support for Stephanie and her family," Wartenweiler said.
Laura Johnston is co-organizer of the event and will be running a marathon in June in Alaska to raise awareness of leukemia.
Popular local band The Crashers will perform. A silent auction will feature some high-end items such as a laser skin rejunveation session valued at $1,500, as well as microderm abrasion and a facial treatment, a pearl necklace and diamond earrings. Local businesses Studio 906, HIP Design and Color, Inch by Inch Toning and Tanning, Heartland Graphics and Baumgartners are among those donating goods and services. And to emphasize the pink theme, the first 50 people who come to the event wearing pink will get a special door prize; there will be special pink drinks.
There is no charge for the event. Donations will be taken, with everything going to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Wartenweiler said.
Pink will not be able to attend the event, as her immune system still is compromised as she recovers. She said she is doing well, but has to be very careful for the first 100 days after her surgery. She also has to be re-immunized with all the vaccinations children usually receive. Now on a leave of absence from college, Pink needs to take a year off but plans to return to complete her clinicals.
She thinks it's "awesome" that friends are planning the event and "the community is coming together to make positive changes.
"I love that they're raising money for cancer research," Pink said. "Everyone knows someone who's been affected by cancer."
The event is a chance for those who know and love Pink to make a difference in the name of a young woman who, despite her illness, tries to make everyone around her feel better, Wartenweiler said.
"She's so strong. She's really a hero, a role model for anyone," Wartenweiler said. "She's the pillar for everyone else.
"She's the most positive person you'll ever want to meet. We're looking forward to a lot of people coming out and showing their support."
More information about the event is available by calling Wartenweiler at 325-9277.