Hello Fall and welcome to Hot Lollies’ Pink October fundraising event for Breast Cancer Awareness month. Join me all month long as we paint October pink here at Hot Lollies! We have created a special collection to help raise funds for women facing a breast cancer diagnosis. Follow along for all the details.
Did you know that 1 in 8 women in the US will be diagnosed with breast cancer? There has been significant progress in the treatment of breast cancers but we still have a long way to go. There is a much higher incident of metastatic breast cancers which is much more difficult to treat. For 2025, it is estimated that over 316,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 42,000 may die of this disease. Many of the causes are still unknown but we can do our part to educate ourselves and share vital information. Early detection and being informed is key in this fight and it is why I continue to support organizations who’s focus is women’s health and wellness.
Mary’s Place by the Sea
This October, I’m launching a Pink October Collection in my shop to raise funds for an organization that is providing support and holistic services for women with breast cancer. Mary’s Place by the Sea is a healing center in Ocean Grove, NJ, providing retreats, free of charge, to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. For over 16 years, they have served more than 16,000 women with cancer, including yours truly. This is my second bout and more recently have been battling it for a little over 2 years. Organizations such as Mary’s Place gives us some respite during the difficult times as we process diagnosis and how it will impact our future. Mary’s Place provides meditation, yoga, massage services, delicious home cooked meals and a level of care that is truly heaven sent.
If you know anyone that is undergoing cancer right now and needs a little pick-me-up, please share their website. The facility accommodates anywhere from 8-10 women for a couple of days of relaxation, bonding and healing – it’s also a beautiful and cozy place with a short walk to the beach with beautiful views of the sunrise and sunset. Mary’s Place selection process is based on a first sign-up basis and while they cannot accommodate everyone at their facility, they do provide virtual services.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month Fundraiser
Starting October 1st through the 31st, 50% of the net proceeds from the sales of my Pink October Collection will be donated to Mary’s Place by the Sea. It is a beautiful space for relaxation and an amazing opportunity to bond with other women who are also fighting cancer. Their services are possible through continued support from volunteers, through thoughtful sponsorship and donations from generous people around the country. Also, the folks providing the massages, yoga sessions, preparing the food and meditations are donating their time and services as well. So lets ensure that Mary’s Place continues to provide these opportunities and help me raise funds for my Pink October event! If you can’t purchase anything at the moment and live in the NJ area, consider volunteering or providing your services. It truly takes a village to care for our communities.
Annual Walk-a-Thon & 5K Run
Over the years I’ve been involved in races/walks, raised funds for various organizations and have also created gift bags for cancer survivors. This year I will participate as a vendor in Mary’s Place by the Sea’s 14th Annual Walk-A-Thon and 7th Annual 5K Run. This event will be held October 18th, from 9AM – 1PM on the Ocean Pathway, in Ocean Grove, NJ (next to Asbury Park). There will be music, all types of vendors selling gift items, crafts and food right along the beautiful Jersey shore. I’ll have Hot Lollies sweet and spicy treats as well as several items from this collection. Also, feeling inspired to run/walk? Get a group of your friends and family together and sign up on their site. Can’t wait to see you all there – make sure you stop by my booth and say hello!
XO,
Maria
ps: I will keep you posted on the funds raised throughout the month and at the end of our Pink October event.
