By MyKala Guerrero
Cove Leader-Press
October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and at this time of year for nearly a decade, the local nonprofit organization Pink Warrior Angels (PWA) has partnered with HomeBase, the home improvement store, to host their Pink Block Party to raise funds for the support of cancer survivors and warriors battling the disease.
Founded in 2015 by two-time breast cancer survivor Julie Moser, the organization exists to strengthen and empower those facing the illness by providing hope and comfort to impacted individuals regardless of their cancer type, gender, age, or economic class.
The Pink Block Party drew support from members of our own community and that of the surrounding areas as well.
Attendees enjoyed free breakfast tacos supplied by HomeBase, a vendor market, raffle tickets, performances by the Copperas Cove High School and Jr. High Cheerleaders, the Chick-Fil-A cow mascot and more.
Donations received from the event help provide support from Pink Warrior Angels directly to recipients.
This includes meals provided during treatment, groceries, and Chemo Care Kits.
By and large, the organization stands on its motto, “Give More. Help More. Share More.”
They accomplish this by not only providing assistance to those facing this emotional, physical, and financial hardship; but also through providing hope, mentorship, companionship, and making sure no one fights the battle alone.
Warriors Janice Stoudemire and Arethra Glenn attended the event decked out in pink from head to toe after attending a 5k sponsored by the NAACP earlier that morning.
The pair heard about the PWA event after meeting Moser at the Cancer Center in Killeen last week.
“What [Moser] does is amazing because she does a lot of things that can help us and I didn’t know that. And now we can share that with other ladies.” said Stoudemire.
Glenn and Stoudemire attend a support group every third Thursday of each month at the Cancer Center where they say they exchange phone numbers and connect with one another to keep in touch during the cancer journey.
“What a lot of people don’t understand [about support groups] is that your journey is your journey. We have some similarities, then there’s ones we don’t really talk about -and then once we bring it up, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, you too? I thought it was just me.’ and like the whole of that situation. And I think that’s so important with connecting with other survivors and allowing that shoulder to cry on when you need it, right?” Moser said regarding the value of getting connected with a support group.
Additionally, attendees of the Pink Block Party were able to donate funds by rounding up their purchases that they made at HomeBase while in the store.
This is a way that the local business supports PWA and the community the entire month of October.
Shoppers can opt to round up to the nearest dollar amount or they can donate any amount of their choice and the proceeds all go to the organization to help cancer patients.
“It’s amazing how much change will add up. I tell people all the time $5 is $5. Everything helps. [The round- up campaign at HomeBase] has been averaging about $3,000.” said Moser.
Store manager Raina Shuck has been with HomeBase since they opened their doors in 2017.
She notes her experience at how the event has grown bigger and bigger each year.
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