Devoted supporters of Pink Heart Funds are walking into 2024 on a mission for making steps count for all Mississippians they serve.  
     On January 20, the Long Beach-based charity organization that aids cancer patients, kicked off the New Year with its annual Walk for Wigs 5K Fundraiser hosted by Baptist Healthplex in Clinton, Miss., where 60 registrants representing six states converged on its indoor walking track; helping raise more than $1,700 to restore hope with the gift of hair for cancer patients and those with severe hair loss conditions.
     Launched in 2005, Pink Heart Funds is a non-profit, 501c3 that provides cranial prosthetics (wigs) to children and adults with cancer-related hair loss or severe hair loss. The organization also provides women with free breast prosthetics and post-mastectomy bras, and it serves as a resource for those seeking support and/or advice. 

     Funds raised during events such as Walk for Wigs goes toward the cause including community donations like those recently received from Gulf Coast Bowling Association, the VW Club, and others.
     This year’s Walk for Wigs boasted a virtual component in which walkers could also participate online. And that’s exactly how mother and daughter duo Carolyn and Erynn Warren of Long Beach decided to participate and give back for “the amazing impact Pink Heart Funds has on our lives,” said Carolyn of herself and Erynn, age 6, who lost her hair after being diagnosed four years ago with Alopecia, an autoimmune disease that attacks hair follicles.
     “This event holds a special place in our hearts,” Carolyn continued. “Pink Heart Funds supplied Erynn with her first wig, and it literally changed our lives. They have been such a blessing by lifting her spirits and self-esteem with wigs, hats, scarves, and by helping Erynn tell her story and connect with other children battling hair loss.”

     A first grader at St. Vincent DePaul Elementary, Erynn provides an open invitation to view her story and testimony on her Facebook page at Erynn’s Alopecia Journey in her quest to help others with the condition.
     “Erynn has not let Alopecia stop her,” Carolyn said. “She’s involved in Girl Scouts, soccer, dancing, and cheerleading. She’s a rockstar and has the best attitude that ‘it’s just hair, I’m beautiful and fun, either way.’”
     You’ll also catch Erynn actively attending other Pink Heart Funds events. On November 3, the Pink Heart Funds closed out 2023 with a “Shave November for a Cause” fundraiser for Erryn in which guests were invited to the Lazy Magnolia in Kiln to have their heads shaved to show support for Erryn and those just like her.
     A Holiday Paint Party on December 9, 2023, at Jalapeno Grill in Gulfport celebrated the spirit of Christmas as guests came together to relax and paint. The event included three designs to choose from at $40 apiece.
     Erynn also participated in the organization’s Pink Out the Park fundraiser held on October 28, 2023, at the Harper McCaughan Town Green in Long Beach. Pink, a color that brings a smile to many faces, was the scheme for the event. Erynn participated in the event’s costume contest, and her mother, Carolyn, helped volunteer as she manned the Pink Heart Funds booth where T-shirts representing the organization were available with donations to the nonprofit.

     Pink Heart Funds was founded by JoAn Niceley. Even though Niceley retired from her duties in April 2023 after 25 years, the organization’s Board of Directors continue the good works she inspired them to do. Pink Heart Funds board members are Brenda Long, president; Debbie Albrecht, vice president; Tina Munn, treasurer; Jamie Heaton, secretary; Gail Campbell, office manager; Judith Brannan, director of media relations and communications; and directors Michelle Hodges, April Hardy, and Lauren Martino. Volunteers are Liz Dixon, wig fitter; Samantha Martin, graphic designer; Ashley Prima, ambassador/front desk; and Bette Johnson, Jeannine Wilson, Tammy Casey, Ann Dilorenzon, and Deb Kurts.
     Pink Heart Funds is always looking for volunteers, especially as the charity gears up for this year’s new fundraising season.
     Registration is now open for the organization’s annual Ribbon Walk, “Fighting Cancer in Every Color,” that will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the Town Green in Long Beach. Participants can register for the event’s 5K Walk/Run, or 1 Mile Walk/Run/Roll/Doggie Dash to support children and adults with all types of cancer. All proceeds raised from the event will help Pink Heart Funds provide support for local cancer patients who call the Mississippi Gulf Coast home.
     The registration fee is $20 for youth and $30 for adults now through April 18, 2024, and increases to $25 for youth and $35 for adults who register on event day. T-shirts are included. This year’s Ribbon Walk will also feature a butterfly release in honor of a loved one. Pre-orders are required.

     The mission of the Pink Heart Funds is that they compassionately care for all cancer patients who are uninsured or under-insured by providing wigs, bras and breast prosthetics, as well as needed resources. The Pink Heart Funds partner with community service groups and oncology services to help all cancer patients while inspiring hope and encouragement to endure their battles with grace. 
     Last year, proceeds from the Ribbon Walk made it possible for Pink Heart Funds to donate a whopping $22,000 to its Oncology Fund, which provides medication, transportation, and nutritional assistance to local cancer patients receiving treatment at Memorial Hospital, www.memorialhospitalfoundation.com.
     October’s Pink Out the Park event also helped raise awareness and support for the organization. The heart of downtown Long Beach was covered in pink as the community came together to help raise money for the Pink Heart Funds. Live music by the band, Sweetie, also filled the air, featuring lead singer and guitarist Zackery Perkins, drummer Jonathan Lee, and singer/bassist Simon Palmer. Along with musical entertainment, there was fun and laughter as games were played, and a Halloween Costume Contest was underway. There was also face painting which added to the cheery atmosphere and food trucks with delicious eating. 

     Secretary of the Pink Heart Funds, Jamie Heaton, Pass Christian, said, “Pink Out the Park was a day full of family fun. The weather was beautiful, and there were many great vendors. Memorial Hospital was on hand to provide mammogram and bone density information. The costumes in the costume contest were great, and the band was awesome! Many of the vendors very generously donated items to be raffled at upcoming Pink Heart Funds events.” 
     Heaton also said, “Many raffle tickets were sold on Saturday, and I enjoyed the conversations with the generous people who came up to the Pink Heart Funds booth.”
     Among the crowd, Herbert Spencer, Long Beach, also enjoyed the event. “To get the people out in the community is beautiful and positive,” Spencer said. 
     As vendors were set up to sell unique items from boutique clothing to artwork, the community had the opportunity to get their Christmas shopping for the approaching holiday season off to a start. There was something for everyone at Pink Out the Park as vendors displayed some of their best products. 

     Vendor Lisa Gurneck, Gulfport, with Lisa’s Connection of “fine and fun art” said, “This was a wonderful event, and I hope that they could do it again.” Lisa’s Connections has been showing artwork for 10 years. Daniel Gurneck is the artist, and the “art-inspired gifts” include acrylic, pencil, and resin art.
     Josh and Dana Hershberger, Kiln, are owners of D.H. Homemade Designs and displayed their beautiful products as well; designs that are handcrafted with refurbished wood of all kinds. They do customize their designs and have been in business for two years. 
     Age was certainly not a qualification to be an event vendor as 14-year-old entrepreneur Jeremiah Golder, Gautier, had his car scents on display. Some of the amazingly smell-good scents on display include Black Ice, Leather, Wild Cherry, Peach Paradise, Pineapple, along with many more scents.

     Bishop’s Dream Candle and Soaps, LLC, displayed their candle products made with all-natural soy wax, and cotton core wicks. Owners of the company, Wayne and Lashunda Golder, Gautier, have been selling candles since 2005 in different markets including a kiosk at Keesler Air Force Base. “We think this event was awesome, and we are ready for next year,” said Golder.
     Donna Collins, Madison, Miss., with Dreams of Fancy, had tumblers, some of which also included Bluetooth speakers, hand-made dragon eggs, notebooks, and earrings, along with their articulated dragons, which are all hot-sellers on display. “We are so appreciative because the Pink Heart Funds helped my mom several years ago and helped her get her confidence back.” Dreams of Fancy is a family of artists and artisans who enjoy turning fantasy into everyday reality. 
     Michael and Shea Redmond, Long Beach, owners of River City Fudge Company, had their beautiful display of delicious gourmet fudge bars at the event. They have been in business for six months, and their fudge includes an array of flavors including Chocolate Peanut Butter, Rocky Road, and their top seller, Pecan Turtle. “We had three bars sold out in one day which was 15 pounds of fudge,” said Redmond. “We also ship and deliver.” 

     Creative talent surely was not lacking as Haley Brown, Gulfport, displayed her beautifully created products from Petals & Pages. Brown also had her self-published books, including a children’s coloring book, on display.
     Terry Pratt, Vancleave, was setup with Hidden Grains Woodworking, specializing in handmade, custom wood projects. Emma Grace Boutique was also set up at the event. The boutique has been in business for two years and is online based. Suzanne Leamon, Woolmarket, had her Scentsy products on display.
     Ron and Janet Hoffman, owners of Can It With Janet, were selling homemade jams, jellies, pickles, and veggies. “They are well-organized and well-equipped to setup quickly,” said Hoffman.

     In addition to the event’s entertainment and vendor shopping experience, there were several raffles available to help raise money for different families. Scarlet McCubbin, a 2-year-old Leukemia patient in remission, is an example of who Pink Heart Funds has been able to help. Scarlet’s mother, Amanda Cuevas, shared her thoughts on the organization and the event, saying, “I am so grateful for the Pink Heart Funds. What they have done for my daughter, Scarlet, and our family, has been an unexpected blessing. I appreciate that they get to know the patient on a personal level. I personally have witnessed their hard work and efforts in helping my family. As an organization I knew nothing about, I want to bring advocacy for their program and more awareness of the variety of cancer patients that they help.” 
     “The support from the community for this event was overwhelming,” Cuevas continued. “I hope that each year it grows bigger to help local cancer patients and their families. They were a big help taking over the raffle while I was overwhelmed and busy with Scarlet and my other children. I didn’t know how to do it all by myself.
     “I love the chance to tell Scarlet’s story. I am grateful for the donations for the raffle from local businesses of friends and other local business owners.” 

     Scarlet’s father, Mike McCubbin, Gulfport, also appreciates the organization’s efforts. “I think the Pink Heart Funds is a good organization that gives back to families,” McCubbin said. “I appreciate what they have done for my daughter, Scarlet, and our family. We will be forever grateful.”
     Stacey and Mike Anderson, Long Beach, also attended the fundraising event wearing their pink attire, and said, “We loved it. It was fabulous.” 
     If you are interested in volunteering, becoming a sponsor, and/or participating in upcoming Pink Heart Funds benefit events, including a Boots & Bowties Giving Gala on November 9, 2024, in Biloxi, you can visit the website at www.pinkheartfunds.org for more information. Also, visit the website to donate to Pink Heart Funds, and watch out for upcoming events on their Facebook page.
     Pink Heart Funds is located at 5095 Beatline Road, Long Beach, MS, 39560, where an Open House will take place at 3 p.m. on February 22, 2024, to give residents a chance to learn more about the organization and their initiatives. The group can also be contacted by phone at 228-575-8299, email at pinkheartfunds@gmail.com, or mailing address at P.O. Box 1047. 

On the cover: Dylan Picchi, Long Beach, presents a check to Pink Heart Funds board members April Hardy, Long Beach; Lauren Martino, D’iberville; Brenda Long, Gulfport; and Jamie Heaton, Pass Christian, on October 28, 2023, as a Pink Out the Park fundraiser for the nonprofit got underway along Jeff Davis Avenue in Long Beach.

Ashley Prima

Author, Public Speaker, Multimedia Journalist, Publisher, Writing Consultant, Blogger, and Podcast Host.