Community Support in the Fight Against Cancer

How We Have Helped the Gunnison Valley

According to a 2016 Community Health Needs Assessment, cancer care is one of the highest priority needs identified by our community. To address this need, Cattlemen’s Days Tough Enough to Wear Pink has helped in the following ways:

• 2021 Total fundraising to date is $4 Million+
• 2020 $150,000 purchase of Breast MRI Coil
• 2019 $160,000 purchase of a Breast Stereotactic Biopsy Device.
• 2017 $370,000.00 purchase of a Hologic 3D Tomosynthesis Mammography Machine.
  • Proven to detect 20%-65% more invasive breast cancers compared to 2D alone, an average increase of 41%.
  • FDA approved as superior for women with dense breasts compared to 2D alone.
  • Proven to reduce callbacks by up to 40% compared to 2D alone.
• $95,000 funded in mammograms, ultrasounds, and biopsies since 2013 for uninsured or underinsured Gunnison Valley residents. In 2020 alone, TETWP has funded more than $25,000 to cover the cost of life-saving breast cancer screenings for those who do not have health insurance coverage.
• Over $1,100,000 has been used since 2006 to purchase equipment (3D Tomosynthesis, ultrasound, digital mammography, stereotactic biopsy, PINK robes, and warmers) to expand breast cancer services at the hospital as part of a comprehensive strategic plan with Gunnison Valley Hospital to make this the best small town breast cancer facility in the US.
• $36,000.00 – to support the salary for the Oncology Nurse Navigator hired to help all cancer patients in the Gunnison Valley to navigate the complexities of treatments, medications, insurance, transportation, and provide support and assistance throughout all stages of the cancer continuum.  Tough Enough To Wear Pink covers 30% of the salary for this position.
• “Tuffy” the Transportation Ram Truck purchased in 2016, “Bucky” the Dodge Durango purchased in 2018, and “Betty Ann” the Ford Explorer purchased in 2020 help all cancer patients get to their out of town medical appointments safely and comfortably.  They have traveled over 95,000 miles across the state. TETWP welcomed a third vehicle, Betty Ann, donated in 2020!
• $124,000 granted since 2015 through the Friends of Pink program to help individuals in the Gunnison Valley who were impacted financially due to a breast cancer diagnosis (lost wages, travel expenses for treatment, etc.).
• $10,000 in funding the honorary Edie Gibson “Make It A Great Day” program which helps Gunnison Valley residents who are diagnosed with cancer by providing coupons for them and their caregivers to utilize the therapy services of Integrative Therapies.
• $10,000 to fund Mammo Mondays.  A nice treat providing patients with a relaxing massage or reiki after having their annual mammogram at GVH.
• $16,000 since 2019 through Lucy’s House providing lodging assistance to individuals with any type of cancer.