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Dear Friends, Community Partners and Supporters: As September arrives, our thoughts return to pink in anticipation of the annual Paint The Town Pink and H.O.P.E For a Day Walk event that has become a tradition in LaGrange the last Saturday of the month for the past ten years as a prelude to Breast Cancer Awareness month in October.

In consideration of the current health crisis and social distancing recommendations, we have made the difficult decision to cancel our fundraiser and survivor celebration scheduled for Sept. 29 on Lafayette Square for the wellbeing and safety of our community. We did not arrive at this decision lightly as we realize that not only vital funding is raised during this time, but it is also an opportunity to promote awareness, offer preventative testing and educational materials to attendees and provide emotional support to survivors and those undergoing treatment.

Additionally, we regret to inform you that the annual H.O.P.E. for a Day 10- Mile Walk will be discontinued going forward. We encourage those with a passion for the cause to begin a new fundraiser to benefit the Breast Friends For Life organization so that the good works can continue through patient financial support and awareness education in our community.

To keep the fight against breast cancer front and center this year, the H.O.P.E/PTTP committees will continue our tradition of bringing pink awareness to the heart of our city at Lafayette Square Oct. 1- 8. Please watch for virtual presentations on HOPE For a Day and Breast Friends for Life Facebook pages as well as the WellStar WGMC and LGTV LaGrange Television social media sites during that time. And in spite of our absence on the Square, our community can collectively be a part in spreading hope this year in a more personal way. Continue to encourage those in the midst of treatment and throughout their journey. Remember those who have lost their battle and offer emotional support to their families. Wear pink all week (Oct. 1-8) as a visual reminder of the importance of our annual event. Place pink ribbons on your home and/or place of business to promote awareness. And, if you feel led to do so, continue the tradition of raising funds or making a personal donation this year. We appreciate your financial assistance through the end of 2020 and philanthropy efforts will continue and allocated responsibly to those in need as funds are available.

As we look ahead to exciting new developments for the Paint The Town Pink event next year, the H.O.P.E For a Day committee would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the countless volunteers, walkers and business partners who have contributed to the success of the Walk for the past decade. As a result of your belief in the cause and your willingness to contribute both financially and through the generosity of your time, we were able to raise and give back nearly one million dollars to individuals in our region over the past ten years. Though we will certainly miss the cultivated friendships and partners in raising awareness, celebrating renewed health and honoring those that lost the battle, the memories will endure for a lifetime and for that, we are eternally grateful to our community.

Remember: Just as we are all navigating uncharted waters through the Covid crisis, there are some who are sailing into a storm of uncertainty with a recent diagnosis or current treatment.

May you all remain in good spirits and continued good health in the days ahead. Let us continue to spread some HOPE, cheer and goodwill as we move forward into brighter days ahead — the fight continues! Donations can be sent to:

H.O.P.E for a Day

P.O. Box 145

LaGrange, GA 30241

Or

Breast Friends For Life

P.O. Box 385

LaGrange, GA 30241

Sincerely,

Breast Friends For Life Board of Directors:

Sherry Callaway

Pam Herndon

Lynn Howard

Wanda Lowe

Charlene McClanahan

Lori McClung

Kathy Reyes

Rhonda Rogers

Tami Webb