UMaine Volunteers to Plant 1,000 Pink Tulips for Breast Cancer Awareness
Contact: Mary Rumpho, 581-2806; Vicky Blanchette, 581-2204
ORONO — In observance of October being Breast Cancer Awareness month, volunteers at the University of Maine are planting a third annual Pink Tulip Garden to benefit the Maine Cancer Foundation and raise funds for breast cancer research.
Volunteers will gather on Thursday, Oct. 30, at 12 noon to plant a ribbon-shaped bed of 1,000 pink tulips in front of Fogler Library on the mall.
The Maine Cancer Foundation’s Pink Tulip Project is a symbol of hope and renewal for breast cancer patients and their families. The project was founded by Robin Whitten of Portland, after her 2004 breast cancer diagnosis. Throughout her winter-long treatment, Whitten was buoyed by the vision of seeing her spring garden of tulips blossom. The vision kept her going and inspired her to share her optimism of spring’s renewal by creating the Pink Tulip Project.
Leading this year’s Pink Tulip Garden project at UMaine are Mary Rumpho, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Vicky Blanchette, communication specialist with the UMaine College of Engineering. They are extending an open invitation to UMaine and surrounding communities to participate in the Oct. 30 tulip planting and to learn how to plant an official Maine Cancer Foundation pink tulip garden at home.
To support this year’s effort, please visit the Pink Tulip website or mail contributions to: UMaine Pink Tulips, Maine Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Portland, 04112. Cash donations of any amount are welcome. For additional information, please call Rumpho at 581-2806 or Blanchette at 581-2204.
The Maine Cancer Foundation funds cancer research, education and patient support in Maine.