Valley Medical Center GLOW Program Pinks Rink To Save Lives

High-risk women in need will receive mammograms thanks to a partnership between Valley Medical Center’s GLOW program and The Seattle Thunderbirds hockey team. Now in its second year, “Pink the Rink” raised more than $15,000 for Valley’s Breast Center to provide 100 life-saving mammograms and breast education for disadvantaged women.

Held at ShoWare Center in Kent, WA, the hockey ice was literally turned pink for this special event to draw awareness to breast cancer. A free, pre-game party on the plaza had attendees dancing to the retro tunes of “Mr. Pink,” children bounced and slid on assorted inflatables, and special vendor booths raised money for breast cancer research through sales of pink cowboy hats and other assorted items. Breast cancer survivors at the event were given free pink camouflage bandanas. During the exciting game between the Seattle Thunderbirds and Kamloops Blazers, T-birds members applied pink tape to their sticks, wore pink laces in their boots and sported pink ribbon decals on their helmets in support. The crowd watched a special GLOW Flash Mob strut their stuff at half time, led by 100.7 The Wolf’s DeAnna Lee, and three lucky spectators had the chance to win a pink-striped Mini Cooper through a hockey shoot out.

“One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Until that number is zero, we will continue the fight to eradicate this terrible disease,” says Sherry Kuzan, RN, Manager, The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center. “Mammograms are key to early detection, and for women who are high-risk it’s critical. The money raised at Pink the Rink will ensure that 100 women will not have to wonder and worry about their breast health. We can’t thank the community enough for coming out and showing their support.” 

The event would not have been possible without the generous support from Seattle Thunderbirds, ShoWare Center, the Muckleshoot Indian Tribe, the event’s Pink Panther Partner, and Northwest Mini. 

For more information about The Breast Center at Valley Medical Center, or to schedule your mammogram visitvalleymed.org/breastcenter.

*Editor's Note: Information provided by Valley Medical Center.