Photo shows Guardians of the Ribbon Lower Alabama Chapter members with (l-r) Cullman County Commissioner, Place 1, Kerry Watson; Cullman County Commission Chairman Kenneth Walker; Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation Founder Mary Dyer and City of Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson.
CULLMAN – The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation’s Colors of Cancer Day, Saturday, April 2, was a booming success; it was a day filled with support, healing and exuberance shared by those who participated.
The event provided something for everyone including a 5K race, drum line competition, bounce houses and balloon release.
The City of Cullman is proud of its Cullman County Fair and Christmas parades, but the council rarely issues permits for other parades; however, when Mary Dyer, founder of the Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation, asks for a favor, it’s difficult to say no. As a result, a big part of the celebration was a parade down Highway 31, featuring local high school bands, cancer survivors and veterans.
Inside, at the fairgrounds, away from the brisk morning breeze, various vendors were found providing their wares and services. Kristie Williams and her massage therapists from Alabama Therapeutic Massage provided massages for a low cost with the 50 percent of the proceeds donated directly to Bosom Buddies.
Cindy the Pink Fire Truck was unavailable while she gets repairs, so Shelby the Pink Patrol Car took her place and was signed by attendees in honor of loved ones who have fought or are currently fighting the insidious disease. Mandy Phillips of Cold Springs shared, “I signed for my MeeMaw who died from cancer two years ago. I still think about her every day.”
Also signing Shelby was City of Cullman Mayor Max A. Townson, who spent time talking with officers from the Guardians of the Ribbon Lower Alabama Chapter (http://www.pinkhealsalabama.com/) about the work they do spreading awareness and education. Cancer survivor and Cullman County Commissioner, Place 2, Garry Marchman was a proud attendee of the day’s celebration and strong proponent of the event.
Providing entertainment under the pavilion during the late morning were representatives from the Good Hope High School and Hanceville High School marching bands who competed and played together during a friendly drumline competition.
The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation is a 501(c3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide financial assistance to Cullman area cancer patients who are experiencing financial hardships during their treatment. All donations are used for cancer patients in the Cullman County area.
April 2, 2016 was proclaimed Colors of Cancer Day by both the City of Cullman and Cullman County.
