Little Pink Dress raises funds for local cancer patients

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A group of “celebrity” waiters pose for a photo at the Little Pink Dress Benefit. Left to right are Cullman County District Judge Chad Floyd, Cullman County Commissioner Kerry Watson, Cullman County Circuit Court Judge Greg Nicholas, Vice President of Drinkard Development Jason Grimmett, Cullman Economic Development Director Bradley Williams, Cullman County Commission Chairman Jeff Clemons and Cullman County DA-Elect Champ Crocker. (Sara Gladney for The Cullman Tribune)

CULLMAN, Ala. – The Cullman County Bosom Buddies Foundation (CCBBF) held its third annual Little Pink Dress Benefit Tuesday night at Loft 212, with proceeds marked for the day-to-day living expenses such as utility bills, transportation costs, food cards and other approved needs, for Cullman County residents in cancer treatment.

“All of our money stays in Cullman County. We help Cullman County patients. We don’t care if they go to Birmingham or if they go out of state, we will help them as much as we can. If they live on the outskirts of Cullman County and come into Cullman for treatment, we help them also,” said CCBBF Vice President Judy Grissom.

Funds were raised through ticket sales, a silent auction and tips to “celebrity” waiters, including city and county leaders and law enforcement officers, happy to lend a hand for a great cause.

Entertainment for the event was provided by the Active Adult Center Senior Kickers, performing a  dance routine, and the Wallace State Community College Jazz Band, providing music for the evening. Food was prepared by Chat & Chew.

The CCBBF, originally a support group, was founded in 1994 by Mary Dyer and a group of women who had undergone cancer treatment. In 2013, the CCBBF became a financial assistance program for residents in cancer treatment.

Grissom said, “Around 2011 it started transitioning. People were asking more for assistance with bills than they really cared about the support group.”

In Cullman, she said, “We are the only foundation that does patient assistance for cancer patients. Our goal is to make sure that they get into a cancer treatment program and stay in it. So many times, when income is affected, they drop out of treatment because they can’t afford to give up their job. We make sure that they finish their treatment program.”

Patients meet with CCBBF partner, Nurse Navigator Jessica Nicholson of Cullman Regional, to determine the amount of assistance needed. The foundation pays the bills directly; no cash is given. This assistance is for approved patients regardless of the type of cancer they have or the location of their treatment center.  The foundation has helped 52 people this year, paying 351 bills for patients.

Learn more at www.cullmanbosombuddies.com.

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