On average, every two minutes a woman in the United States is diagnosed with breast cancer.

There is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman in the United States will develop breast cancer in her lifetime.

In 2025, an estimated 316,950 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the United States.

Currently, there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

These statistics from the National Breast Cancer Foundation are a reminder of how many people in our communities have been affected by a breast cancer diagnosis.

When the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk was canceled in Bedford County, Dr. Katherine Erlichman, a two-time breast cancer survivor, rallied a group of volunteers who wanted to continue supporting breast cancer care in the county. In 2017, the group formed the Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund (BCPRF) with the Community Foundation, allowing them to continue fundraising for breast cancer patients in Bedford County.

“We are here to help make the journey from a diagnosis to a survivor less rocky,” said Erlichman. “We want to help people focus on getting healthy.”

Since their inception, BCPRF has distributed over $315,000 in direct support to breast cancer patients. These funds have helped pay for the patients’ medical bills, grocery and gas cards, and wig and hair consultations. Additionally, BCPRF provides services such as house cleaning, rides to appointments, and monthly support group meetings.

When Bedford County resident and breast cancer survivor Suzanne Bowser joined BCPRF in December of 2024, she was overwhelmed not only by the financial help she received, but by the community and friendship she found within the organization.

“Pink Ribbon is wonderful organization that has help me greatly,” said Bowser. “The women are so friendly and welcoming that you feel at ease to ask them questions, and that has been the biggest help. With Pink Ribbon, you find out that so many women have gone through what you’ve gone through, and you can talk to them openly about their experience. It makes you feel so good to know that you are not alone.”

On April 26, BCPRF will host its first Annual Breast Cancer Survivor Celebration. The event will take place from 11AM-2:30PM at the Everett Legion Home and will include lunch, a fashion show, and bingo. Tickets are free for breast cancer survivors and $25 per person for other guests. If you are interested in attending, contact BCPRF board member Shawna Ramsey at 814-979-2604 soon to reserve your spot.

“This new event is to promote breast cancer awareness and to let people know that Bedford County Pink Ribbon is here to help,” said Erlichman. “Cancer doesn’t just affect the patients but also their families. We are here to support them so that they can rest, concentrate on getting better, and not have to worry about the bills.”

To learn about the Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund, including how to apply and more upcoming events, visit their website and follow them on Facebook. To donate to the Bedford County Pink Ribbon Fund, click here.