It’s that time of year again! Pink ribbons will soon be spotted on business all around Wayne County to commemorate the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The ladies you spot around town placing the pink ribbons on doors are members of the Ladies in Pink Society – “L.I.P.S,” as it is more commonly known. The leader of this group is Mrs. Dean Stegall, a true force of nature who has not only beaten breast cancer herself, but suffered the loss of her granddaughter Ryleigh in 2007 from leukemia. Mrs. Dean has managed to take both her losses and successes with a fire and determination that most do not possess. She founded The Butterfly Foundation in honor of her granddaughter Rylee, and the Foundation has helped countless children and families in our area who have battled terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
Along with The Butterfly Foundation and many other organizations to which Mrs. Dean devotes her time and energy, she founded the L.I.P.S. group to support breast cancer survivors and others who want to help. The mission statement of L.I.P.S is, “The Ladies in Pink Society wish to promote breast cancer awareness through love, inspiration, perseverance, and support.”
What is a cancer survivor? According to L.I.P.S., a cancer survivor is anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life. Mrs. Dean compiled a booklet in honor of all the members of L.I.P.S.; not only the current members, but the ones who have passed. Mrs. Dean wrote in her booklet, “We share a ‘pink’ bond as a result of being touched by breast cancer. Our stories are priceless and should never be forgotten.
“Little did we know thirteen years ago that a small but energetic group of ladies could inspire and offer so much support to our county…emotionally, financially, and spiritually. May we never grow weary in our mission.”
When you begin to see the pink ribbons popping up around town, take a moment to reflect on what they stand for. Yes, a pink ribbon is often placed on homes, mailboxes, businesses, etc. upon the birth of a baby girl. Although these particular pink bows stand for a different reason, in a way, they also stand for a rebirth – a reminder of these brave ladies who have fought breast cancer and survived. A rebirth, indeed.
