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From ECU Health

Purple bows lined the streets of the Cypress Landing community this past summer just as they have for many years. A long-standing tradition started by residents who wanted to honor a friend and neighbor, Marion L. Shepard, has grown into a fundraiser that supports the Shepard Cancer Foundation. This year, the Cypress Landing community raised $18,420 for the Shepard Cancer Foundation.
Several years ago, the community bow campaign for cancer awareness and support extended beyond the Chocowinity neighborhood to include local businesses. A group of Shepard Cancer Foundation board members and supporters took to the streets with bows in hand. What resulted was a sea of purple and pink bows adorning the streets of Washington and beyond.
“It is amazing what rolls of ribbon, dedicated bow makers and a generous community can do to support local cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers,” said Mary Jane Cooke, one of the organizers of the annual bow campaign.
This year’s bow campaign raised over $22,800.
“This fundraiser would not be possible without the generous donation of ribbon by Deborah Page Wright with the Blythe House. Mrs. Wright, a long-time supporter of the Cancer Center has donated every roll of ribbon that has been used throughout the years to make thousands of bows,” said Cooke.
Each bow sold supports the Shepard Cancer Foundation which raises money to support cancer patients, survivors and their caregivers throughout their cancer journey by supporting programs to improve mind, body and spirit. Complementary therapy programs such as massage therapy, exercise programs, and journaling along with patient assistance programs such as transportation and medication assistance are ways the funds raised support patients. Also part of the Foundation’s mission is prevention, early detection and early treatment of cancer. Generous donations also help fund cancer screenings in Beaufort and Hyde counties including free mammograms offered quarterly to an uninsured population who otherwise may not get this much needed screening.
“Our Cancer Center and hospital are thankful to the many generous donors who have supported this simple, yet so powerful bow campaign for cancer fundraiser,” said Pam Shadle, director of marketing, community outreach and development at ECU Health Beaufort Hospital. “So many cancer patients, cancer survivors along with their caregivers have been blessed by the generosity of our community.”