Giving Back – Norcal Think Pink
Q&A with Lori Meadows From Norcal Think Pink…
What is the mission of Think Pink? Nor-Cal Think Pink boosts awareness of breast cancer and enhances early detection through community collaboration. Financial barriers should never prevent someone from getting life-saving diagnostic testing. That’s why our Breast Cancer Detection Fund provides support for those who are uninsured, underinsured or facing financial hardship.
How many Think Pink bags do you distribute each year? The campaign began with 500 free bags handed out to the public. Today, up to 22,000 Think Pink bags and breast cancer awareness calendars are distributed to more than 30 surrounding communities each year on Think Pink Day.
Who assembles the bags? Community volunteers come together each year for our cherished bag stuffing event. Over the course of a week, we host hundreds of volunteers ranging in age from high schoolers on up. Volunteers look forward to coming back year
after year.
Where can people get a Think Pink bag this year? Bags will be distributed at our 29th annual calendar giveaway on Think Pink Day, October 16, 2025. We will be at Tri-Counties Bank, 1250 Hilltop Drive, from 6–9 am. Bags will also be available that evening at the Pink Sundial Resource Fair from 5–8 pm. Following that, they will be at the Mt. Shasta Mall center court October 17–19 during mall hours. Businesses or agencies needing 25 or more can reserve them online and pick them up Wednesday, October 15.
How do you keep breast cancer awareness fresh and relevant? We spread awareness by evolving and adding new community events and formats to share information. This year we added The Think Pink Golf Classic. In 2023, we added the Think Pink Car Show. We also continue with our 5K Walk/Run and the Pink Sundial Resource Fair. We want to educate the community that breast cancer does not discriminate. Men and women of all ages can be affected, and early detection saves lives.
How far has the campaign’s reach grown beyond Redding? Nor-Cal Think Pink proudly shares our calendars and bags throughout Northern California, including Shasta, Siskiyou, Modoc, Plumas, Tehama and Trinity counties.
What’s your favorite part of Think Pink Day? Watching the love and support our community pours into those battling breast cancer and our courageous survivors. That flows into supporting Nor-Cal Think Pink and our mission.
What do you wish more people understood about breast cancer? Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States (except for skin cancers) and the second leading cause of cancer death in women. There is a 1 in 8 chance a woman will develop breast cancer. Early detection is the best defense and significantly improves survival rates. According to the American Cancer Society, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer detected at the localized stage—meaning it hasn’t spread beyond the breast—is over 99 percent. This underscores the importance of regular screenings, such as mammograms, especially for women aged 40 and older.
How can someone new get involved? Nor-Cal Think Pink holds monthly meetings open to all on the third Thursday of the month between April and September. You can also reach out at info@norcalthinkpink.com or (530) 921-9212, or visit www.norcalthinkpink.com. Volunteer opportunities range from helping distribute posters to chairing a new event.
