Nonprofit Turns Bucks County Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness

DOYLESTOWN, PA — October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time for people to donate to charities and find out more about the ailment that affects so many people every year. One Bucks County nonprofit is working to bring the signature pink color of the month to every street in the county, even changing the name of streets in cities to 'Pink Street' every year.

Keith Fenimore of Doylestown started Pine2Pink to raise awareness of breast cancer through community outreach, business partnerships, and a very visible campaign to make Bucks County streets literally pink.

Originally from New Hope, Fenimore returned to Bucks County a few years ago, this time in Doylestown, where he was seeking purpose and a way he could help people. A family history of breast cancer inspired him to start a nonprofit that would raise awareness in a big way.

The name of his organization came from an idea he and early collaborators had: What if he changed the name of Pine Street, which runs through the center of Doylestown, to Pink Street? A small, pink letter 'K' was one of the first things Pine2Pink did as a way of raising awareness of the nonprofit and the cause.

(Sweet Pearl Photography)

"I had no experience in the nonprofit field," Fenimore said.

One of the first things Fenimore did to promote breast cancer awareness was to meet with John Davis, Borough Manager of Doylestown, to get permission to add a pink gel gloss over street lamps on Pine Street and other blocks.

While there's nothing wrong with a ribbon on a pole, seeing pink lights in your town is something unavoidable, just like the high rate of women who have suffered from breast cancer.

One of those women is Fenimore's mother, Marianne, who is a breast cancer survivor of 21 years. Keith came up with the idea to make a nonprofit for this cause after witnessing her experiences with the disease, as will as his grandmother, who passed away from the same ailment when Marianne was just 18. Having never met her, Keith founded this organization in her honor as well.

"I don't think I could put into words the feelings of pride and love that I have for Keith," Marianne said of her son. "I knew that he would put the needs of our local breast cancer patients first and foremost. Our community had faith and trusted him only by his words and his promise!"

Marianne is just one of so many people who has been impacted by Keith and his organization. Debbie Zuech-Smyrl is a breast cancer survivor who emailed Keith in July after she received Pine2Pink products following her diagnosis.

"Long before I started receiving cards and flowers, long before my colleagues organized a meal train for me, long before anyone other than my immediate family knew I had cancer, Keith and Pine2Pink was there to show their support and let me know I would not walk this journey alone."

Debbie received the products from Dr. Donna Angotti of Doylestown Health, who was one of the first medical people Fenimore pitched the idea to. He partnered with her and others at the hospital to ensure people receiving the diagnosis will have some things from the nonprofit to help them as they start their journey to recovery.

“Keith is one of those people in life who has many skills. He's a true connector of people and their needs," Dr. Angotti said. She said he and his organization do so many different things to raise awareness and make a change in patients.

"He brought all of that together and created a community that continues to ripple outwards.”

To keep the Bucks County community more engaged with his campaign, Keith decided to make an app that allowed people to engage in a scavenger hunt for pink ribbons across Doylestown. Small business kept them on the insides and outsides of their buildings and tied prizes to finding them, such as a discount on purchases or a Pine2Pink special item. giving people a fun incentive to get engaged.

Some of these small business took it to the next level, brainstorming ideas to raise funds and awareness of the cause and running them by Keith. He says one very important thing he and his organization does is to not ask businesses to change what they do and leaves the ideas up to them.

One of these businesses was the Doylestown Float Studio, which started the 'Pods2Pink' float tanks, featuring pink lights on the inside for customers to see.

"From the beginning, it was clear that Keith was extremely passionate about helping others and dedicated to having this nonprofit grow and flourish, which it definitely has," said Migdalia Constante, owner of Doylestown Float Studio.

"He has a natural way of bringing the community together and is transparent with how the funds raised are being used to support patients in our local community who are battling breast cancer."

He has also worked with other people in the social media field. Brittany Brown, known as Britt Around Town on social media, is a local blogger who has worked with Keith through volunteering and raising awareness through her pages, including two separate articles promoting Pine2Pink.

"Through Pine2Pink, I had gotten to meet so many wonderful small business owners and felt a calling to help get their stories and dreams told," Brown said.

"I am very passionate about the community and all of the local businesses, and seeing how Pine2Pink puts a spotlight on participating businesses and encourages foot traffic into their brick and mortar locations caught my attention right away as it is mutually beneficial for both the foundation's cause and the businesses."

James Lamb, co-owner of Evolution Candy in Doylestown, has also partnered with Keith, creating treats with their logo and promoting his campaign.

"We have personally been introduced to many families who are or have had to deal with breast cancer and were able to hear their stories," Lamb said. "We are grateful to the Pine2Pink organization for introducing us to them and, in turn, form friendships with them ourselves."

Other businesses have made t-shirts, earrings, and other products to raise funds and awareness. Proceed splits have helped Pine2Pink collect funds, all of which go directly to breast cancer patients.

"It's crazy in a good way," Fenimore said of the businesses' ideas.

Those driving or walking through Newtown Borough will be greeted by pink lights and posters on businesses all throughout town promoting Fenimore's organization. These same businesses will be hosting a 'Light The Night Pink' block party on State Street on Thursday, Oct. 28.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Fenimore's tenacity and creativity should serve as a reminder that breast cancer is still a large issue in our society. He has shined a pink light on one of the most pressing health issues facing Bucks County and the rest of the country.

"The end game is the results."

(Sweet Pearl Photography)

For those wanting to learn more about Pine2Pink and the impact they are having on breast cancer patients, visit their website for more information. They can also donate to the organization's cause at the link here.