Happy Birthday To Team UnderwiresTM Proud To Wear Pink!TM
Five years and $255,000 later, the group has secured their niche as a major philanthropist in the Sauk Valley area. Three local charities have benefited from the outpouring of love and caring that was borne from their efforts. In addition, therapeutic comfort pillows are distributed to breast cancer patients.
Now a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, Team UnderwiresTM is dedicated to educating about breast cancer and to raising funds to provide healthcare services for uninsured and underinsured patients. The CGH Health Foundation, Home of Hope and KSB Hospital have received funds.
In 2008, co-founder Sandi Ivey, a breast cancer survivor, was inspired by a fellow motorcycle rider in need. “Susan” was afraid to check out the abnormality she felt in her breast, especially because she had no insurance. Sandi learned of the CGH Health Foundation Women’s Cancer Prevention Program and helped Susan access the program.
Certain that other women could use assistance, Sandi partnered with Tammy Campos to rally their motorcycle friends and others to create a very unique, new fundraising event. The inaugural Proud to Wear Pink! Motorcycle Ride was on Sept. 7, 2008. Over 600 riders took part, with a ribbon of pink flowing throughout northern Illinois on the 90-mile route.
Sandi reflected on the tremendous strides Team UnderwiresTM has made in such a short time. “What has been so important are the many personal connections we have made with others like Susan who needed a hand, whether it was someone to listen, to offer advice or a shoulder to cry on,” said Sandi. “Our members have outdone themselves in hard work, creativity and determination, but what we’ve gotten in return trumps everything.”
The motorcycle ride remains the centerpiece of their annual events; a half dozen other activities are hosted in the months leading up to it.
“Yes, our goal is to raise funds and awareness, but the outreach we have created goes so much deeper and we are proud of this,” said Sandi. “It’s all about helping others to fight and win against this disease.”