Pretty In Pink Foundation Receives Blue Cross NC Gift for Fifth Consecutive Year to Fund Medical Treatment for

Uninsured Breast Cancer Patients

Blue Cross NC Media Line: 919-765-3005

Blue Cross NC Online Newsroom: http://mediacenter.bcbsnc.com

Pretty In Pink Foundation: Becky Horn, 919-532-0532, bhorn@prettyinpinkfoundation.org

For Immediate Release:

[Raleigh] – January 23, 2024 –  Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), in their 5^th year of partnering with Pretty In Pink Foundation, has awarded another generous gift to the Foundation to continue to fund medical treatment for low-income, uninsured North Carolinians with breast cancer. This latest gift brings the total to hundreds of patients across the state who have been or will be served by this collaboration with Blue Cross NC.

This grant will significantly contribute to the Foundation’s mission of alleviating the financial burden faced by breast cancer patients in North Carolina, enabling them to focus on their treatment and recovery. Specifically, this gift will fund surgery, chemotherapy administration and radiation therapy for uninsured patients who desperately need help fighting this deadly disease.

“We are deeply grateful to receive this generous gift from Blue Cross NC, which is truly lifesaving,” said Becky Horn, executive director of Pretty In Pink Foundation. “We are so appreciative to have this continuous support from an entity like Blue Cross NC. No one saves for a breast cancer diagnosis and what happens if you don’t have insurance? That’s where we come in. With the nearly doubling of applications for our services, this gift ensures that we can continue serving every uninsured breast cancer patient who comes to us for help.”

“Breast cancer patients deserve the opportunity to focus on getting healthy without financial stress,” said Cheryl Parquet, Director, Community Engagement at Blue Cross NC. “This investment supports Pretty in Pink’s mission helping ease the load for individuals fighting breast cancer.”

The partnership between Pretty In Pink Foundation and Blue Cross NC underscores the importance of collaboration in addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with breast cancer. By working together, these organizations are making a meaningful difference in the lives of local residents affected by this devastating disease.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), the leading not-for-profit health plan in North Carolina, is committed to making health care more affordable, easier to navigate and accessible for all. Since 1933, the health insurer has created programs and initiatives to provide North Carolinians the opportunity to be healthy. Blue Cross NC serves its customers and communities of more than 4.2 million members, including approximately 1.1 million on behalf of other Blue Plans. Blue Cross NC is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit Blue Cross NC online at www.bluecrossnc.com. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

About Pretty In Pink Foundation:

The mission of Pretty In Pink Foundation is to provide uninsured and underinsured breast cancer patients in North Carolina with financial assistance for quality, lifesaving medical treatment. Pretty In Pink Foundation receives no state or federal funding and relies on their signature fundraising events, support from the community and grants to fulfill their mission. Pretty In Pink Foundation was founded in 2004 by Raleigh breast surgeon Dr. Lisa Tolnitch and is headquartered in Raleigh, NC, with an office in Winston-Salem, NC. Any resident of North Carolina who is a U.S. citizen, has been diagnosed with breast cancer and meets the household income guidelines can download an application online.

www.prettyinpinkfoundation.org

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