Sue Lamb is pictured with her daughters, who comprise the Framed in Pink Committee. Submitted photo

While many have put away their pink ribbons, a local family continues to support patients undergoing breast cancer care beyond National October Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Framed In Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer founded by Sue Lamb and Oletta Hannon bring together a desire to give back to the community by honoring local residents affected by breast cancer.

Framed in Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer was founded by the late Sue Lamb, along with fellow bowler Oletta Hannon after attending breast cancer bowling events outside of the area. Both women realized an event like this could benefit women and men in treatment. They recruited family and friends who helped with planning, donations, organizing teams, and the first Framed in Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer event was born in 2014. Today the event has grown in popularity. Nearly 150 bowlers participate and range in age from 3-90 years young. They have raised more than $55,000 for local patients.

“Sue Lamb’s family are true supporters who value the importance of local fundraising to help treat local patients. Everyone who supports this vital fund plays a leading role in enhancing patient-centered care today and into the future,” said Kristin Melville, executive director of the WCA Foundation.

Framed In Pink Bowling Over Breast Cancer raises unrestricted funding that is endowed by the WCA Foundation to enable UPMC Chautauqua to improve treatment through state-of-the-art breast cancer technology including a LaserX C-arm Laser Aimer that minimizes patient radiation dose by targeting with pinpoint accuracy the area of interest on the first exposure. In addition, event funds were used to purchase a stereotactic chair used for upright breast biopsies; medical oncology telemedicine technology; Voluson Ultrasound Machine used for high-quality in-depth imaging, analyzing, and reporting on exams, and prevention education.

Sue Lamb passed away in September 2021 from health issues unrelated to breast cancer. Her daughters promised their mother her legacy would endure.

“My mother took such great pride in what she was doing for our community,” said Marcia Derby, Lamb’s daughter, and committee chair for the event. “She truly believed if we could raise money for a great cause, we could really make a difference in patients living beyond a diagnosis of breast cancer to enjoy life to its fullest. My sisters Julie, Patti, Kristy, and I have remained constant in the event’s planning, along with sons-in-law, granddaughters, and a grandson who have lovingly remained dedicated to my mom’s passion. Along the way participants have become an extended family and we look forward to seeing them each year.

We are so grateful for the continued support of bowlers, sponsors, businesses, and volunteers who understand the impact of a cancer diagnosis.”

This year’s event was held on Oct. 23 and raised $9,900. The family is gearing up for another event in October 2023. The public may contact framedinpink@gmail.com for more information.

The WCA Foundation has provided $10 million in grant funds to WCA Hospital and now UPMC Chautauqua. To donate or learn more, visit wcafoundationjamestown.org or contact its office located at Jones Health, 51 Glasgow Ave., Jamestown, NY 14702-0840, at 716-664-8665.