This is what some of the most powerful women in Erie can accomplish in a little over two weeks. Their invites brought out more than 300 men, women and children to the October 4th Pink Fountain Celebration at Perry Square. An interested Erie community - filled with business and political leaders - lined the Square to hear first-hand why it is so important to get screened, and get screened annually. Dozens donning pink...many more wiping away tears as personal stories are read softly from the podium by Erie breast cancer survivors.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. This eye-catching Pink reminder is just one way this Erie community wants you to know it cares about you. All month long, Perry Square along with the fountains at Stairways Behavioral Health, Erie Insurance Group, and The Erie Times News flow pink - remind you to Think Pink - and get a mammogram. The Bicentennial Tower at Dobbins Landing is also glowing pink. Consider it a beacon of hope for breast cancer survivors, or perhaps a temporary memorial for those whose lives have been tragically cut short.

Linda Stevenson of National City Bank, spearheaded this inaugural event with a committee of 25 women who know how to get things done. She's already made a committment in October of 2008 to bring the Pink Power back - and no doubt, it will be a brighter shade.

This month-long effort would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of the Sinnott Administration, who immediately backed the awareness campaign and threw in the help of about a dozen city workers. Mayoral Assistant Laura Schaaf and Ericka Howland orchestrated the entire event, along with the following Steering Committee Members: Kelly Spaeder, Betsy Bort, Beth Zimmer, Karen Kraus-Phillips, Kathleen Johnson, Lisa Watkins, Lisa Louis, Laura Salamonsen, Kathy Vitale, Amy Izbicki, Amy Lund, Tonya Carpenter, Mary Bula, Holly Dhaliwal, Cathy Fresch, Geri Cicchetti, Donna Haskins, Diann Graham, Cindy Welsh, Kim Fleissner, and Mary Ellen Dahlkemper.

Please remind yourself, your mother, grandmother, daughter, aunt, co-worker, husband, and friends to get a mammogram. When detected early, breast cancer has survival rate of nearly 100%.

As always, I enjoy hearing from you. E-mail me anytime at Pat Van Zandt