She was just 33 when she heard the words no one ever wants to hear: “You have breast cancer.” Now, 48 years later, Ann Peters, president of the Merrillville-based Pink Ribbon Society, is living proof of the power of early detection and a reminder that there is life after breast cancer.

“Early detection is a lifeline. When breast cancer is caught early, when it’s still localized, the five-year survival rate can be as high as 99%. That’s why it’s so important to do monthly self-exams and to schedule regular clinical breast exams and mammograms,” she explains. “Pink Ribbon Society exists to bring awareness and provide testing for those in need and to support those who receive a breast cancer diagnosis.”

And you can join the effort from Monday, Oct. 20, through Sunday, Oct. 26, when Pink Ribbon Society will be the beneficiary of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up. Customers across the Region can round up their purchase to the nearest dollar when shopping all Strack & Van Til stores with those extra funds donated to the organization.

Since its founding in 2001, Pink Ribbon Society has proudly served more than 10,000 individuals throughout Lake, Porter, Jasper and Newton Counties, offering critical assistance to those affected by breast cancer.

According to Peters, this is the 10th year that the society has been selected as a beneficiary of the Round Up in support of local breast cancer patients and survivors. “Every dollar raised or donated stays right here in our community, helping neighbors in need — right in our own backyard,” she says. “These funds have played an enormous role in advancing PRS’s mission — supporting women whose lives have been touched by breast cancer across Northwest Indiana.”

Emphasizing the importance of early detection, Pink Ribbon provided more than $350,000 to help more than 3,000 women receive essential breast care testing services, including screening and diagnostic mammograms, CTs, ultrasounds and MRIs. These services are offered free to underserved communities in Northwest Indiana, ensuring access to life-saving care.

In 2011, the society partnered with Indiana Women in Need Foundation to offer financial assistance to women undergoing breast cancer treatment. Through prepaid vouchers, recipients can cover groceries, transportation, medical supplies and other out-of-pocket expenses. To date,

more than $177,000 has been invested to support more than 400 women during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

For many patients, the physical toll of treatment is compounded by the emotional impact of the loss of their hair, a visible reminder of their diagnosis. Pink Ribbon Society has underwritten the cost of wigs or hairpieces for more than 1,000 women, helping them maintain dignity and confidence during chemotherapy and radiation. Because most insurance plans consider wigs a cosmetic item, this support fills a critical gap.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and Round Up participants, Pink Ribbon was able to expand its Financial Assistance Program and Breast Care Testing Program this year. Peters says the organization remains committed to reaching those in greatest need and with the fewest resources, ensuring no woman faces breast cancer alone.

“Pink Ribbon Society extends heartfelt thanks to Jeff Strack, the dedicated Strack & Van Til employees and the loyal customers whose generosity through ‘rounding up’ at the register continues to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local women and their families,” notes Peters.

Strack & Van Til continues its more than 96-year tradition of philanthropy by raising funds through the Checkout Challenge Round Up program to help organizations in the communities it serves throughout Northwest Indiana.

President Jeff Strack credits customer generosity and employee commitment for the success of Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Ups.

“Giving back to the communities we serve is just naturally a part of Strack & Van Til’s culture. We are incredibly grateful to our customers who contribute to these Round Up campaigns and make a difference in the lives of so many people,” Strack says. “Our customers are the ones who give back to the community. Our stores, with the help of our employees, simply provide our customers with an outlet to donate to some of their favorite local organizations.”

Show your support for Pink Ribbon Society by participating in Strack & Van Til’s Checkout Challenge Round Up.

To learn more about Pink Ribbon Society’s programs and volunteer opportunities or to donate, visit www.pinkribbonsociety.org, follow it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Pribbon2024 or

call the Merrillville office at 219-472-0704. For more on Strack & Van Til’s community involvement, visit strackandvantil.com/community.