For the volunteers behind the Janie Altmeyer Think Pink Fund, a component fund of the Community Foundation for the Ohio Valley (CFOV), giving back is about more than raising money. It’s about carrying on a legacy and making sure breast cancer patients throughout the Ohio Valley have support when they need it most.

The story began in 2003, when Janie Altmeyer organized a luncheon to raise money for breast cancer patients in need. Following her passing, a group of friends continued the event in her memory. More than two decades later, that small luncheon has grown into an annual fundraising dinner supported by a dedicated team of volunteers and a generous community.

Although today’s volunteers never had the opportunity to know Janie personally, her influence remains at the heart of their work.

“The current team of volunteers did not know Janie, but we honor her memory and hear wonderful things about her,” said Julie Joseph, fund advisor for the Janie Altmeyer Think Pink Fund.

Through the fund, that commitment continues to help breast cancer patients facing financial challenges across the tri-state area.

The fund provides assistance with expenses that can become overwhelming during treatment, including transportation to medical appointments, mammograms, prescription costs, wigs, head coverings, mastectomy bras and other essential supplies. It also supports the annual Surviving & Thriving event, which celebrates breast cancer survivors.

For Joseph and the volunteers, partnering with CFOV provides a way to manage the funds raised each year while keeping their focus on supporting patients.

The generosity of the Ohio Valley has played an important role in making that possible. With the continued support of local donors, businesses and community members, the Think Pink fundraiser has grown into an event that provides assistance to those navigating a breast cancer diagnosis. This year’s fundraising efforts are expected to result in a $100,000 contribution to the fund.

“We are grateful for the very generous support of our community, which helps make our annual Think Pink fundraiser such a huge success every year,” Joseph said.

For Joseph and the Think Pink volunteers, their why is honoring Janie’s memory by continuing the work she started, one patient, one fundraiser and one act of generosity at a time.