When Michelle Power founded Pawsitively 4 Pink in 2018, she transformed her personal experience with her mother’s terminal illness into a mission of hope and support for women in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Today, her nonprofit organization stands as a beacon of compassion, having donated more than $400,000 to women battling breast cancer in Massachusetts, with a focus on Worcester County.
A Mission Born from Love and Loss
As a long-time psychotherapist in Worcester County, Michelle witnessed firsthand the devastating financial impact that breast cancer diagnosis can have on families. After experiencing her mother’s terminal illness, she made it her mission to ensure that others in her community wouldn’t suffer alone. What sets Pawsitively 4 Pink apart is Michelle’s personal approach – each grant recipient becomes part of her P4P family, and she personally checks in with these women throughout their journey.
“We learn a lot from our pets: positivity, compassion, loyalty, and support. We strive to bring those values to the women we serve,” explains the philosophy behind the organization’s unique name.
The Annual Brews, Boobs & Big Tops Brewfest
Mark your calendars for October 5th – Pawsitively 4 Pink is gearing up for its annual Brews, Boobs & Big Tops Brewfest at SAC Park in Shrewsbury. This lively community event brings together local breweries, food trucks, live music, and fun competitions like keg throwing and stein-holding contests—all with the goal of raising critical funds for women in Worcester County battling breast cancer.
The Scandinavian Athletic Club (SAC Park), founded in 1923, provides the perfect venue for this celebration with its distinctive timber-dome clubhouse and spacious outdoor areas. Located at 438 Lake Street in Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, this premiere venue has been hosting community events, sports, concerts, and gatherings for over a century.
Beyond the Beer: Real Impact on Real Lives
What makes the Brewfest truly special is knowing that every dollar raised goes directly toward helping women cover essentials like rent, utilities, and groceries while they undergo treatment. Pawsitively 4 Pink is unique in its approach – they’re the only organization in America that supports women whether they choose holistic and/or traditional care, and they continue supporting women up to 6 months after treatment has ended.
The organization provides grants to 25 to 50 women per year, depending on available resources. But it’s more than just financial assistance – when a woman receives a P4P grant, she gets personal attention from the P4P board, including home visits, homemade banana bread, and even visits from therapy dogs.
A Community Effort with Lasting Impact
The testimonials speak volumes about the organization’s impact:
“I have been working with Pawsitively 4 Pink for just about six months now. Financial stress is nothing anyone should deal with while trying to beat cancer, and when you’ve got medical bills adding up on top of what it costs to live, it is nearly impossible.” – Courtney Elizabeth Young
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help from P4P. They are very easygoing, wonderful people. I told the hospital about you, I told anyone who needs help.” – Babs, their first recipient
“What an incredible gift and relief it has been to have your financial support! I am now able to pursue the treatment that is best suited for me, and I am profoundly grateful.” – Liz M
More Than Just Financial Support
Pawsitively 4 Pink’s holistic approach includes training emotional support dogs for underserved women with breast cancer. Dogs are especially helpful during stressful and emotional times, helping to reduce stress-induced pain and anxiety. The organization also provides support for families, recognizing that breast cancer doesn’t just affect one person – it affects the whole community.
Join the Celebration, Support the Cause
The Brews, Boobs & Big Tops Brewfest isn’t just about enjoying craft beer and live music – it’s about being part of a community that refuses to let women face breast cancer alone. By attending, you’re not just enjoying a day out; you’re making a real difference in the lives of local women and families.
Massachusetts ranks in the top 5 states with the highest population of breast cancer diagnoses, with 1 in 8 women developing cancer in her lifetime. Events like the Brewfest ensure that no woman in Worcester County has to face this battle without support.
Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, October 5th
- Location: SAC Park, 438 Lake Street, Shrewsbury, MA
- Website: www.pawsitively4pink.org
Connect with Pawsitively 4 Pink:
- Email: Michelle@pawsitively4pink.com or Pawsitively4Pink@gmail.com
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/pawsitively4pink
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/pawsitively4pink
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/pawsitively4pink
Join Michelle Power and the Pawsitively 4 Pink family for an unforgettable day of community, compassion, and support. Together, we can make a difference – one beer, one dollar, one woman at a time.
