Organization Background
My Sistah’s Pink Journey (MSPJ) is a nonprofit, 501(c)3 foundation located in Detroit,
Michigan. Dawn K. Floyd, a breast cancer survivor established this organization in July
of 2017. MSPJ has a firm mission to provide awareness, encouragement and financial
support to women diagnosed with breast cancer who are currently receiving treatment.
It is the organization’s philosophy, that patients should focus their energy on healing
and not financial difficulties.
African American women and women living in urban areas face a disproportionate rate
of breast cancer as well as a negative economic impact when diagnosed with this
disease. We target women in the metro-Detroit area who need immediate support
because of this illness. Statistics show that 36% of breast cancer patients lose their jobs
or are unable to work due to the side effects of treatment. Therefore, the MSPJ financial
assistant grant is paid directly to the source i.e. (mortgage holder, property owner, utility
company or child-care provider). Thus, the impact and evaluation are immediate upon
payment.
My Sistah’s Pink Journey budget is contingent upon the monies raised. Additional
funding will help us to increase the number of recipients, as well as the dollar amount
awarded to each recipient. The average length of treatment for a breast cancer patient
is six months and we have a goal of providing four months of payment for a single
creditor.
Description of Program/Project
MSPJ’s primary source of funding for its mission is through donations received at our
Annual Fundraiser. Since our founding, we have assisted over 200 families identified by
our three medical facility partners.
- Henry Ford Hospital Systems
- Karmanos/ BCCC
- Beaumont Hospital Systems
Donations and sponsorships will support the following initiatives at My Sistah’s Pink
Journey:
- Comfort Care Packages (inspirational and non-medical items)
- Mortgage/rent payments
- Utility payments
- Child Care payments to a licensed facility
- Grocery Store gift cards
- Holiday Meals to families of breast cancer patients
- Adopt-A-Family holiday gift giving program
Impact/Evaluation
MSPJ provides direct payment to creditors on behalf of the recipient. We receive
immediate feedback from clients as they are relieved to have debt paid. This allows
them to concentrate on wellness. Recipients often write testimonial impact statements
detailing the effect of their grant. In addition, recipients attend the annual fundraiser and
give testimonial impact statements.
My Sistah’s Pink Journey is dedicated to continuing to assist Breast Cancer patients
and their families. MSPJ seeks to help lessen external stressors, so patients can focus
their attention and energies toward what is most important- HEALING.