Collaboration Spotlight

“In the Pink” x Pink Pearls Foundation of New Jersey (PPFNJ)

About “In the Pink”

Founded in 1999, In the Pink is a Saint Michael’s Medical Center initiative dedicated to cancer prevention, early detection, and education. The program focuses on providing screenings and clinical navigation for underserved, uninsured, and underinsured adults, with an emphasis on breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer.

Supported by the Susan G. Komen Foundation, New Jersey Cancer Education and Early Detection Program (NJCEED), Avon Breast Health Outreach Program, and Goals for Life, the program aims to eliminate health disparities through education, outreach, and access to quality care.

Purpose

The Pink Pearls Foundation of New Jersey (PPFNJ) has partnered with Saint Michael’s Medical Center’s In the Pink Cancer Early Detection and Education Program to strengthen outreach and support for underserved communities across Newark and Essex County.

Together, we are expanding access to free and low-cost cancer screenings while delivering Pink Cares Boxes and direct financial support to breast cancer survivors and caregivers facing hardship during treatment and recovery.

This partnership connects In the Pink’s clinical expertise with PPFNJ’s compassionate community support—ensuring no survivor or caregiver faces the journey alone.

  • Eligibility for Free Screenings

    *Residents of Newark or Essex County who are uninsured or underinsured

    * Adults meeting NJCEED income eligibility guidelines

    * Focused outreach for at-risk ethnic minority communities

    * On-site navigators confirm eligibility and schedule appointments

  • Platinum Services Provided Through “In the Pink”

    * Free or low-cost education and awareness sessions

    * Breast, cervical, colorectal, and prostate cancer screenings

    * Diagnostic follow-up and clinical navigation

    * Referrals to cancer treatment and support resources

What This Collaboration Does

PPFNJ and In the Pink are working together to:

Identify and reach high-risk individuals through community education and health awareness efforts

Expand access to free and low-cost cancer screenings

Provide Pink Cares Boxes and emergency micro-grants to survivors and caregivers

Support patient follow-up and continuity of care through referrals to Saint Michael’s Cancer Center and the Connie Dwyer Breast Center

Host co-branded outreach events that combine prevention education with survivor recognition

  • Pink Cares Boxes: Comfort and self-care packages for women in treatment and recovery

  • Emergency Assistance: Micro-grants for survivors and caregivers facing financial stress due to medical challenges

  • Awareness & Education: Funding and coordination of community outreach events throughout the year

  • Partnership Development: Mobilizing donors and sponsors to sustain survivor-centered support initiativesYear One Collaboration Goals

1,000+ residents reached through community education

400+ screenings completed across targeted cancer types

150 Pink Cares Boxes distributed

50 emergency micro-grants issued

90% navigation success rate from screening to follow-up care