Pink Lantern Lift-Off Honors Breast Cancer Survivors

Michele Blosser had only one place to be Saturday night.

Blosser, whose husband's grandmother and aunt both had breast cancer, joined others in downtown Wyandotte for the culmination of a monthlong series of events in honor of October being National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Family, friends and survivors came together for a pink lantern lift-off. The lanterns were made of pink paper and when a flame was lit inside, floated into the air over Biddle Avenue and toward the Detroit River.

There was a moment of silence as the lanterns lifted, followed by hugs and cheers.

"Events like these need more publicity," Blosser said. "It's important."

Nadia Brunt from the Wyandotte Jaycees helped with the event, which raised money for the "Yes Ma'am" program through Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital to provide mammograms for women who can't afford them.

"Every $100 earned is a mammogram for someone," she said. 

According to the U.S. Library of Medicine, one out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime.

Political consultant Debbie Dingell, wife of U.S. Rep John Dingell (D-15th District), shared hugs and helped with the lift-off of a lantern.

"I had a friend when I was very young who died from breast cancer, before mammograms were available," she said. "And I've lost some friends since, so I'm very vigilant." 

Longtime Wyandotte volunteer Maggie Molnar was one of those to launch a pink lantern. She has been actively involved with most of the breast cancer events in Wyandotte throughout the month.

"I just like to help any way I can," she said. "It feels good. Anyone who feels sorry for themselves when others are going through things like this, shame on them."

To find out more about the Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital's "Yes Ma'am" program, call 734-246- 6000 or visit their website.

For more photos from the lantern lift-off, check out our complete gallery.