Since its debut in 2018, Big Stars & Pink Guitars has always been a chart-topping success.
But last night, the annual rock-n-roll-themed fundraiser officially broke through to superstar status — raising $1,156,100 for patients at the Edith Sanford Breast Center.
The event, held at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, featured a live auction of pink Firefly guitars curated by local music icon Kory Van Sickle and signed by some of music’s biggest stars. 100% of every dollar raised stays local to help advance vital services at the Edith Sanford Breast Center such as nurse navigation, complimentary wigs and head coverings, integrated health therapy, survivorship programs and more — all of which are provided at no cost to patients.
“Big Stars & Pink Guitars truly has become a soundtrack for hope for those with breast cancer thanks to the generosity of our incredible community, said Erin Sanderson, vice president for the Sanford Health Foundation in Sioux Falls. “Thank you to everyone who joined us and made this an unforgettable night of music, mission and impact.”
Since its inception, Big Stars & Pink Guitars has raised more than $6.5 million for the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls — making a difference for patients and families who are navigating the fear and heartbreak of a breast cancer diagnosis.
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Breast cancer doesn’t wait, and neither can we. Thanks to the generosity of our community, last night we were able to turn up the volume and make some noise for those with breast cancer. We are so grateful.
Lead Development Officer, Sanford Health Foundation
A Fighter’s Fight Against Cancer
Erin Schutte Wadzinski from Worthington, Minnesota, was featured at the event.
Diagnosed with triple negative stage IIIC breast cancer at age 35, Erin’s journey hasn’t been easy. But thanks to care from the Edith Sanford Breast Center in Sioux Falls, she’s never walked alone.
“Here, I’m not just a patient. I’m a person. Dr. Watson treats me the way she’d want to be treated if she was a patient. She goes above and beyond to consider all options and any opportunities I might have,” said Erin. “She pushes the envelope on the standard of care and does everything in her power to get as much data as possible to make the best decisions on my unique and specialized treatment plan.”
Give for Good
Today, one in eight women will face a breast cancer diagnosis during her lifetime. With your support, we can improve access to lifesaving screenings, accelerate advances in research and give meaningful strength and support to local patients fighting this devastating disease right now.
When you give to the Edith Sanford Breast Center through the Sanford Health Foundation, 100% of your donation will support:
- Services like nurse navigation, complimentary wigs and head coverings, integrated health therapy, survivorship programs and more — all of which are provided at no cost to patients.
- Leading-edge equipment like 3D mammography machines, offering the most advanced early-detection technology
- Cutting-edge research and clinical trials
- Direct assistance for treatment-related costs like meals, lodging or transportation
- And so much more