The city of Lewiston received a Maine Cancer Foundation Pink Tulip Award at the foundation’s recent annual meeting. From left, Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr., Pink Tulip Founder Robin Whitten, Maine Cancer Foundation Executive Director Susan Rowan, Lewiston Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier, Pink Tulip Project Committee Member Marji Adams, and outgoing MCF Board President Meredith Burgess.

City is pretty in pink

LEWISTON – The City of Lewiston has recently been recognized by the Maine Cancer Foundation for its success as a pilot site for the 2006-07 Pink Tulip Project. Mayor Laurent F. Gilbert Sr., and Community Relations Coordinator Dottie Perham-Whittier accepted the award on behalf of the city.

The Pink Tulip Project was the brainchild of Robin Whitten of Portland, who had just planted her bulb garden in November 2004 when she learned of her breast cancer diagnosis. Throughout her chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Whitten visualized her garden of tulips blooming and knowing that at that time, her treatments would be over.

That vision of tulips and hope was the inspiration for the Pink Tulip Project and Lewiston, Bangor and Portland were chosen in 2006 as pilot planting sites. Fifteen thousand tulip bulbs for the tri-city planting were donated by Gibson Realty LLC.

In the spring of 2007, Whitten’s vision resulted in a splash of pink at “kick-off” sites near Yvon’s Car Wash, Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice; Bates College; Central Maine Medical Center; St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center; the Main Street median near the Lisbon Street intersection; and the Farwell Street Island.

The Pink Tulip Project will continue as an annual initiative of the Maine Cancer Foundation’s fundraising for research, education, and patient support, with money raised staying in Maine. Those interested in learning how they may be involved may contact the Foundation at 773-2533 or visit [email protected]