Today we’d like to introduce you to Patty Hurwitz.
Hi Patty, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story began in 1999 when, at the age of 44, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Because there was no comprehensive breast care program in Frederick, I made the difficult decision to drive to Balimore, an hour away, for my treatments. I still had kids at home, so it wasn’t easy to do. My husband, Jeff, and I decided we would like to change that for other women in Frederick. So we started the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund, with the goal of providing the latest technology for the early diagnois and treatment of breast cancer in the Frederick community.
We started with an initial personal investment and then began holding the Pink Ribbon Gala in our jewelry store, Colonial Jewelers, each October. Our jewelry vendors donated jeweley items that were then auctioned and the proceeds given to the Fund. As the years went on, we broadened the Gala to be a wider community black tie event, with a live band, great food and drink, and a silent auction. The Gala is now held at Hood College each year and has been a tremendous success.
About 17 years ago, we started holding a Pink Ribbon 5K, also at Hood College, which now brings 600-800 participants each year. Other community groups have joined the cause, and raise significant money to support us. To date, we have raised over $4 million and every penny goes to direct patient care. There are no administrative costs taken from these donations. We are a small but mighty all-volunteer group. The funds have been donated to Frederick Health and used to purchase diagnostic equipment, fund nurse navigators for the Breast Center, and recently, to fund cutting edge service such as the Galleri test, a blood test to detect cancer in the blood, at an early stage. We have supported 8 clinical trials locally, and other initiatives.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a relatively smooth road. Breast cancer is a disease that touches everyone in some way, whether it’s themselves, a loved one, a friend, coworker or neighbor. People are willing to pitch in to help and they love that all their donations stay local. The Frederick community is a very giving one. Our events are lively and fun, and celebrate survivorship along with raising funds.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My husband and I have owned Colonial Jewelers in downtown Frederick for over 45 years, being fourth generation jewelers. We recently turned the business over to our daughter, Sarah. Colonial Jewelers is the premiere jeweler in the Frederick area; We specialize in fine quality jewelry, repairs, custom design and appraisals. I’m most proud of the quality of the jewelry we sell and the relationships we have built with our customers and our community over the years. Our professional sales team are our biggest asset, and they make the buying experience unlike any other.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I’m most happy when with my family, which consists of my husband, my three adult children, and my five amazing beautiful grandchildren.
I’m also happy when I think about all the women we have been able to help through the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://pinkribbonfrederick.org
