Throughout October, Taos will turn pink as local businesses, residents and community partners come together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Paint Taos Pink benefits Holy Cross Medical Center’s Cancer Support Services, with every dollar raised staying local to provide free support for individuals and families.
Jeannie Ross, Director of Community Health Services at Holy Cross, has overseen the program and Paint Taos Pink for nine years. Her passion and commitment to her department and the program inspires those around her, reflecting a deep appreciation for both the people the program serves and the community that makes it possible.
“October is a month when the whole country focuses on breast cancer, and it’s also a time to rally around people experiencing cancer,” Ross said. “Paint Taos Pink combines education, outreach and an opportunity to support a wonderful local service. It shines a light on Taos Cancer Support Services and the free help available.”
The program provides travel assistance, meal support, support groups and patient navigation. In a rural region where specialized treatment often requires traveling outside the community, these resources help ease the practical and financial burdens of cancer care.
“Cancer touches all of us in some way, whether through a parent, a friend, a coworker or a neighbor,” Ross said. “Paint Taos Pink shows people experiencing cancer how much this community cares about them and reminds them that support is here.”
Paint Taos Pink is a month-long community campaign that brings together local events, restaurant fundraisers and awareness activities to support Taos Cancer Support Services. Residents can participate by attending an event, dining at a participating restaurant, entering the raffle or donating directly. This year’s activities include:
- Oct. 2 | Pink Happy Hour: Daleee at KTAOS, 5–7 p.m.
- Oct. 18 | Heart Light: A Fall Sound Journey for Healing with Jennifer Manhoff at Aura Fitness, 5 p.m.
- Oct. 24 | Zumba: Taos Spa and Tennis Club, 1–3 p.m.
- Oct. 25 | Posing in Pink: Yoga in honor of breast cancer awareness with Aura at Aura Fitness, 9 a.m.
- Oct. 31 | Taos Cares raffle drawing: Chances to win prizes while supporting local people facing cancer.
Participating restaurants will also donate a portion of proceeds on designated days:
- Oct. 3: Pizaños
- Oct. 7: Gutiz
- Oct. 15: Aceq
- Oct. 19: Taos Tap Room at Taos Mesa Brewing
- Oct. 30: Martyrs Steakhouse, lunch only
“Many of these restaurants and businesses have been part of Paint Taos Pink for years, and I’m humbled by their commitment,” Ross said. “They show up year after year, without hesitation. Supporting these businesses is another way to recognize the generosity they continually show our community.”
The Town of Taos and tea.o.graphy are providing month-long support. The Town’s “Wednesdays We Wear Pink” initiative encourages residents to wear pink every Wednesday in October. Its Taos Business Challenge invites businesses to decorate offices, facilities and workspaces with pink and breast cancer awareness decorations.
To enter, businesses can email photos or videos of their decorated spaces, along with contact information, to taosyouth@taosnm.gov. Participants may also request an in-person visit. Winners will be announced and prizes delivered Friday, Oct. 30.
“We’re excited about the Town’s extra involvement this year,” Ross said. “I’m looking forward to seeing people wearing pink on Wednesdays around town and businesses finding creative, fun ways to decorate and spread awareness.”
October is also a good time for people who are due for a mammogram to schedule one. Holy Cross Hospital offers Genius 3D mammography, providing advanced breast imaging close to home. You don’t need to leave Taos for a state-of-the-art 3D mammogram. Patients can speak with their healthcare provider about screening and a referral, or visit www.HolyCrossMedicalCenter.org for more information.
“This is a program for our community, supported by our community,” Ross said. “Without that support, we couldn’t provide these services. I’m grateful to everyone who contributes. These are real resources for people experiencing cancer, and they show how this community takes care of its own.”
For event details, donations and raffle information, visit PaintTaosPink.org.