Francesca DelPrete has been inspired by Seymour Pink so much that she took the time to create the winning shirt design for 2012.
Francesca, 18, of Seymour, was a senior at Seymour High School when she created her design. She is currently a freshman at Salve Regina University majoring in Spanish and global studies with a minor in dance.
She submitted the winning entry because she believes in the cause and enjoys graphic design.
The unique design has been an overwhelming success in helping to “see more pink.”
Francesca stated that she used the triangle design because it is a symbol of change. The purpose of Seymour Pink is to change lives and with that they provide “support,” which is the base of the triangle. The goal is to help people “battle” and “conquer” cancer which appear as the sides of the triangle.
When asked if she was touched by anyone with cancer, Francesca was quick to respond that she has certainly been touched by the entire Seymour Pink community.
“Just knowing how many people in our area have suffered with cancer, whether directly or indirectly gave me an understanding of the struggles they go through,” she said. “Mrs. Deming’s unending passion for helping our community through this organization is truly what inspired me to become involved.”
For her winning entry, she won a $300 scholarship from Seymour Pink Inc. to help pay her university bills. But to Francesca it was more important to know that she is helping to spread the message by having 2,500 copies of her design being worn to help support the mission of Seymour Pink.
This is the fourth year of Seymour Pink week fundraising events, said Theresa Conroy, a member of the Seymour Pink Inc. board of directors. Seymour Pink has raised over $200,000 since that time, through fundraising activities both by the organization and others who have joined independently.
“What started as just a T‑shirt fundraiser has blossomed throughout the whole community. Individuals and organizations hold independent fundraisers and donate the proceeds to Seymour Pink. The board is overwhelmed by our community’s support to help fight this disease,” Conroy said.
The Town of Seymour has proclaimed Wednesday, Oct. 17, to be Seymour Pink Day.
Mary Deming, founder and President of Seymour Pink stated that it is a day for people to think pink, decorate pink and wear pink.
“In our community, no one fights this battle alone. We are here to support them through their journey to recovery,” Deming said.
As a Seymour High School teacher, she said the design contest exposes students to the importance of battling breast cancer at an early age.
The new shirt design is available at locations in the area, including Tickled Pink, Seybridge Pharmacy, Hair Intrigue and EnV Hair Salon.
For more information, visit www.seymourpink.com or email seymourpink09@aol.com.
