A Special Q&A With Sheryl Heather of Shocking Pinks
Since 2018, Sheryl Heather and the Shocking Pinks have brought their own special brand of fundraising to Ellen’s Run. Each year, the group forms its own team to support The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, gathering in Westhampton Beach for their own 5K walk on the same day as Ellen’s Run. What began as a small group of five or six women has grown to 10 or 12, with the team raising more than $16,000 this year. And they’re not stopping there: every year they’ve been one of Ellen’s Run’s top fundraising teams and they have their sights set on a team of 50 women!
The Shocking Pinks Gather for a Group Shot
What first inspired you to get involved with The Ellen Hermanson Foundation?
Two of my best friends developed breast cancer. They were both diagnosed early and had successful outcomes because they got screened. I wanted to do something to honor that and help spread the word about how important early detection is. And I wanted to support the Foundation’s work to make sure women in our community have access to the care they need.
A few years after starting the team, I wound up having my own breast cancer diagnosis and it really made me double down on my commitment. We were honored by the Foundation that spring, after I had finished my treatments. When I was diagnosed, people from the Foundation reached out to me to help. During that time, I saw firsthand how many women need things like transportation to the Breast Center and other support. It made the Foundation’s mission even more personal for me.
How did your fundraisin team - The fabulous “Shocking Pinks,” get started?
It all started in 2018. It was my birthday and I asked all my friends to sign up for Ellen’s Run. I’m not a runner, so I definitely wasn’t going to enter the run! And I wanted to do something close to home, in Westhampton Beach.
We decided to do our own 5K walk in Westhampton Beach on the same day as the run. That first year, we were a small group. I got one of my best friends involved, Erin Finley, who owns a market in Westhampton Beach, and the group grew from there. We started with five or six women and this year we were 12!
Our walk is also a 5K, just like Ellen’s Run—three miles. This year, we raised over $16,000! Every year, our team keeps growing.
The Shocking Pinks Walking Route in Westhampton, NY
Who is the team behind the Shocking Pinks?
We’re a really diverse group. We have retirees, people in real estate, banking, hospitality - just women from all different backgrounds.
Everyone brings something different to the group, but we’re all very committed. We’ve all been touched by breast cancer in different ways so there’s a real personal connection among the team.
Why is access to screening for ALL women so important to all of you?
We feel privileged to have access to diagnostic care but this shouldn’t be a privilege. It should be a right for every woman to have a mammogram and get a screening.
That’s why The Ellen Hermanson Foundation is so important.
For those interested in joining the Shocking Pinks team, how can they get in touch?
Those who are interested can contact me directly at sheryl.heather1@gmail.com. We’re always looking for more women to join us and be part of this meaningful cause.