Stephanie believes that if she knew about the BRCA gene mutation, she would have obtained genetic testing prior to her diagnosis based on her family history. She would have had more frequent screening which may have caught the cancer earlier. Because of this, Stephanie made it her mission to educate others about this important genetic mutation.
In late 2005, following the recovery of her surgeries and the completion of chemotherapy, Think Pink Rocks was founded with a mission to raise awareness about the BRCA gene mutation and the need for early detection of and genetic testing for breast cancer. The first Think Pink luncheon was held in October 2005 at Congregation B’nai Israel in Boca Raton, Florida. The event was successful and proceeds were donated to two breast cancer charities. Two years later, the second Think Pink luncheon raised more than $150,000 with proceeds donated to JACOB and the Boca Raton Community Hospital Center for Breast Care.
In 2008, Think Pink wanted to reach a larger audience to educate people on BRCA and relaunched as Think Pink Rocks. The founders and volunteers arranged a concert at the Mizner Park Amphitheater in Boca Raton. The first concert featured top recording artists such as AKON, Flo Rida, Shontelle, Melanie Fiona and other emerging artists and was hosted by Queen Latifah. The concert was a huge success, raising awareness and money for a number of breast cancer charities. A total of four concerts were held in the years to follow.
In 2010 and over the next 12+ years, Think Pink Rocks pivoted its fundraising efforts by partnering with New York Road Runners. Each year, Think Pink Rocks recruits runners as a charity partner with the New York City Marathon held every November and the NYC Half Marathon held every March. Our runners have raised millions of dollars to fund cutting edge breast cancer research through dedicated Think Pink Rocks breast cancer research funds at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and at the Rogel Cancer Center at the University of Michigan. Proceeds are also used to support other cancer centers and breast cancer organizations.