(12/20) Thurmont’s Economic Director Vickie Grinder presented the final report for the 11th annual Gateway to the Cure effort at the December 3rd Town Council meeting, announcing that the Town had raised $20,250 for the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund.

Vickie lamented that, while the Town was unable to procure the popular pink light bulbs, other merchandise, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc., was available for sale to support the cause. The Town also reintroduced mugs for $10 that were sold out two years ago.

While the pink light bulbs have been the staple of fundraising efforts over the past years, Grinder said that their lighting of porches throughout the Town every evening during the month of October served as an important and visible reminder to all of the Gateway to the Cure goal of stamping out Breast Cancer.

Pumpkins for Pink, a pumpkin painting contest, also returned this year, thanks to Commissioner Wayne Hooper. According to Grinder, the contest saw its biggest outcome in its three years with 14 pumpkins entered. "We’re involving the businesses so much already and we’re so appreciative of all the businesses, but this gives children a way to help," Hooper said.

Money was also raised through the Gateway for the Cure’s golf tournament and 5k run, where active residents could show their support in the fight against breast cancer. Both had great turnouts, with the golf tournament selling out for teams one month before the event.

During the Check Presentation event, Grinder thanked town residents for their support, whether through a monetary donation or by participating in an event. "This is what a small town does," she said. "We are a small town and it never ceases to amaze me the successes that come out of the Town of Thurmont." Grinder also gave credit to the many local businesses who contributed to the success of the fundraising.

Mayor John Kinnaird presented the ceremonial check to Patty Hurwitz on behalf of the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund at the meeting. The Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund began in 1999 after Hurwitz was diagnosed with breast cancer. The Fund, started by Patty and her husband Jeff, is used to support early cancer detection methods at the Stockman Cancer Institute in Frederick, which provides access to the diagnostics that county residents need without having to travel far from home.

Hurwitz spoke on the importance of furthering breast cancer research, while also mentioning how far it has come since the fund started 25 years ago. "Right now, Frederick Health is just about ready to launch a blood test for not only breast cancer, but a number of other cancers as well, and that’s all because of our fund," she said. She also mentioned new clinical trials and other developments happening in Frederick County.

Hurwitz also noted that other Towns, like Emmitsburg and Brunswick, have taken notice of Thurmont’s efforts and have started their own programs to raise awareness too, as well as funds for efforts to eliminate breast cancer during the month of October.

While the efforts of other Towns to emulate the efforts of Thurmont to raise funds for breast cancer research was well received, everyone knows that Thurmont’s Gateway to the Cure will always be leading the pack, charting new pathways to raise awareness and funds with a grand total of $187,400 contributed to the Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund since 2014.