Pink Pumpkins, Powerful Stories
Pink glass pumpkins glimmered throughout October at the Sandwich Glass Museum — culminating in a meaningful breast wellness event to support the Early Detection Fund.
The Sandwich Glass Museum turned its artistry into advocacy through the sale of handblown pink glass pumpkins this month. A portion of all pumpkin sales supports the Cape Cod Women’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Fund at Cape Cod Healthcare, which helps cover the cost of diagnostic testing and treatment not covered by insurance.
On October 23, the museum hosted its second annual “Pink Pumpkins with a Purpose,” a powerful evening dedicated to breast wellness, featuring two special guest speakers: Naomi Kalliath, DO, breast surgeon at Cuda Breast Care Center and Falmouth Breast Care Center, and Jennifer Rako, breast cancer survivor and founder of the Cape Cod Women’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection (WED) Fund. The event highlighted education, personal stories and live glassblowing — all in support of a vital cause.
Dr. Kalliath shared key facts about breast cancer, underscoring the importance of awareness and early screening. “One in eight women are affected by breast cancer,” said Kalliath. “Massachusetts consistently has one of the highest survival rates in the country, and that’s because of access to early detection and excellent care. Awareness is the first step.”
She also highlighted the advanced technologies and multidisciplinary care at Cuda and across Cape Cod Healthcare, including high-risk genetic screening, surgical innovations and collaboration with Dana-Farber.
Rako then shared her moving personal story — from diagnosis in 2009 to treatment and ultimately launching the WED Fund in 2018. “My goal was to turn something frightening into something hopeful,” she told attendees. “Over the years, this fund has helped hundreds of women access lifesaving care when cost might have been a barrier.”
Following the speaker portion, guests also enjoyed a live glassblowing demonstration by local artists Yukimi Matsumoto and Kim Savoie, followed by an auction of their creations.
Throughout the evening, pink pumpkins sparkled as symbols of hope and community support. Every pumpkin sold helps ensure that more women on Cape Cod receive the care they need when they need it most.
Click through the slideshow of photos to catch glimpses of this inspiring event.
Pink glass pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colors are on display at the Sandwich Glass Museum.
Pictured (back row): Julie Badot, Lisa Connors, Katie Michaud. Front row: Jennifer Rako, Stephanie Ellis, Ingrid Hyder, MD, Naomi Kalliath, DO, Shikara Fernandes and Beth Howard.
A portion of all pumpkin sales in October supports the Cape Cod Women’s Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Fund at Cape Cod Healthcare.
Guests enjoyed a live glassblowing demonstration by local artist Kim Savoie, with event speaker Jennifer Rako joining in on the fun.
