Pink Hues that Remind us of the Importance of Breast Health, Women’s Health.
Nearly 250 guests gathered in the Mullen Gardens at Saint John’s Health Center to celebrate the fifth annual Pink Lighting Ceremony hosted by the Margie Petersen Breast Center. As the hospital was illuminated in pink, the evening served as a powerful reminder of hope, resilience, and the importance of community in the fight against breast cancer.
Among the evening’s speakers were Margie Petersen Breast Center leaders Dr. Janie Grumley, Dr. Crystal Fancher, and Dr. Parvin Peddi, who spoke about the importance of personalized, patient-centered care, community support, and continued advances in breast cancer treatment.
Tonight we mark the beginning of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by illuminating the Providence Saint John’s Health Center in pink … a symbol of hope, remembrance, and our unwavering commitment to the patients and families touched by breast cancer.
– Dr. Janie Grumley.
Events like this are only possible through the generosity of dedicated community partners. Special thanks were extended to Oso Libre Winery, Equine Therapy Malibu, Hotel Casa del Mar, Shutters on the Beach, Erewhon, and the Providence Saint John’s Health Center Foundation for helping create a memorable evening in support of breast cancer awareness, survivorship, and patient care.
Erewhon continues to be a valued partner of the Breast Center, raising more than $20,000 through its customer round-up campaign across Los Angeles locations. The company’s commitment reflects the community spirit that defines Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Guests enjoyed an evening of connection and celebration alongside patients, survivors, physicians, donors, Santa Monica city leaders, and Saint John’s executive leadership. A live DJ provided music throughout the event, while beautiful floral arrangements adorned the gathering space. At the close of the evening, attendees were invited to take the floral arrangements home, extending the event’s warmth and beauty beyond the celebration itself.
Hotel Casa del Mar further contributed to the festivities by generously donating a luxurious staycation package for two, creating a special opportunity for guests while supporting the Breast Center’s mission.
The evening also featured moving remarks from Rosemary Riggs of Equine Therapy Malibu, a breast cancer thriver who shared her personal experience as a patient of the Margie Petersen Breast Center.
I knew that Dr. Fancher was someone I could trust with my health, my body, and my tender heart. It wasn’t just Dr. Fancher, but the entire breast team.
– Rose Mary Riggs
Her story underscored the profound impact that compassionate, comprehensive care can have throughout a patient’s journey, from diagnosis through survivorship.
Also taking the stage was Margaret Given, a longtime supporter of the Breast Center whose philanthropy and dedication have helped advance its mission for the past eight years. Reflecting on the significance of the evening and the pink illumination of the hospital, she shared a message that resonated with attendees, “Tonight we gravitate toward the light.”
Her words served as a reminder of the hope, strength, and community that bring patients, families, caregivers, and supporters together during Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Watch Highlights from Saint John’s Goes Pink 2026!
A Brief History of Women’s Health
Women’s health care has evolved significantly over the past several decades. Historically, women were often underrepresented in clinical research, resulting in important gaps in medical knowledge and treatment approaches. Advocacy efforts beginning in the 1960s and 1970s helped advance women’s health initiatives, improve access to care, and promote research focused on women’s unique health needs. These efforts paved the way for advancements in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment that continue to improve outcomes today.1
One of the most important tools in the fight against breast cancer is mammography. Mammograms can detect breast cancer before symptoms appear or before a lump can be felt, allowing for earlier intervention and more treatment options. Regular breast screening has been shown to reduce breast cancer mortality and remains a critical component of preventive health care for women. Women should speak with their physician about the screening schedule that is right for them.2
Everyone joins in the countdown
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our program speakers for their thoughtful and meaningful remarks: Dr. Janie Grumley and Dr. Crystal Fancher, Rose Mary Riggs, Margaret Given, Dr. Parvin Peddi and Dr. Ruth Sorotzkin, who led the lighting countdown and helped bring our community together for this special tradition.
As Saint John’s Health Center glowed pink against the evening sky, the message resonating throughout the gardens was one of hope. Through innovation, early detection, compassionate care, and strong community partnerships, the Margie Petersen Breast Center continues its commitment to supporting patients and families affected by breast cancer while helping more women survive and thrive.
Sources:
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Research on Women’s Health.
About the Office of Research on Women’s Health. - Cancer.org.
Breast Cancer Screening.