The pink ribbon has become a prominent cultural symbol for promoting breast cancer awareness. It began as a simple ribbon pinned to our clothing to show support, but it has extended to pink versions of everything from toasters and hand mixers to digital cameras and vacuum cleaners.
We’re usually told that a portion of the proceeds will be donated to an organization dedicated to helping fight breast cancer. Sometimes we’re told what portion and what organization, sometimes not. After a while you begin to want to know more about who’s behind these new pink products and where your donation is actually going.
Going Pink
The pink Denise kit is a different story. Perhaps it’s because I know Denise owner Linda Krag and I respect her professional integrity, or perhaps it’s because I know that she herself has gone through two rounds of breast cancer. Whatever the reason, when I first set eyes on this kit I was so moved that I literally got goosebumps.
What You Get
The pink Denise kit is essentially the same Denise kit I reviewed years ago but with one major exception: the navy blue case cover is now a rosy pink, and the grey connector cables are now an equally rosy pink. I love the new color—I always thought the navy and grey were a bit stern and utilitarian, while the pink brings a whole element of warmth and whimsy to the set. But on a more important level, I love what this kit symbolizes.
What You’re Doing
When you purchase a pink Denise kit, $5 goes directly to breast cancer research through the Pink Project / S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund—there are no hidden administration fees, this is a direct donation. (The pink kit has been priced $5 above the standard kit cost to accommodate the donation.)
The S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund is a private foundation created by Scott Ireland and his wife Kim after Scott received treatment for melanoma and was deeply impressed by his physician’s cutting-edge cancer research.
That physician was none other than David Krag, Linda’s brother-in-law—and a trusted advisor to Linda as she walked through her own breast cancer experiences. The fund pays all its own administrative costs so that all donated monies go directly into research that often leads to grants and endowments down the road.
Other Pink Options
If you already have a Denise set and don’t feel like investing in a new one, you can still enjoy a new pink Companion Set and contribute $2 to the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund. The Companion Set includes six cords (5″, 9″, 12″, 14″, 16″, and 19″), four end buttons, and two extenders.
You can even purchase a pink 30″, 40″ or 52″ cord and contribute $1 to the fund. The shorter cords—5″, 9″, 12″, 14″, 16″, and 19″—are also available in pink for $2.50 apiece but do not include a donation. Or if you don’t need the needles but like what Linda Krag is doing, you can make a donation directly to the S.D. Ireland Cancer Research Fund to help the cause.
Needles marked in U.S. sizes only.
Each kit comes with:
10 pairs needle heads, sizes US 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10 1/2, 11, 13, and 15
6 cords: one 5″, 9″, 12″, 14″, 16″, and 19″
2 extenders
4 end buttons
