Breast Cancer Retreat Returns to Marco

Little Pink Houses of Hope, the national nonprofit that conducts free, weeklong vacation retreats for families battling breast cancer, is returning to Marco Island June 1-8 following its successful inaugural retreat in Marco last June.

“We conduct retreats in more than 20 locations across the country, and Marco Island is at the top of the list in terms of community support for this important cause,” said Jeanine Patten-Coble, Little Pink’s founder and president. “The outpouring of love and generosity from the Marco community last year just blew us away, and Marco businesses and residents are already stepping up to ensure our 2024 retreat will be even more special for the 12 families who will be attending.”

Patten-Coble said that through the efforts of Clausen Properties and iTrip, nearly 30 rental properties were donated for this year’s retreat, a rare surplus among Little Pink’s retreat locations. “It’s quite remarkable,” Patten-Coble said. “It’s allowed us to give each family their own beautiful waterfront property with a pool.”

In addition to the property donations, local businesses and individuals are lining up to donate or sponsor group meals, restaurant and grocery gift cards, activities, and gift items. Local businesses that have already committed to participating include Florida Adventures, Marco Fun, Island Bike Shop, Marco Island Yacht Club, Paddle Marco, Marco Golf and Garden, Naples Botanical Garden, Shy Wolf Sanctuary, Mister Crabcakes, Kretch’s, Ciao Bella, Stonewall’s, CJ’s on the Bay, Carvelli Restaurant Group, Pinchers, Hoots, Davide Italian Café, Elite Nails and Spa, A Better Solution, La Miranda, Marco Princess, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and Marco Island Shell Club.

Patten-Coble said one key to Little Pink’s success in Marco is “Team Pink,” a group of about 20 local volunteers who meet to plan the retreat, canvass the community for donations and help with meals and events during the retreat, working alongside the specially trained team of volunteers that Little Pink brings to Marco for the week.

“Marco’s Team Pink is truly the secret sauce in our success here,” Patten-Coble said. “This is a group that works hard year-round to give our families a vacation they’ll never forget. It’s a true labor of love.”

Patten-Coble said Little Pink is still in need of additional group meal donations or sponsorships, restaurant and grocery gift cards, and welcome basket gift items to give the families Marco Island mementos to remember their time here.

Any business, group, or individual looking to get involved should contact Little Pink Retreat Coordinator and Marco Island resident Brad Shaw at 404-274-4834 or brad@littlepink.org.