Trinity Health Livingston announced it received the largest donation in the history of its annual Pink Week fundraiser, a community-driven effort led by Brighton High School students to support local cancer patients.
The event raised $103,031.11 this year, marking the highest total in the 14-year partnership between Brighton High School and Trinity Health Livingston.
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All proceeds will directly support patients receiving care at the Warren R. and Lauraine A. Hoensheid Cancer Center, funding services such as transportation to medical appointments, counseling for patients and families, and programs that help patients manage appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.
Pink Week is organized each year by the Brighton High School Leadership Class and brings together students, families, local businesses and community members. Since the fundraiser began, more than $528,000 has been donated to the cancer center through the initiative.
John O’Malley, president of Trinity Health Livingston and Trinity Health Medical Center Brighton, praised the students and community members who made the record-breaking donation possible, noting the funds will be used immediately to improve patient care.
“Just when I think I couldn’t possibly be more impressed, these young people dig a little deeper, they give a little more of themselves, and they show us all the overwhelming power of a generous spirit,” said O’Malley. “To the students that were involved in leading this, and to everyone who helped make this record-setting donation possible, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. This contribution will be put to work immediately, and it will help make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients.”
Beyond fundraising, the partnership between the high school and the hospital has grown to include educational experiences for students.
The annual check presentation typically features remarks from student and hospital leaders, along with tours of the cancer center, which organizers say has inspired some students to pursue careers in health care and oncology.
Dr. Katie Beekman, medical director of oncology at Trinity Health Southeast Michigan, said the donation helps ensure patients receive not only medical treatment but also supportive services that ease the challenges of a cancer diagnosis.
“The highest level of care we can offer includes supportive services that help make a patient’s cancer journey a little easier,” said Beekman. “A cancer diagnosis can bring so many challenges. This gift allows us to provide the same high‑quality care, along with the supportive services we would want for our own families.”
As a nonprofit health system, Trinity Health Livingston relies on charitable support to sustain these services. Hospital officials say continued community involvement plays a key role in enhancing care and improving the patient experience.