NORWICH — Mother and son small business owners are showing appreciation by giving back to the community and raising breast cancer awareness.
Joyce Lein and Brett Lein, owners of Rosebud Tattoo and Tanning in Norwich, dedicated a day of business to raise money for local women struggling with breast cancer.
On Wednesday, the Leins charged $50 for pink ribbon tattoos. The event took place the entire business day. Proceeds from the pink ribbon tattoos went to Chenango County Health Network. Customers getting tattoos were given the opportunity to donate more money if they wanted to.
This is Rosebud Tattoo and Tanning's second year holding the breast cancer event. Last year, the Leins did nine tattoos and raised $460. This year, they had already completed six tattoos and raised $450 by Wednesday afternoon. Brett Lein expects them to exceed last year's donations. His goal was to raise $1,000.
Brett Lein said Chenango County Health Network has a program that specifically helps local women diagnosed with breast cancer. The program meets some of the financial needs regarding the women's breast cancer treatment, including gas cards for trips to medical appointments, insurance co-pays or hotel stays for out-of-town medical appointments.
“I think it is a special opportunity to give back to the community. We're put in a position to give back. We are able to donate our time, skills and supplies. It’s good to help the local people who give us business,” said Brett Lein.
“We want the money to go back to our community. We want to help local people. As small business owners, we understand how important that is,” said Joyce Lein.
Although neither of the tattoo business owners have had anyone directly related or close to them be diagnosed with breast cancer, they believe it is a worthy cause.
“There are a lot of women in my family. I have three daughters ages 16 months, 3 years and 6 years old. I am also close to my mother and fiancé. I think it's a nice way to recognize women,” said Brett Lein.
“It’s a very important cause. It's not a lot, but it's something we can do,” said Joyce Lein.
A local woman, Sandra Baker of Norwich, attended the event and donated money to get a pink ribbon tattoo. Her aunt is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. She also works on an oncology floor as part of her nursing education.
“I never wanted a tattoo, but this cause is important enough that I decided to get one. I got one for my aunt who has fought this disease twice. I also got it for my patients,” said Baker.
Baker's sister-in-law is an employee at Chenango County Health Network. Because of her sister-in-law, she said she knows how much the nonprofit helps the community. “I wanted to support her as well. I really like that the donations stay local and help the community,” said Baker.
The future nurse also said the biggest part of fighting breast cancer is awareness. “It is important to get yearly mammograms and to do monthly self-exams,” said Baker.
The Leins echoed Baker's opinion about breast cancer awareness. “Part of the reason we do this is to raise awareness,” said Brett Lein. “People who do not know about early treatment need to know. They might see someone with a pink ribbon tattoo and learn something new about breast cancer.”
“Breast cancer can be treated more easily if it is detected early. That is why awareness is so important,” said Joyce Lein.
Rosebud Tattoo and Tanning plans to hold the same event next year. They want to expand the event to more than one day and open it up to support cancer in general. They plan to do different-colored ribbon tattoos representing all types of cancer.
“We just want to do our part and help others,” said Brett Lein.
For more information about Rosebud Tattoo and Tanning, call 334-7399 or visit its Facebook page. For more information about the Chenango County Health Network and its breast cancer program, call 337-4331.