Pink is a color often associated with breast cancer awareness, especially during October. However, at a wealth management and financial services firm in Michigan, pink is always in style.
The initiative, known as Merrill Wears Pink, connects corporate offices to the American Cancer Society through fundraising for breast cancer.
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Matt Eckenrode, a senior resident director at Merrill, shared his personal connection to the cause.
“I actually had this made for her. I had the suit and shirt made so the shirt is also pink,” he said, referring to his wife’s battle with breast cancer.
Based in Traverse City, Eckenrode is part of a team where employees frequently sport pink attire throughout the year. This initiative aims to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and support services.
Tom Pursel, managing director and co-founder of Merrill Wears Pink in 2018, highlighted the campaign’s success.
“In total, from 2018 to this year so far, what are we talking here? 850,000 so we’re on our way to seven figures,” he said.
Pursel, motivated by personal losses to cancer, emphasized the importance of giving back and supporting those affected by the disease.
Eckenrode’s motivation is deeply personal, as his wife was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022.
“It was a very emotional time for our whole family, especially for her at the time of her diagnosis, we had a 10-month-old,” he shared.
The support from his colleagues and the broader Michigan Merrill Lynch operation has been overwhelming, contributing significantly to the American Cancer Society.
The funds raised by Merrill, totaling $850,000 over the past six years, support cancer research and essential services like transportation and lodging for patients.
Jenni Beamer, senior executive director at the American Cancer Society, explained the impact of these donations.
“We have a free transportation program because, unfortunately, a lot of people can’t get to treatment simply because they don’t have a ride,” she said.
Additionally, programs like Hope Lodge offer free lodging for patients traveling for treatment, thanks to initiatives like Merrill Wears Pink.
As the campaign approaches the $1 million mark, Beamer emphasized the life-saving impact of these contributions. Pursel expressed pride in the initiative’s achievements and its potential for future growth.
“We’re looking to multiply that many times over. So we’ll keep it going as long as they listen to me,” he said.
For those interested in contributing to the Merrill Wears Pink initiative, donations can be made here. The final day to donate for this year’s goal is Dec. 31. Donations to the American Cancer Society can also be made at cancer.org.