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 Brianne Davis | Special to The Communicator |
| Art from the heart September 17, 2009 Tattoos, long thought of as a form of self expression, are now serving a philanthropic purpose. The Missing Piece Tattoo Lounge in downtown Spokane has teamed up again with Cancer Patient Care (CPC) for their 2nd Annual Ribbon Tattoo Fundraiser. The fundraiser, which began with a kick-off party Sept. 1 at The Missing Piece, located at 410 West Sprague Ave., is based on an idea from the event's coordinator, John Marshall. "Cancer Patient Care took care of my boss from The Stonewall when he had lung cancer," Marshall said. "I wanted to return the favor in his honor." Zach Woods, owner of The Missing Piece, said he had no reservations about teaming up with Marshall and CPC. "We're a part of the community like everyone else," Woods said. "A lot of the newer shops aren't doing this." When Marshall and Woods met and first discussed the idea, Marshall knew it was meant to happen. "Cancer affects all of us, we all know someone who had it or died from it," Marshall said. Morgan knows first-hand about the support CPC provides. "I had breast cancer, and recently finished my chemotherapy," she said. "I'm grateful for CPC and their support." Morgan said some of the support services the CPC provide range from providing wigs and hats to patients going through chemotherapy, special post-surgery garments and even providing vouchers for gas and groceries. In 2008, the American Cancer Society reported approximately 1.4 million new cancer cases in the United States, with about 32,000 of those cases coming from Washington. "Hundreds of thousands of people receive support from CPC," Morgan said. "The whole process is scarier than it has to be, but so many people are too proud to ask for help." Woods' favorite part about doing the tattoos is hearing the different stories from various survivors and loved ones. "It's like a healing process for them," he said. Some additions to this year's fundraiser include less-permanent options for people who want to support but can't quite commit to the needle and ink. "At the Mayor's request, we're offering henna tattoos this year," Marshall said. "We're also offering piercings with pink studs." Following her request, Mayor Mary Verner came in during the kick-off party and got a henna tattoo done on her ankle, with party attendees looking on. Aside from the body modification, the artists at The Missing Piece also contributed many pieces of cancer-themed artwork to be auctioned off in a silent auction, as well as tickets to CPC's "Mostly Merlot" event, with all proceeds going to CPC. All fundraiser participants can also fill out a sticker for themselves or a loved one and place it on the Honor Banner hanging in the shop lobby. As far as the fundraising aspect goes, Marshall has said that the CPC has no worries about the lack of support. "Last year, we raised about $1,500 total," he said. "We're expecting to triple that this year." The fundraiser continues through the month of October. |