October may be Breast Cancer Awareness month but Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer and CNY’s premier, upscale body art studio want you to know that pink ribbons are not your only option for demonstrating your commitment and support.
Next Saturday, Serenity Tattoo is hosting “Pink Your Ink,” a unique event to benefit Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer’s angel fund at Cancer Connects. Participants can choose a design—in full color or black and gray, up to 3”x 3”—from over 50 possibilities, and get their ink for just $80 per design.
“As a local business, I feel it’s important to give back to local organizations. This fundraiser not only has deep meaning for me, but also gives to an organization that provides a support system and resources to those fighting and going through cancer,” said Thomas Doyle, owner and head artist at Serenity Tattoo. “My shop is committed to providing the highest quality body art that allow patrons to express themselves and even remember their loved ones. We hope that this fundraiser will bring awareness locally to breast cancer and also provide an outlet for art that gives back to this important cause.”
Moving into the mainstream, tattoo culture has empowered wearers from all walks of life to use their bodies as a canvas they can embellish for beauty’s sake, or to make a statement, be it bold, subtle, private, playful, or serious. In particular, people with cancer and those who care about them have embraced body art as a way to reclaim their bodies and show solidarity with their loved ones.
“Serenity Tattoo is donating 50 percent of the proceeds to SDBC,” said SDBC founder Ann Marie Otis, “but the much of the real benefit goes straight to anyone who participates, because the symbol they choose will become a permanent and inspiring part of who they are.”
Over 50 people have already registered for the benefit, which runs from noon to 11:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22. Flash sheet designs for the event can be modified to a limited extent by request, with a consult prior to the event. Examples of modifications might include adding a person’s name or a small image, such as a heart, to the design. Serenity Tattoo reserves right to refuse any modifications given the type of request. All designs are line drawings and will be executed in full color of customer’s preference, or in black and grey, with a maximum size of 3″x3″.
Founded in 2012, Stupid Dumb Breast Cancer is Ann Marie Giannino-Otis’ fierce and unconventional initiative to promote awareness, research, and advocacy, with a focus on the ravages of metastatic cancer and the people who fight it. On behalf of SDBC, Ann Marie has been featured in area publications, appeared on TV (including MSNBC’s NewsNation with Tamron Hall), local radio, and Huff Post Live, and she hosts a series of monthly events. Since its inception almost two years ago, SDBC has raised and contributed over $100,000 to a variety of cancer organizations, including Stand Up to Cancer, Duke Hospital, Wilmot Cancer Center, the Upstate Cancer Center, Cancer Connects, Maureen’s Hope Foundation, and Jill’s Wish. Otis currently serves as community manager for Wisdo and social media advisor for Lyfebulb.
