Meet the breast cancer survivor bringing hope to women in Clark County

For Leigh Anne Lawrence, the fight against breast cancer became deeply personal on October 19, 2022. Diagnosed at 42, her world forever changed. But through her own journey of treatment and recovery, she emerged with a newfound purpose: to ensure that no one in her community walks that path alone. 

This mission is the driving force behind the Think Pink Foundation, an organization she helped build from the ground up. Unlike national cancer advocacy and support organizations with a broader reach, it’s dedicated to providing tangible, local support for breast cancer patients in Clark County. 

Leigh Anne and SuzanneHer intense treatment journey highlighted the significant physical and emotional toll of the disease, a reality she feels is often misunderstood. Facing a life-threatening diagnosis brings about a flurry of feelings — and survivors often feel isolated by the experience. However, in Lawrence’s experience, the response to her health challenges also revealed the incredible power of community.

"When the news came out that I had breast cancer... [it felt like] the whole community rallied around me and my family," Lawrence says. 

The outpouring of support was so profound that it sparked a desire to pay it forward. Clark County has a large number of people being diagnosed with breast cancer each year. According to the Ohio Department of Health, 131 women were diagnosed with breast cancer in the period from 2018 to 2022 —  and 21 died. This compares to the national rate of 129.8 new cases and 19.3 deaths in the same period. According to the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, diagnoses of breast cancer have increased steadily in women under age 50 over the past two decades,

Acknowledging this stark reality, Lawrence wanted to support area women facing similar challenges. This commitment led to the creation of the foundation. While national organizations serve a purpose, Lawrence felt a calling to focus her efforts at home. 

"Clark County is my heart,” she says. “I've lived here my whole life. Clark County is the community that supported us… during this journey, so I wanted to give back to Clark County."



Since its inaugural gala in 2023 — an event Lawrence helped organize while still undergoing treatment — the foundation has raised $50,000. The funds are distributed to local partners, ensuring the impact is direct and meaningful. Past beneficiaries include the Breast Cancer Endowment Fund of Clark County, the mobile mammogram bus, and the breast navigator program at the Springfield Cancer Center.

Lawrence, who serves as Leadership Clark County’s executive director, also serves on the board of the Breast Wishes Foundation. This partner organization grants wishes up to $1,500 for women in treatment. Think Pink contributes funds specifically to grant wishes for women in Clark County. The wishes provide a much-needed mental and emotional boost, whether it's a small trip or, in Lawrence's case, a new stove. These gestures acknowledge that life's needs and joys don't stop for a diagnosis and treatment.

Think Pink creates special pink duffel bags filled with items specifically for patients starting chemotherapy or preparing for surgery.Beyond financial contributions, Think Pink focuses on providing immediate comfort to women impacted by breast cancer. This year, they created special pink duffel bags filled with items specifically for patients starting chemotherapy or preparing for surgery. They have essentials like blankets, unscented chapsticks, unscented soap, and unscented lotion — items that come in handy when going through chemotherapy treatment. Lawrence says the bags, which also include a prayer card and messages of support, have been incredibly impactful.  

To fund these efforts, the foundation hosts several key events in October, which has been designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The "Think Pink Takeover" at the COHatch in downtown Springfield is a free community event on October 3. Guests can expect vendors, pink beer, and bingo. The main fundraiser is an annual gala planned for October 16. This event has grown so much that it's moving to the Hollenbeck Bayley Creative Arts and Conference Center this year.

For Lawrence, this work is also a way to process her own journey and use her position as a community leader for good. 

"I didn't want to [not] use the platform…to share some awareness and maybe help somebody else," she says. "[I want to remind] women that we get busy and we need to focus on our health and prioritize being here for our families."