Jim Morrison didn’t have to look far for inspiration when it came to fundraising to help end breast cancer. His wife, Deb – a longtime supporter of Komen and a breast cancer survivor – made sure of that when she “voluntold” him to participate in Komen’s VIPink ambassador fundraising program. His supportive gesture became even more personal when, during his campaign, Deb was diagnosed with breast cancer for a second time.
A Love Story Shaped by Breast Cancer
When Jim and Deb first met in 2012, she had just finished treatment for triple negative breast cancer. As their relationship blossomed, so did their involvement with Komen. Deb started a team – Debsey’s Divas and Dudes – for the Komen Nebraska MORE THAN PINK Walk, and over the years, they recruited hundreds of team members.
Deb later joined the Komen Nebraska board of directors, and it was through that role that Jim learned she had already signed him up to participate in the VIPink ambassador fundraising program as a part of the Komen Heartland BigWigs campaign.
“When I found out I got to wear a wig, I was all in,” Jim said.
Fundraising as a VIPink Ambassador
BigWigs participants commit to raise a minimum of $5,000 while wearing a fun, attention-grabbing pink wig. At the conclusion of the campaign, the ambassador who raises the most money earns the title of Biggest Wig.
Not long before the campaign began, Deb received her second triple negative breast cancer diagnosis.
“She went through very aggressive chemotherapy and radiation right in the middle of the campaign,” Jim said. “She is an exceptionally strong woman. Watching her handle her treatment with such strength and resilience was a humbling experience.”
At the start of the BigWigs campaign – and before Deb’s treatment began – the couple hosted a pink-themed party at their Omaha, Neb., home.
“Friends and family came out and wore something pink,” Jim said. “My daughter put QR codes all over the house so guests could make donations from their phones.”
Turning Professional Connections into Fundraising Support
Additionally, Jim leaned on the relationships he had built through his role with Stratus Building Solutions. Over the past decade, his role has taken him across the United States and Canada as he helped open new territories and train franchisees. In that time, he helped launch more than 60 new locations. This gave him the opportunity to build connections across the company.
“So many people knew Deb, and when I told them about her recurrence, I was amazed by their response,” Jim said. “At the same time, I was fairly shameless when it came to following up with those I asked for donations.”
A Friendly Rivalry for Biggest Wig
As Jim climbed the leaderboard, he began a friendly rivalry with fellow Heartland BigWigs fundraiser Brooke Hunady. “Brooke is a fierce and fun competitor,” he said. “She was just quietly smacking me around dollar wise, and every time I would catch up, here she came again with more donations.”
By the end of the campaign, Jim raised just over $19,000. Despite his best effort, Brooke ultimately claimed the title of Biggest Wig with more than $22,000 raised. “I hope she doesn’t play pickleball because she would crush me,” Jim said.
While he didn’t earn the title of Biggest Wig, for Jim, the real victory was the outpouring of support for Deb and the entire breast cancer community. “It was incredible to see just how much of an impact she has on everyone she meets,” he said. “For colleagues who only spent a little time with her to contribute this campaign was such a humbling experience.”
Become a Komen VIPink Ambassador
With the VIPink ambassador fundraising program, community leaders across the U.S. have more flexibility to choose how to engage and raise funds to help end breast cancer. Whether participating through Pink Tie Guys, BigWigs or a custom campaign, VIPink offers a unique opportunity for leaders to make a lasting impact.
For more information on how you can make a difference through VIPink, email fundraise@komen.org or visit komen.org/VIPink.
Statements and opinions expressed are those of the individual and do not express the views or opinions of Susan G. Komen. This information is being provided for educational purposes only and is not to be construed as medical advice. Persons with breast cancer should consult their health care provider with specific questions or concerns about their treatment.
