The spirit of hope and support was palpable at the 13th Annual Pink Out the Park, during the Strike Out Cancer Weekend. The decade-long partnership between the Detroit Tigers, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and McLaren Health Care welcomed thousands of fans, mostly sporting pink, in honor and celebration of the hundreds of attendees who have been affected by breast cancer.
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“Check your boobs. Get a mammogram. I have cancer.”
That simple but powerful message from a friend’s Facebook post felt like a sign for Lisa Priestap. She had noticed a lump in her breast, and at 45, decided it was time to schedule her very first mammogram. That decision changed everything. Not long after, she was called back for diagnostic imaging, and in January 2022, Priestap was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer.
“It was a trying time, but I’m thankful I got through it,” Priestap said, reflecting on her journey with strength and grace.
Priestap turned to the trusted team at Karmanos Cancer Institute for care. Her treatment was guided by a trio of dedicated physicians: Mohammed Masri, M.D., medical oncologist at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston; Ashley Richardson, D.O., breast surgeon at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint; and Brian Yeh, M.D., Ph.D., radiation oncologist at the McLaren Proton Therapy Center in Flint. Together, they built a treatment plan that combined surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and proton therapy, providing Priestap the most comprehensive approach possible.
“Dr. Richardson really took the time to explain my options, and honestly, all of my doctors made sure I understood everything,” she said.
Today, Priestap is not only a survivor, she’s a passionate advocate for early detection.
“I tell my friends all the time, make sure you’re getting checked. I was 45 and had never had a mammogram,” she said.
Hear Lisa’s powerful story in her own words on the Tigers Radio with Kara Wolfbauer, Park Host for the Detroit Tigers, below.
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Pink Out Batting Practice
Pamela Coleman, a proud 20-year survivor and thriver, had the honor of joining fellow survivors on the field to carry the symbolic pink ribbon during the pre-game ceremony and participate in batting practice with the Detroit Tigers shortstop Trey Sweeney.
“I was loving every minute of it. My family was excited just as much as I was. I have a son in San Diego, and I have a son in Texas, so they were on the phone with family, FaceTiming so that they could see us walking,” Coleman expressed.
Her journey began in 2005 when she discovered a lump in her breast. Working at McLaren Flint, Coleman didn’t hesitate to schedule a mammogram. But the initial scans didn’t detect anything, due to dense breast tissue, which can make it harder to spot abnormalities through standard imaging.
Coleman trusted her instincts and advocated for herself, pushing for additional tests. That persistence paid off, supplemental imaging and blood work confirmed she had breast cancer.
“They were telling me it was nothing. I was thinking, ‘Why do I feel it, and nobody else can feel it, and nobody else can see it?’ I tell young women, ‘Look, you know your body. You've got to advocate for yourself,’” she shared.
Throughout her journey, Coleman found strength in the compassion of her co-workers. The sense of family made all the difference during a challenging time.
Karmanos’ Pink Out Starting 9 Line-Up
The evening began with the inspiring annual pre-game survivor parade, as hundreds of breast cancer survivors took to the field, joined by the physicians and supportive care team members from Karmanos. Together, they stood in unity offering encouragement to the thousands of individuals diagnosed with breast cancer each year.
The nine members of Karmanos’ Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and support team joining the survivors on field included:
- Elisabeth Ekkel-Ayoud, M.D., breast surgeon at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston and McLaren Oakland
- April Brown, director of concierge services at Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit
- Amanda Bush, pharmacist at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Northern
- Linda Corrion, lead mammographer at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb
- Valerie Kalinin, breast navigator at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston
- Ja-Lia Potter, breast navigator at Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit
- Nitin Vaishampayan, M.D., radiation oncologist at Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit
- Amy Vincent, lead mammographer at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Macomb
- Kristian Wilks, MS, LCGC, genetics counselor with the Karmanos Cancer Genetic Counseling Service
These dedicated physicians and support staff stood side by side with survivors, representing the bonds formed through compassionate care and unwavering support. Together, as a team of experts and advocates, they walk every step of the journey with their patients, celebrating victories, offering comfort during challenges, and always fighting for brighter tomorrows.
Survivors in the Spotlight
Another powerful moment came when three-year survivor Kimberly Butler took the field to sing the National Anthem. Butler received her treatment in Detroit.
In 2016, Butler set a personal goal to learn the challenging anthem, not knowing that nine years later, she’d sing it in front of thousands of fans at a Detroit Tigers game.
“I felt so honored. It was completely unexpected. I’m still riding high,” Butler shared the day after. Her church family celebrated with her in their own special way, singing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the end of Sunday’s sermon.
Butler was diagnosed in 2022 and credits her survival to early detection and the care she received at Karmanos in Detroit. After undergoing a lumpectomy, she began a five-year treatment plan aimed at keeping the cancer in remission.
“My health is doing well. I just had my third mammogram since the diagnosis and treatment, and they have not found anything new,” she said enthusiastically.
The evening's inspiration continued as 10-year survivor Kenyetta Schumaker stepped up to throw the ceremonial first pitch. Diagnosed in 2015, Schumaker spoke candidly about how breast cancer changed her life.
“You don't know what life has to offer until you are forced into making medical decisions, mental changes, financial changes, and it just kind of shakes your world up,” she reflected.
Through it all, she leaned on the expert care she received at Karmanos in Detroit, crediting the team with helping her make it through chemotherapy and surgery. Now, a decade cancer-free, Schumaker stands tall.
“I’m still kinking like Cujo and Bruce Lee,” she said with a smile.
With deep gratitude, she added, “They all are a testament to their craft of medical science. They provide all the resources and tools to help us, and then give us a day to be celebrated in one of the best ballparks in the nation.”
Danielle Baszler, an eight-month breast cancer survivor and patient at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston, got the opportunity to deliver the game ball to the pitcher’s mound.
Ring That Bell
Just before the first pitch, the Detroit Tigers replaced the traditional call of “Play Ball” with something even more meaningful: “Ring That Bell.” In a powerful moment of celebration, Karen Rettig, an eight-month survivor who received treatment at the Karmanos Cancer Institute at the Toledo Clinic Cancer Center in Maumee, and Sofia Rogers, a five-month survivor who received treatment in Clarkston, stepped forward to ring the bell in honor of completing their radiation treatments.
Rogers has always taken breast health seriously, knowing cancer runs in her family.
“I was taking precautions and going for my regular mammogram. I also know friends who've had breast cancer, and I was just trying to take care of myself, make sure that I did the right thing,” Rogers shared.
She already had her next mammogram scheduled when she felt a lump in her breast. An ultrasound and biopsy confirmed what she feared most: she had breast cancer. While it wasn’t the first time Rogers had faced those heavy words within her family, hearing them about herself hit differently.
Rogers turned to the Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Clarkston for care. She underwent a lumpectomy, during which four lymph nodes and a second, unexpected cancerous mass were removed. Radiation therapy followed, and today, Rogers is recovering well.
She’s now eager to return to life on the road with her husband in their fifth-wheel camper, a shared passion that brings them joy and adventure.
“I just try to enjoy life, live a good life, and just try to take care of myself now. The breast cancer made me realize how short life could be,” Rogers reflected.
Pink Out Activities Spotlight Survivors
Finally, bringing a message of hope and community from the start of her journey, Najah Woods was provided the opportunity to participate in two in-game activities, Cap Shuffle and Cornhole, where she competed with fellow-survivor Dawn Troyer.
Diagnosed in 2023, Woods shared how moved she was by the compassion and recognition shown during the Pink Out the Park festivities.
“I felt loved and cared for, and I appreciate that the Tigers and Karmanos are bringing awareness about breast cancer,” she said.
Woods receives care at Karmanos Cancer Institute at the Weisberg Cancer Center in Farmington Hills. She praised her care team and the many supportive services available to patients, including the Healing Arts Program, which has brought her comfort and inspiration.
“Being connected with others experiencing the same thing is very powerful… I always look forward to going to the events and programs offered at Karmanos,” Wood expressed.
When Dawn was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2024 at Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren Flint, the news came as a shock—but she stayed calm and focused.
“When the doctor told me, my husband was sitting in the car next to me, and I just said, ‘Okay, now, what are we doing?’ I'm a person who needs to know what we're doing next. You know, what's going to resolve the issue, and I just try to look at things realistically,” Dawn shared.
Her first instinct was to pursue a double mastectomy to eliminate any risk of recurrence. But after a thoughtful discussion with her care team, her physician recommended a lumpectomy followed by chemotherapy, a path with fewer risks and strong outcomes.
Throughout her journey, Dawn found strength in the compassion and consistency of the Karmanos team.
“The team, the nurses there; I cannot say enough about how well everybody treated me, even the office staff. I don't know how to put it into words. They were always there when I needed them,” she expressed.
A devoted Tigers fan, Dawn was overjoyed to take part in this year’s Pink Out the Park.
“I actually helped hold the ribbon on the field and just to be out there, it was just crazy – it's surreal,” she said, still smiling from the experience.
What truly moved her was the overwhelming support from the crowd.
“You could just feel the emotion from the stands. You know, clapping and encouraging us to fight. The support was surprising to me because these are strangers,” Dawn reflected.
It was a moment, and a day, she says she’ll carry with her forever.
Nadia Davis, a one-year breast cancer survivor who received treatment at the Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, also played the Match Game.
Early Screenings and Detection are Crucial
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, and second only to skin cancer across all genders, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, about 1 in 8 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives.
At Karmanos, the Breast Cancer Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) brings together a wide range of experts including surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, plastic surgeons, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, dietitians, social workers, genetic counselors, and patient navigators to support patients during a challenging time in their lives. This team is fully dedicated to breast cancer care, combining their knowledge and experience to design a personalized treatment plan for every patient.
Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to cancer. Many cancers don’t cause symptoms in the beginning, which is why regular screening is key to catching them early, when they’re most treatable. Karmanos recommends that women at average risk start annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have risk factors, talk to your doctor about when to begin screening.
You don’t need a referral to schedule a screening mammogram at any Karmanos or McLaren location. To make an appointment or find more information, visit karmanos.org/breastfacts or call 1-800-KARMANOS.