OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE: To Provide Support So Those with Breast Cancer Can Heal

Cancer is a diagnosis that no one wants to hear. Many of us have lost family members and dear friends to this hideous disease. Every 14 seconds, somewhere in the world, a case of cancer is diagnosed – a sobering statistic. Paint Pink is a non-profit created by Kim Keene, a breast cancer survivor, and her supporters. As a cancer survivor, Kim knows all too well that insurance does not cover many patients’ needs.

The average cancer patient loses over $92,000 due to treatment-related costs

Paint Pink Inc. aims to support cancer patients with goods and services not covered by insurance: payment of bills, legal fees, personal care items, house cleaning, meal delivery and more.

KIM'S KRUSADE: To Raise Funds to Support Paint Pink's Mission

The impact that Kim Keene made during her 55 years can be felt in the number of people she leaves behind to mourn her death.

The founder and former owner of The Starving Artist, a Norfolk café on North Colley Avenue, and creator of nonprofit Paint Pink, died September 16 after a battle that began seven years ago with breast cancer.

Keene’s cancer returned as stage 4 metastatic in 2022, the same year she sold the café. She started Paint Pink in June 2023. Her dying wish was that the nonprofit continue helping residents through their cancer journeys long after she was gone.

 

Friends and Paint Pink colleagues told Keene her legacy will live on through the organization she selflessly created to help other cancer patients by funding services not covered by insurance, such as house cleaning, meal delivery, legal fees and bill payments. Fundraising events to support the nonprofit are planned during October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. And Keene’s heart will also live on through her artwork, shared memories and photos highlighting her radiant smile.