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Molly MacDonald: A Difference Maker In The Community

DETROIT (WWJ) - The nation turns pink as WWJ Newsradio 950 honors The Pink Fund founder Molly MacDonald as October's "Difference Maker in the Community."

In 2005, shortly after accepting a new job, MacDonald's cancer journey began with a routine mammogram.

"A second mammogram led to a biopsy, the biopsy led to a diagnosis, and that diagnosis," she told WWJ's Marie Osborne. "And that diagnosis detoured my career plans to the off-ramp."

A divorced mother of five children, MacDonald was transitioning between jobs had no health insurance and preparing to maintain her coverage via a costly COBRA plan.

She was battling cancer while on the brink of financial disaster, and she was not alone.

"While fighting for their lives, breast cancer patients in active treatment often lose their livelihood," MacDonald said."And I sat in treatment rooms with other working women who also struggling."

That's when the idea for the Pink Fund was born.

"I took $50 cash, that I probably should have spent on food or gas, and I bought a book called 'How To Fund A Nonprofit Corporation'," she said.

Today, The Pink Fund helps women with breast cancer pay the bills for 90 days so that they can continue treatment.

MacDonald  is now in good health.

[Learn more about the Pink Fund HERE].

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Do you know someone in your community that has made a difference to benefit others? WWJ Newsradio 950 is seeking out individuals who are making a difference, big or small - people who have inspired positive change and those who have made an impact in the community.

Each month, WWJ will honor a person as the Difference Maker in the Community.  This person will be highlighted on-air and on cbsdetroit.com for their positive contributions.  All monthly Difference Makers will be invited to join at a special luncheon in the spring of 2013 to recognize the positive contributions. Click here to nominate someone you know. WWJ Newsradio 950 Difference Maker in the Community program is presented by Baker Tilly Accountants and Advisors and sponsored in part by Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical.

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