The ink is going pink: Bay City Tattoo shop to ink ribbons for breast cancer awareness month

Ask people about their tattoos, and you’re likely to get a pretty good story.

Ask Alan Gower and Katie Gower next week, and you’ll get the story of a lifetime.

In a show of support for their mother and her fight against breast cancer, the Gowers plan to have their bodies inked with a pink ribbon Sunday during a 24-hour tattoo marathon being hosted by VooDoo Tattoo.

The event, which begins at noon at 1010 Columbus Ave., is a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society.

For $20, participants can have one of several pink ribbon styles inked by VooDoo Tattoo’s artists, with half the proceeds benefiting breast cancer research.

The shop also is accepting donations for those who want to avoid the needle.

“It’s always been kinda in the back of our minds to do some sort of fundraiser,” said Paul Gomez, 36, a VooDoo Tattoo artist who says buzz surrounding the event has been extraordinary. “I’m hoping we didn’t bite off more than we can chew with this thing.

“Regardless, it’s going to be a good time. It’ll be a day to remember for sure.”

For Alan Gower, 22, and Katie Gower, 15, the timing of the event couldn’t be better.

Their mother, Shelley Brothwell, 39, of Kawkawlin, was diagnosed with breast cancer in September and is scheduled to undergo a double mastectomy today at Covenant HealthCare in Saginaw.

She said she was deeply moved that her children are getting the tattoos in her honor and visited VooDoo last week to sign off on her daughter’s artwork because Katie is not yet 18.

“I’ll be in the hospital while they’re doing it.”

Alan Gower, who has other tattoos, said his pink ribbon is going behind his ear.

“I’m having mine on my shoulder,” added Katie Gower.

Gomez said the shop has stocked up on tubes, needles and pink ink for Sunday’s marathon. He said each ink job should take 20 to 30 minutes.

He said the event hits close to home because at age 15, he lost his best friend to stomach cancer.

“We were kind of inseparable,” he said. “Even at 15 … you understand the concept, but you know, having it right there where it’s right in your face, it’s kinda hard to deal with.”

Amelia Pelletier, coordinator of health initiatives for the Northeast Michigan and Upper Peninsula Chapter of the American Cancer Society, said she thinks the event is a great way to raise money and awareness in the battle against breast cancer.

“I thought it was kind of a neat idea when the guys came up with it,” she said.

Pelletier’s son, Dave Pelletier, 28, of Essexville, is an artist at VooDoo Tattoo and says Sunday’s event coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is observed each October.

Justin Rodriguez, owner of VooDoo Tattoo, said he’s been getting four to five calls a day from people asking about the event. He said many have told him they’re coming in groups of five or more.

“We have a lot of people who say they’re going to be here when we open,” Rodriguez said, hinting this may not be the last tattoo marathon at his business. “I hope this falls into place and this becomes a real great event.”

Amelia Pelletier said the money raised funds breast cancer research, as well as local community programs aimed at early detection and prevention.

That’s important to Brothwell, who says she won’t know the scope of her cancer until doctors operate and even if everything goes well, she’ll still have two more operations over a six-month period for reconstruction.

“It’s a long process I’ve found out,” she said, adding she never wants her daughter to go through what she is experiencing.

“I told her, when she gets older, I’m gonna be pushing her,” Brothwell said. “She’s gotta get breast exams, because I don’t want this to happen to her.”
Katie Gower agreed.

“I’m getting tested when I’m 20.”

http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2011/10/the_ink_is_going_pink.html