(8/13) Proving not even a global pandemic can stop the Thurmont community’s dedication to breast cancer awareness, Gateway to the Cure prepares to hit the ground running with support and activities.

Thurmont’s Eight Annual Gateway to the Cure campaign, is to be held throughout the entire month of October. In 2014, the town of Thurmont began the Gateway to the Cure Campaign to spread awareness about breast cancer to support the Patty Hurwitz Fund at Frederick Memorial Hospital. Since the beginning, the town’s residents and businesses jumped into the campaign enthusiastically and have since raised over $98,000 total, according to Thurmont Economic Development Manager Vickie Grinder.

"If not for the pandemic, we would have exceeded $100,000," she said.

Since the beginning, the town’s residents and businesses jumped into the campaign enthusiastically raising $4,320 in 2014, $10,000 in 2015, $14,400 in 2016 and $15,000 in 2017.

A staple of the campaign are pink lightbulbs to be illuminated in solidarity every evening from 6-8 throughout the month of October. "People have come from other areas to get pink lightbulbs," Grinder said.

The pink light bulbs will be available at Cousins Ace Hardware, Hobbs Lumber & Hardware, and the town office for $4 each starting Sept. 20. In addition, the Town Office will be selling Gateway to the Cure tote bags, T-shirts, ballcaps, and cookbooks. Debuting this year will be a pink ceramic mug for sale. Many businesses throughout the community will also have ‘pink’ specials to help raise funds.

While the indoor ZumbaThon has been cancelled due to social distancing, the golf tournament and 5K walk/run are ready to go strong, Grinder said.

The Gateway to the Cure’s third annual Golf Classic will be held at the Maple Run Golf Club Sept. 10. More information and to register can be found at www.thurmontmainstreet.com

The Gateway to the Cure Covered Bridge 5K, now in its 6th year, is still scheduled for Oct. 24 as it was deemed safe to hold because the participants are either spread-out over the course or tend to participate in cliques or small family groups. The 5K route begins and ends at Eyler Field Park. Participants will receive a T-shirt and awards will go to the top five male and female finishers regardless of age. Those interested in participating can register at thurmontmainstreet.com, or by calling the town office.

The campaign has grown over the years and will surely continue to grow as residents and businesses have continuously shown overwhelming support for the cause.