About Us
Many Shades of Pink Foundation is a breast cancer organization
that provides breast cancer support and resources. It was established
in 2018 by Wendy Shurelds, Breast Cancer Survivor who believes all
women and men should have resources and access to quality healthcare.
Wendy Shurelds
Wendy Shurelds was born and raised in Lima, Ohio; a mother of two children, a Pink Cause Realtor, and the Founder of Many Shades of Pink, a San Diego-based nonprofit organization for breast cancer dedicated to revolutionizing breast health for women of color. Wendy previously was a Susan G. Komen, San Diego's Circle of Promise Community Resource Advocate. Before joining Komen San Diego, Wendy worked as a realtor and in healthcare for over 30 years. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. After fighting and winning her battle, she began advocating for all women, specifically African American women, education, empowerment, and access to breast health resources that can save lives.
Many Shades of Pink (MSOP), Wendy's organization, raises funds for women's unique breast health needs through an annual fashion show honoring breast cancer survivors. In addition, MSOP has provided mobile mammography for early detection and preventive health resources to over 500 participants to save lives. During the pandemic, Many Shades of Pink was virtual boots on the ground, supporting survivors and thrivers in their community and providing safety and comfort with the breast cancer online support group.
Wendy co-founded and organized the Monthly Community Health and Resource Fair at Jackie Robinson YMCA, a full wrap-around free service through healthcare professionals and grassroots community organizations addressing healthcare disparities in the underserved and disadvantaged communities of color. This health and resource fair was established in February 2017.
Mission
Advocating on behalf of all women and men to help create an impact to decrease the mortality rate in breast cancer specifically African American women and provide support to those diagnosed with breast cancer.
Vision
Breaking Every Chain to achieve health equality through education, empowerment, outreach, and access to breast health resources to help save lives.
Wendy recently joined the National Breast Cancer Coalition Public Policy. She was honored in May 2024 by the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for the MiLady “A Tribute to Mothers” Award, recognizing the dedication of mothers who are community leaders. Wendy received the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award in February 2024 for her lifelong commitment to community service. In October 2023, Wendy received the Mental Health America, San Diego (MHA) Joy McAllister Award, recognizing her relentless advocacy and work for women with mental health needs. In May 2020, Wendy partnered with Stanford Institute and UCSD, creating a focus group for a research study: What Does Compassion Mean to the Black Community of San Diego, with the study being published in August 2022 in The Catalyst. In November 2020, Wendy received the Community Inspiration Award from the County of San Diego Health Services Advisory Board for her impactful contributions that enhance health and well-being. In 2019, she received a Certificate of Recognition from California U.S. Senator Kamala Harris for the Women of Color Roar Award by Indivisible WATU for her tireless commitment to serving women in the community.
Wendy co-authored the bestseller "Open Your Gifts Vol. 2" with Kim Coles. She won the San Diego Padres Honorary Bat Girl award for her strength in fighting breast cancer and committing to helping others. In October 2019, Wendy received the Women's Healthcare and Wellness Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Epsilon Xi Omega Chapter. She was honored by A Philip Randolph-Institute (APRI) San Diego Chapter as a leader, still writing history for San Diego and serving the community. Wendy is the 2016 San Diego North County NAACP Game Changer Award recipient for her outstanding service and community devotion. After suffering the tragic loss of her mother in a preventable workplace incident, Wendy also became an activist in 2011 for workplace health, safety, and fatalities. In this capacity, she helped write the first Family Bill of Rights, adopted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).