A bright pink pumpjack is catching the eye of drivers along Highway 43 in Bezanson. It was recently painted by Rick Holman, whose wife is a breast cancer survivor.
Donlea Holman says Rick first had the idea to turn a local pumpjack pink in 2014, but he didn’t get serious about it until she was re-diagnosed with cancer in 2017. The chosen one was installed by CNRL in April 2018 and was painted in May.
“My ultimate goal for it is to stop as many people from having to go through what I’ve gone through,” Donlea says. “I have three daughters so my driving force really is to find a cure so that they don’t have to go through it.”
CNRL helped clean up the site, and volunteers from IPAC Services Corp. took care cleaning, preparing, and painting the rig itself. International Paint, Rebel Steam Trucks, Kleskun Contracting, Nalco Champion, Kaidak Energy Services, and DistributionNOW also found ways to contribute.
Donlea hopes that the sight of the pumpjack will make people think of loved ones who may have gone through the same situation. She also wants to stress the importance of getting checked for breast cancer.
“I hope it brings to mind people they know who have gone through it because it’s really not a fun experience and for all the women out there to make sure they’re checking every day or every month. Stay on top of it because it’s so important to catch it early.”
Donlea is also on the committee of the local CIBC Run for the Cure. She hopes the pink pumpjack will also help their cause.
“We wanted to use it not only to promote breast cancer awareness but also for our run which raises money to find a cure.”
Grande Prairie’s CIBC Run for the Cure takes place at Muskoseepi Park on September 30. To find out more or to register, visit www.cibcrunforthecure.com.
