Palmyra pumpkin patch turns pink to support local breast cancer fight

PALMYRA, Maine (WABI) - Across a field in Palmyra, rows of porcelain doll pumpkins shine with an unusually distinct salmon-pink color.

Pat White, owner of Pat’s Propane, started growing the specialty crop about eight years ago after a chance conversation with Jo-Ann Brown. White noticed the breast cancer awareness license plate on Brown’s vehicle honoring her sister Dee Dee, who died from the disease. That conversation inspired the two to team up as co-founders of Pat’s Pink Pumpkins.

“Well, I’m a part-time farmer, and I like to grow things,” White said. “And it was something new. So I said, ‘Let’s jump into it. See if we can help people.’”

With another sister who survived breast cancer, Brown said the patch has naturally grown into a community space for healing, connection and shared hope.

“It’s rewarding to talk to the people that want to talk about why they come and the people that they know that’s had cancer,” Brown said. “I think it makes them feel as good as it does us to come and get them.”

White covers all seeds and supplies out of pocket so that 100% of donations go directly to Champion the Cure, supporting local cancer research and patient care in Maine. Over the years, the patch has raised an estimated $20,000 for the cause.

Recent harvests have seen an extra boost thanks to Sebasticook Valley Federal Credit Union, which matches all donations collected during the event.

“$3,400 we took in on one Saturday, and the credit union matched that,” White said. “They match whatever we take in. This week, they will match it.”

To help raise additional funds, visitors can enter a raffle for a 300-pound giant pumpkin or place bids on pink pumpkins hand-painted by art students from nearby Nokomis Regional High.

The annual you-pick fundraiser takes place Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pat’s Propane, located at 1178 Main St. in Palmyra.

Organizers said any remaining pink pumpkins will be placed at a 24/7 self-service roadside stand for a suggested $5 donation while supplies last.