Pink barge docks in Catoosa to share message of hope
CATOOSA, Okla. (KTUL) -- An unusual site docked at the Port of Catoosa; a pink barge.
"Initially opposed it thinking it is pretty silly," Mark Fletcher with Ceres Barge Line said.
But, it is pink for a reason, and it is not silly at all.
The big barge is bringing big hope to find a cure for cancer and it's turning heads all over the inland water system.
Sherwin Williams donated more than 200 cans of pink paint to make the barge shine.
Its message has raised nearly a million dollars for the Mary Crowley Cancer Research Center in Dallas, Texas.
Mary Crowley was diagnosed with cancer in the fifties.
"Cancer returned about 20 years later and she was shocked to learn they were applying the same treatment therapies that they had 20 years earlier," Operating Officer of Cancer Center Donna German said.
Crowley made it her mission to change that for the millions who are affected by cancer every year.
"To raise awareness and advocacy for next-generation cancer research," German said.
For anyone who feels lost or hopeless, it is here to show you differently.
"There is always hope, there is always hope," Fletcher said.
It's that message that made Fletcher change his mind about painting the barge.
"The barge is going to be a traveling ambassador for the river industry and associated with allied industries that load and unload barges," Fletcher said.
Meaning a lot of eyes will see the pink barge and its message of hope.
"It's touched lives, it's given people hope, the name 'Big Hope 1' means a lot to people, particularly if your life has been touched by cancer," Fletcher said.
The barge is loading up machinery in Catoosa before heading to Chicago.
