Never Surrender, a local breast‑cancer nonprofit, described programs that pay for mammograms and provide financial assistance to patients during treatment during the Gadsden City Council meeting on Oct. 7.

The presentation explained why the group focuses on local, on‑the‑ground support: a mammogram assistance program, a financial assistance program for patients undergoing treatment, school outreach called “pink and blue rallies,” and a paint‑can fundraising campaign that paints household garbage cans pink to raise money for services.

Theresa Helms Taylor, a Never Surrender representative, said the organization keeps its work local and described three main programs: a “mammogram grama” that helps people who are uninsured or underinsured pay for screening; a financial assistance program that helps patients pay utilities and other bills while in treatment; and school outreach in high schools to teach students about health and self‑exams. Taylor said the group has paid for items such as a scalp‑cooling cap for chemotherapy patients who wanted to try to preserve their hair.

Tara Fulford, also representing Never Surrender, described the group’s school outreach. “To be able to reach out to young people, and start them on their journey with making sure that they take, just control of their health, is super important to us,” Fulford said.

Taylor said the paint‑can fundraiser is nearly sold out and costs $95. She described two delivery options: keep your current can and use the painted can as an additional pickup (which could increase pickup charges), or the city’s sanitation crews will pick up an old can and deliver the pink can as the primary can. Taylor identified Jason Hill as the staff member who coordinates deliveries.

Council members thanked the group for its work and noted the program’s community reach. Council members and the mayor’s remarks during and after the presentation emphasized that the money raised helps pay for mammograms, travel to treatment and other immediate needs for residents undergoing cancer treatment.

Never Surrender representatives said they raise most funds through local fundraising rather than grants and that the organization has given back “over $500,000,” with the presenter adding it may be closer to $600,000 from fundraising over its history. Presenters directed listeners to the group’s Facebook page for event videos and additional information.

The council did not take any formal action on the presentation. The appearance was listed as a proclamation/commendation slot on the council agenda and was informational.