Local Woman Works to 'Wipe' Out Breast Cancer

Most people don't typically associate car parts with breast cancer awareness.

But for Paula Lombard, founder of Pine Brook's AutoTex PINK, it was a perfect fit.

"My god-daughter was diagnosed with a form of cancer," Lombard said. Though it was not breast cancer, Lombard saw breast cancer awareness as the most publicized and was spurred into action.  

"The thinking is, if we can improve the fight against breast cancer, all other cancers will benefit," she said.

Lombard wanted to create an automotive product to support the cause and appeal to advocates, particarly women drivers. And as the co-founder of windshield wiper manufacturer WEXCO Industries, she knew where to start.

"I have been in the automotive industry for 20 years and women in the industry are few and far between," she said. "However, market studies say that women are involved in over 80% of all automotive purchases, so they needed a voice in the industry and AutoTex PINK can be the start."

Lombard's AutoTex PINK Windshield Wiper Blades sport a pink breast cancer awareness ribbon against the typical black blade. They are available to purchase through Amazon.com or at many automotive service centers, and a percentage of the sales of the blades are donated to National Breast Cancer Foundation in the United States and the Canadian Breast Cancer Society in Canada.

The organization has already raised about 20,000 dollars for the cause.

AutoTex PINK launched last October in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness Month and has continued to grow. Teamed Kathy Orbe, owner of Encore Design in Montclair, Kathy Collins a principal of Excelerated Performance in Cranbury and Marcy Watson, owner of Elpama Communications, Lombard's AutoTex PINK expanded from the idea of a wiper blade to a regularly maintained online community at www.myautotexpink.com for women drivers. The site offers vehicle maintenance tips, driving and travel advice and an interactive blog.

"In every aspect, we consciously worked with women owned companies for this product," Lombard said.

This women-driven team increased to five last year when AutoTex PINK sponsored IZOD IndyCar Series driver Sarah Fisher at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Fisher runs the only woman-owned race team and, like Lombard and Orbe, is a Women's Business Enterprise National Council member. Fisher turned her car and uniform pink for the cause.

"Sarah has been a fantastic partner with us," Lombard said. "Sarah is a face to the world and is also a woman in a male-dominated industry, so the team was a perfect match."

And the group's support continues to grow. Last week AutoTex PINK was contacted by Lifetime Network for a feature on its morning show "The Balancing Act." Lombard will perform a six to eight minute segment on educating women on car care and the organization.

Lombard is thrilled. "This is a national audience and a great way for women to understand how to get involved in the cause,"   she said.

"It's very important for everyone to know that we will be donating to the NBCF or BCSC (Canadian charity) all-year round," Lombard said. "Many products release products for October and just October...we're here 12 months of the year, continually donating and continually involved in the cause.  In our opinion that's what it takes."

To learn more, visit www.myautotexpink.com or contact Lombard and the AutoTex PINK at 800-692-3962.