Meet Rosemary Carrera | Founder of 305 Pink Pack

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rosemary Carrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rosemary, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in Miami, to Cuban parents. My mom and her parents came when she was only 5 years old, in the hopes for a better life. My dad, although born in New York, was deported to Cuba at a young age because his parents were here illegally. Determined to return, they found their way soon after. My family always worked very hard, and instilled in me at a young age the importance of being independent, and helping others in need. As an optometrist, my specialty was in working with people with low vision and blindness. We would work together to find ways to use the vision they did have, or other senses, to ensure they could maintain their independence. Now, I work with women being treated for cancer. I can be there as a mentor to guide them during this all too familiar process, but also am able to provide assistance for the incidentals that accompany a diagnosis such as getting to treatment when you are unable to drive, and housekeeping services when you have physical restrictions. In working with these women, I feel that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In 305 Pink Pack’s 1st year, we provided assistance to 92 women throughout Miami-Dade. Launching a non-profit at the beginning of COVID times was a challenge, but we managed to continue without interrupting our services. As we begin 2021, requests for assistance have grown exponentially, with a 700% increase compared to this time last year, causing us to temporarilly close enrollment as we continue to secure more funds.  Fundraising is a challenge as everyone is experiencing difficulties during this time. Miami is a strong community, and the more that we involve Miami in our fundraising efforts, the stronger we become. If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser such as a car wash, golf tournament, or breakfast, we’re happy to help you see it through. 100% of donations are used to provide our direct services to these women.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We definitely have our favorite spots around town, but are always looking for new adventures. Breakfast at Bachour in Coral Gables for the most decadent french toast you will ever have. After that, off to Fairchild Tropical Gardens to hang out with the butterflies and enjoy a picnic. An afternoon pour over coffee at House of Per’La is the perfect quiet spot to wind down. Finally, dinner at Red Rooster Overtown, for a beautiful experience, and if you’re there on the weekend, some live music as well.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
This Shoutout is dedicated to my family. We were always very close, but my cancer diagnosis solidified that bond. Parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and “Cuban cousins” helped with all the challenges we encountered from transportation and child-care, to meals and more. I was really able to focus on my health, because I knew that I had all of these incredible people there for me, my husband, and our 8 month old daughter. We were able to focus on the day to day effects that treatment had on me physically and emotionally. There is no way I can ever repay them for what they did. All I can do is tell them how much I love them each day and continue to pay it forward.

Website: www.305pinkpack.org

Instagram: 305pinkpack

Linkedin: 305pinkpack

Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/305pinkpack/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/305pinkpack

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNUDsqUeXcGT0rdAQK0GjaA

Image Credits
Mar Herrera