Verdes El Ranchero, always decked out with the vibrant colors of Mexico, will don pink this weekend to cheer on participants of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure as walkers pass by the restaurant on Nov. 18 — the first day of the 60-mile walk to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research. The restaurant’s bartender, Joe Koors, is even going all out for the effort by sporting a new, bright-pink hairstyle. Guests won’t find him at the restaurant over the weekend dishing out cocktails, but he can be spotted among the sea of walkers alongside his wife, Penny Shipley — a local champion in the fight against breast cancer. “I don’t like to be considered a survivor, but more of a breast cancer [butt] kicker, because I really feel like I kicked breast cancer’s butt,” Shipley said. She and her husband decided to take part in the walk in February, a few months after Shipley completed her final chemotherapy treatments. “I thought, ‘What better way to celebrate?’” she said. “Team Lucky Penny” set out to raise $10,000 for the cause — an effort supported by Verdes El Ranchero owners Mike and Gloria Green, who set up a fundraising event on Nov. 12 to help the team reach its goal. That goal, it turns out, has been met — and then some. The team has raised more than $12,000. Part of Team Lucky Penny’s donations came from the fundraiser, which raised more than $4,000, but even more have come from efforts like the pink margarita initiative, for which the Greens are donating $2 for every rose-colored drink sold. The funds, Shipley said, are used for more than just research. “Of course, they go toward research to find the cause and development of treatments, but many people don’t realize that a lot of the donations will help support such efforts as providing transportation to chemotherapy treatments, mammogram screenings, grants to cover costs of treatments and other services to help those struggling with this disease. Even simple things like cleaning the house or taking care of children becomes difficult or impossible at times.” Shipley was diagnosed on Cinco de Mayo in 2010 — a day she would otherwise have been celebrating with her husband at their favorite Mexican restaurant. “Sadly, it is a club that you join not by choice,” she said of the support group of breast cancer survivors in the community. “You really do start bonding with others. There are so many people who are affected by it. The statistic is one in eight women.” Another bartender’s wife also became part of that club just six months after Shipley, revealing the prevalence of the disease in an instant. “We really have become close because we were going through the same thing,” Shipley said. “I hate the fact that I got it, but it has made me stronger person.” Shipley has been cancer-free for a year. She advised those who are battling the cancer to “stay strong.” “You’ll make it through. The treatments are getting better and the doctors are getting better,” she said. “It’s so important to catch it and get rid of it early. [People] need to get mammograms.” Supporters are encouraged to visit Verdes El Ranchero, located at 7404 La Jolla Blvd., on Nov. 18 to cheer on participants of the three-day walk and sip on a pink margarita to support the cause. To donate to Team Lucky Penny, visit www.the3day.org and search for “Team Lucky Penny.” Donations will be accepted until the end of the year.