Proud to be Pink

 

 Some of us at HKA recently had a pink-filled week that included two prominent events with the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Orange County Affiliate. The Pink Tie Ball on Saturday, June 6, brought out both men and women in their best pink formalwear to celebrate the hope brought to the fight against breast cancer by Komen for the Cure.

The atmosphere of the austere Noguchi Garden was transformed into an enclave of blue sky and butterflies—handcrafted “Wings of Hope” that were created by local breast cancer survivors and featured a message of inspiration on the back. The gala offered guests gourmet hors d’oeuvres, a live and silent auction, an opportunity drawing for a necklace valued at $20,000, and dinner and dancing under the stars.

The generosity of the sponsors, guests and volunteers was inspiring, and by the end of the night, $250,000 had been raised for local breast health research and care for underserved women. In difficult economic times such as these, the work done by Komen is even more vital as fewer and fewer women can afford adequate health care. We at HKA are proud to be a part of the Komen Promise to end breast cancer forever.

Later that week, the passion behind that promise was reignited as Nancy Brinker, the founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, came to speak to the Orange County Affiliate – the first time in more then a decade. Nancy was a vibrant presence whose energy permeated the intimate room filled with Komen supporters and volunteers.

“I promised my sister I would fight for a cure for breast cancer if it took the rest of my life — I just didn’t realize it would take the rest of my life, and what a journey it has been!” Brinker told the group. She noted that in 1982, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer patients was 74 percent. Today, the five-year survival rate has risen to 98 percent.

It was a moving experience to realize that, out of the tremendous pain of her sister Susan’s death, Nancy has brought so much life, enlightenment and good into the world. Many, many women have survived breast cancer because of advances in research funded by Komen for the Cure, some of whom were able to express their stories to Nancy that evening.

 

With all we experienced, it was a week to remember, one that reminded us why even though HKA’s logo is famously blue, we will always be proud to be pink.

Tags: breast cancer, komen, komen for the cure, nancy brinker, pink tie ball, power of pink, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, susan g. komen orange county affiliate