When Pink is just another Color

Just over a week ago, Waves of Hope hosted an awareness day. We called it "A Day of Hope and Education". It was decided in October that Waves of Hope would get behind a researcher at Brandon University. Dr. Majumder is working on early detection of breast cancer, through a simple blood test. She is also researching to predict treatment outcomes for triple negative breast cancer. TNBC is extremely aggressive and has few treatment options. Her work is to lower the resistance of the cells and make them more responsive to treatment. She is also working on developing treatment options that are not so toxic, but still just as effective when treating breast cancer. Her dream is to find a cure for cancer. Little did we know in October what April was going to bring. 

It has been an absolute honor to spend time with Dr. Majumder and her husband who I call her wingman. Sujit is her lab manager and so much more. They are two of the most caring and wonderful people I know. They are generous with their time, the lab, and fulfill any request we may have. It is just an honor to know them.

In true Faye fashion I dug into this project. Did I help with the online business aspect, absolutely not. It had a dark side from time to time, and it would have been even darker with my involvement. My self-assigned job was to be the "communication" person for the event. I can fire out an email in record time and that I certainly did in fact, dozens of them. I somehow landed the job of as the "food person". I specifically remember saying, "I will do anything but food". In the end it was a rewarding assignment and the food was amazing.

What incredibly talented women there are on the team. We were fortunate enough to have a graphic designer and event planner to take the lead. We decided that we would raise $150,000 for the research before the team turns "30" in 2029. We named it "Hope in our Backyard", our backyard is Brandon University. It seemed the research was not well known, well that all changed on April 11th. 

Everyone that attended brought their "A" game. That included the guests. They were so attentive and gracious; it was surreal. The speakers were incredible. We fell short in providing kleenex which won't happen again. Two of the team members bravely stepped up and told their story. They were both diagnosed with breast cancer before they turned 40. We cried with Michelle as she told her emotional story of being diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer at 34, and the survival journey that followed. Even though it was over 20 years ago, tears and emotion flowed as she spoke. Everyone listening also had tears and emotions. The second team member, Elizabeth, took a different approach. She did it visually with a slideshow of her journey through treatment and the side effects she endured. She made us laugh on the outside, but we wanted to cry for her on the inside. I am just so proud of these ladies for being brave and sharing such a scary and difficult time in their lives. 

We had four women that spoke in the morning session. They each had powerful information to share, and they bravely included their personal stories. By now the room is on emotional overload. Lastly, was Dr. Majumder and her presentation on her research. Was it scientific, it sure was, but the way she spoke, everyone understood and wanted to financially support her so she could do what she dreams of doing. Helping others and saving lives. The standing ovation was the only way the crowd could express their appreciation for all of her hard work and dedication. 

The Majumders, as I call them, brought 8 of their students or "the team" as Dr. M calls them. These young scientists are going to make a difference. I hope they realize how lucky they are to have Dr. M as their role model and mentor. She gives them the credit for all the work that is being done. The team of students was invited to the stage and once again the crowd showed their appreciation with another standing ovation. 

The moment came for the big pink cheque to be presented. The team donated $25,000 to the Cancer Cell and Molecular Lab for continued research. An online portal was opened for direct donations, and so it began. 

As at all Dragon Boat events, the day ends with a song. The team chose "Pink" by Dolly Parton. The breast cancer survivors were encouraged to join hands as the song was played. The room is now an emotional mess. That song is so powerful and speaks to the breast cancer journey these women have taken. Two of the women that sing with Dolly are breast cancer survivors. Monica was diagnosed with Stage 2 triple negative breast cancer and Rita Wilson had invasive lobular carcinoma.

CBC was present and before we got home, it was on the news. People were texting and calling team members saying they heard about it. The donation table was busy and so was the online portal. It was happening, the much-needed research dollars were coming in. Our dream was for Dr. Majumder to have the funding to focus on her research instead of writing grants for money.

I always spend time deciding what my takeaway is when I am involved in events. The list for this event is long. Days later I am still trying to process how the team was just involved in making a difference for the future of breast cancer. 

It is the little things that are precious to me. We have an incredibly talented group member who made one of a kind name tag for the entire team. As a team activity we made "Hope" bracelets as a thank you gift to the guests. The bracelets will be a reminder of the hope they will have after this event. They were so well received, the men wore them with pride. Each bracelet included a heart with the name of the person that made it, the guests would seek that person out and personally thank them. In August, the bracelets will be going to France to be shared at a competition. One member designed campaign socks which will be an opportunity to raise more campaign dollars. Not to mention how quickly what was a dining room for students was turned into a stunning pink venue. A rainbow auction that consisted of 35 donated items, which I managed to snag one of them. The list is long of how this day came together in such a beautiful way.

      

One of the team members sings with an A Cappello group. She asked some of them to sing for us. What a performance they put on, not only did they give us goose bumps with their voices, but they took the time to pick "the perfect songs" for the day.  

My personal blessing was to fill a table of my friends, supporting a cause that is so important to me. My dear friend who is a Brandon Police Officer, volunteered and took on a key role of taking the guests to their tables. How nice to have a woman in uniform helping in an environment that is happy to see the cops. 

It is hard for me, someone that writes every day, to find the words to express what being part of raising $150,000 in just over 3 years. There is not one doubt in my mind that it will happen. The outpouring of support has already started.  

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths for women. Dr. M and her team are going to change that with enough funding. Research like Dr. Majumder and her team are doing is proof that ending breast cancer is possible. Someday, Pink will just be another color. Someday is coming any day. 

My heartfelt thanks for checking out the "Waves of Hope" website and the "Hope in our Backyard" campaign. 

wavesofhope.ca