Susan G. Komen “In the Pink” Luncheon | Community

Most of us live our lives assuming that Cancer could never “happen” to us or to anyone we are close to. However, statistics are frightening! And more and more, we find ourselves down on our knees in prayer for someone that we know who has been affected. In the last year, Cancer has been very present in my life. I have lost friends to this awful diagnosis and have watched my little brother undergo treatment for Cancer. it’s haunting. and paralyzing.

i’m far from being “eloquent” when speaking (or even thinking) about Cancer. Even presently, i find that my blood slightly boils at the thought of such a wretched disease consuming so many of our friends and family. even when i spoke about it last year, i was speaking out of anger and pain. but still pressed forward to participate in one of the most rewarding events in my life – the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure.

having said that, it amazes me that we are STILL trying to do so much to raise awareness. i feel like we should be well PAST awareness and well into the stages of raising funds for research and treatment and… a CURE! i hope that i will see a cure for cancer in my lifetime. i hope that one day, we won’t have to be honoring our friends who have passed. but that instead, we are celebrating a cure. celebrating a jump over a medical hurdle. celebrating lives as they continue to be lived and no longer celebrating in memory.

every year, the Susan G. Komen organization in Amarillo hosts an “In the Pink” luncheon to recognize and honor Breast Cancer survivors. This year, i was blessed (and i cannot say that enough) to be asked to photograph the event.

i pray that you never have to look at Cancer in the face and demand that it back down. that you never have to watch someone lose their battle to Cancer. but most importantly, i pray that you all find time and passion to contribute in any way you can to help find a cure. there are so many ways to help and become involved. please visit the Komen Website and be sure to mark your calendars for this year’s Race for the Cure on September 25th!!!

******** WE ARE THE CURE *******

there were several times during the luncheon when i had to fan away tears. or when i would cringe just hearing statistics. and while it was all very pretty and elegant and the food was perfection… the reason behind the event was a serious undertone.

please… pleeeeeeeeeeeeease find a way to get involved in your local Komen organization. Find a way to help with any sort of Cancer research. give. so that the minds and hands in the medical field can find a way to cure our heartaches.

again, i’m thankful for the opportunity to have shared in this event and am anxious for this year’s Race for the Cure!

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The event was flawlessly executed by Parie and her team at Secret Garden Fine Flowers, providing floral decor and lighting design.

Audio & Visual provided by New Day Production

Catering by Panhandle Restaurant Group

with Andy Justus and Faith Miller of KAMR Amarillo as Master of Ceremonies.

party favors were graciously provided by Dr. Elaine Cook .

Guest Speaker was Dr. Clifford Hudis, M.D. of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC