Showing posts with label MSABC NYC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MSABC NYC. Show all posts

Making Strides against Breast Cancer - Kickoff Breakfast 2016

It's the time of the year again to have our Making Strides against Breast Cancer - Kickoff Breakfast 2016.


How time flew!

I still remember vividly when I joined the kickoff breakfast last year, annually held in the Marriott Marquis Hotel, Times Square.
Such a great crowd and how I was moved and inspired to do more in our fight against breast cancer.

Read my story from last year here - Kickoff Breakfast Making Strides against Breast Cancer

This year will mark my second year as breast cancer survivor.
I know, 2 is a small number.
But for me, and all the survivors, it means a lot.

I was diagnosed of stage 1C breast cancer in July 2014. 
After a long series of procedures that included mastectomy, 16 round of chemotherapy, breast reconstruction, and 25 sessions of radiation, I finally got a clean result mammogram in August 2015.

It was a huge relief but I now that I still have to continue my fight. Of course I am still under intensive observation of my oncologist and at the mean time, I am taking Tamoxifen and just started Luprol injection to manage the risks of having my cancer cells back or metastatic. It's a long road but it all starts with determination to live better and healthier.

In August 2015, while joining this breakfast event, I was crying like a baby when we lit the candle for those who have finished their battles against cancer and those, like me, who are still continuing their fight. 

This year, it was the same :)
I just can't stop the tears rolling down my cheeks as I lit the candle and held it up to pay this tribute. For sure it's happy tears, for I am so blessed to be abundantly bestowed with faith, strength and commitment to fight my fight.

me with my survivor candle :)

Just like last year, we have some inspirational speeches and videos being displayed, mostly from the survivors and the organizers. Their stories are always moving.

As you know, unfortunately, cancer is still topping the list of non-communicable diseases that kills and affects so many lives according to World Health Organization.

So, besides moving stories of survivalship, great ideas on how to participate and contribute more to the global fight against breast cancer were also shared, including some  fun fundraising ideas.


it was packed with friends and supporters

This is truly one fun and exciting event that successfully inspire more people to get involved in this global cause. It has also provides more tools and means needed to generate more support and assistance from others in our fight against breast cancer.

This year, I happily brought Bo et Obi to the breakfast meeting. They are still enjoying summer break and they're happy to come along with me.

My kids, my love, my source of undying energy to stay healthy and continue to fight!

We are ready to continue the fight

The actual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event itself will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2016. 
Like previous years, it will start at Central Park 72nd Street Bandshell and end up there as well. Registration will be open at 07:00 AM and the start time will be 08:00 AM New York Time.

I am honored to join the walk again this year. Still bearing the same group, Indonesia Ceria & Beyond, I have formally registered my group and hopefully we can have some friends coming and join me on the walk, just like 2014 and 2015. Feel free to see my story here.

And if you are willing to support my team and our global fight against breast cancer, kindly join me and please check out my team here. I hope you all can join and support me in this noble cause.

I will surely get back with more stories on this.
Stay healthy, people.
And keep the fight :)


Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2015 - the Walk

Oh my...
It's November already and I know I should have written this weeks ago.




Apa daya saya tertimbun pekerjaan yang tiada habis-habisnya, hiks.
Banyak nitty gritty yang menyita perhatian dan juga waktu serta energi, termasuk treatment Herceptin dan tes genetik yang saya lalui belum lama ini.

One thing for sure, the high spirit I have lingered and even soared after joining the walk.
Meskipun kaki senut-senut karena jalan 5 miles, badan kedinginan, dan tangan beku, rasanya seneeeeeng banget bisa ikutan di acara tahunan American Cancer Society untuk kanker payudara, Making Strides against Breast Cancer.


My eyes got teary whenever I remember my journey after I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

1.5 years ago...

I remembered vividly my first walk as well last year. I was in the middle of my chemo.. 
The AC one. Or the 'tough' one.
After 2 rounds of AC, my body dropped and so was my hair.
Yes.. My hair started falling after the second treatment and it got worst. I decided to shave my head and the walk in 2014 was my first time I walked out with my new hair style. No hair at all ;).

I was scared before. I really was.
It was not that easy to lose your hair and look 'weird' - if not ugly - with no hair at all. Especially us as a woman.. Who surely adore her hair, regardless whether it's beautiful or not. 

But then again, as I arrived in Central Park, still feeling a bit tired from my chemo, I directly felt the spirit. The feeling that you are not, and will never be, alone in this fight. That you will do it... You can go all through these hurdles and survive.
It hit me.
And it made me feel wonderful.
Believe me.. After some series of treatment, preceded with tons of tests, surgeries and consultations, I probably forgot how to feel good about myself.

But heeey..look at me!
I might be bald and look weird but I know I will survive if I continue to fight!

And the overwhelming spirit of my dearest family and friends were priceless as well.
When they first saw me with my new hair, they hugged my and encouraged me to stay strong. They knew I would make it. I knew I would...

And here I am now..
Eagerly joining Making Strides against Breast Cancer again.
In super high spirit..
If last year I only managed to come and enjoy the event, this year I walked with thousands of survivors, volunteers, friends, families and those whose lives were somehow touched by cancer. Isn't that cool?

get ready :)

Last year I have 7 people in my group and this year I have 16 people walking with me embracing the cold, October morning. It was really an honour to have them joining me.


cheeeers...

Last year I managed to get USD 300 for the donation, this year my team and I gathered  USD 1,020. Not bad for voluntary work that I start only in late August. Alhamdulillaah..

thanks to everyone for helping me this year :)

But above all, and much more importantly, I am blessed with better health and much better spirit. The last mammogram I took in July 2015 showed that everything was normal. My Herceptin therapy continues but it's only every three weeks. I know  I'll make it but when you're  finally there finishing all your treatments, it gives you such a huge relief.

Many of my friends keep asking me how I can maintain that smile on my face while literally battling with cancer.

I honestly don't know how. 

let's finish the fight...

But one thing for sure, joining the event such as Making Strides has sucessfully boosted up my spirit. 
Knowing that I have all the support, all the love. 
Knowing for sure that I am not alone and I will never be alone.

My team...Indonesia Ceria and beyond :)
Sejak pagi, saya, Bo et Obi juga Udi sudah bersiap. Segala pernak-pernik pink dan hasil karya Udi dan Obi, berupa frame dari styrofoam pink dengan tulisan FIGHT pun sudah menanti dengan cantik. Belum lagi nasi uduk dan teman-temannya yang sudah saya siapkan juga untuk teman-teman yang ikutan jalan nanti. Pengalaman dari tahun sebelumnya, cari makanan dan minuman agak sulit saat acara ini, kecuali cukup happy dengan hot dog dan pretzel yang memang menjadi makanan khas New York :).

And off we go to Central Park at 7.15 AM.
I know..that's early :). But Central Park was packed already.
And how I love the atmosphere. 
You can feel the vibe indeed.

Kami mulai berjalan sekitar pukul 9.30. Setelah menunggu teman-teman yang lain, foto-foto di sana sini dan juga belanja di Pink Boutique, akhirnya kami pun menuju pita pink dan memulai jalan bersama para peserta lainnya. Seru juga di tengah gelak tawa dan selfie sana-sini, padahal udara hanya 10 derajat Celcius saja pagi itu. Bahkan karena 'bandel' dan pengen memotong jalan, kami malah mengambil rute lain, foto cantik di reservoir, dan gabung lagi dengan tim yang masih jalan, notabene kita malah jadi jalan lebih jauh lagi. Tapi semua berakhir dengan berebutan mencari toilet di dekat Bethesda Fountain yang keren itu dan sarapan nasi uduk dengan teman-temannya yang keluar dari kantong doraemon saya :).  Such a memorable day indeed..



See....what a fun day to share with friends and family.
And other people who fought for the same noble cause. 
It's not just the walk.
It's the symbol of our fearless battle against cancer that has changed so much in our lives I refuse to let it win.
It's a solid proof that we all can be survivors and what we need to do is finish the fight!

making strides against breast cancer 2015
So keep fighting!

Yakin bahwa semua skenario-Nya akan berakhir dengan indah pada waktunya

And if you would like to help me dan bergabung dengan kampanye melawan kanker payudara, masih ada waktu untuk ikutan #giveaways #kampanye #finishthefight #gopink #breastcancerawareness lhoooo. Bertabur hadiah pastinyaaa :). 
Hope you all can join me :)


                           


Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 2015

It's October and it's time for another Making Strides against Breast Cancer :).


we are ready ..are you ready to join us?


Remember last year when I joined Making Strides against Breast Cancer during my chemo?


I was still struggling last year :)

Joining the noble cause on the fight against breast cancer...
I have shared it in my blog as well, Making Strides against Breast Cancer, the D-Day  :).

And this year, I will definitely join thousands of survivors, volunteers and anyone whose life have been impacted by cancer on the same fight.


SAVE THE DATE, PEOPLE

Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk in Central Park, NYC, 
Sunday, 18 October 2015
Central Park, 72nd Street East, Bandshell 

If last year I was a bit down with chemo, this year I was much more energized and get readier, including with the fundraising activities.


this is my dashboard, with Indonesia Ceria & Beyond as my team....


I managed to order some customized merchandises as well to support my campaign this year, including this tenun endek Bali pouch adorned with the pink ribbon logo.


if you are interested, give me a shout ..it's USD 15 each :) 

The proceed will be donated to Making Strides against Breast Cancer for sure.
Up until now, with the help of many dearest friends and family, I have gathered USD 885 so far :)

If you want to join the walk or contribute, please check it out HERE as the whole month of october will be dedicated to intensify our efforts in our joint efforts to fight breast cancer :).

And do you you wanna know why I am making this strides?

Because I want to have more birthdays...and see my kids grow up :).
I want to see Bo et Obi's children, my grandchildren.
I want to grow old with Rudi, my munchkin :)
The same dreams that I also share with all women who have to fight breast cancer...

I know I will make a difference in the fight to end breast cancer through some real actions. I believe that by raising funds and walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event, I will help save lives from breast cancer. As a person diagnosed with breast cancer myself, I can't help but joining this noble cause for all women who face the same cancer. 

We have the same fear, but we don't have to fight it alone!

I sincerely hope and believe that one day breast cancer will never steal another year from anyone's life. Making Strides is not only my opportunity to join my community to fight back against breast cancer, but it is also a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease. That's why I'm walking. 


My reason for walking in the Making Strides event is probably personal – just like every other walker’s story. 

We all walk because we’ve been affected by breast cancer in some way, and because the Making Strides event gives us the power to make a difference and fight back. 

This is my opportunity to honor breast cancer survivors, to remind myself to stay strong and feeling blessed.
It's the perfect time to remember people we have lost, and help raise funds for groundbreaking research, information and services for people fighting breast cancer, and mammograms for women who need them.


Why I Support the American Cancer Society

Every day, the American Cancer Society helps people take steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early when it is easiest to treat. Today 1 of every 2 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer reaches out to them for help and support. They provide free information and services when and where women need it throughout their journey to get well. They are investing in groundbreaking research to find, prevent, treat, and cure breast cancer, and are working to ensure access to mammograms for women who need them. 

I have signed up to walk and fundraise with Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. I hope you will consider joining my team and/or making a donation in support of my efforts. 

Together, we can make strides to end breast cancer!


Don't forget to participate in my Giveaways and win cool merchandises, including from American Cancer Society. Check it out here :)

Lord & Taylor Charity Day for Breast Cancer on October 3rd, 2015


Hi thereeee...  

Calling everyone in NYC et all over the United States of America :)

As I said, I have more interesting news in breast cancer awareness campaign this month.
Let's work together and donate for the noble cause :)

Get this $5 coupon with 3 special bonuses and Savings, including for the sale items.
How cool is that :)

Come and join us today, Saturday, October 3,  at all Lord and Taylor at the US ;)


And here's more information about Lord and Taylor Day Charity Day for Breast Cancer :)..

American Cancer Society | Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Make sure you stride in to your local Lord & Taylor this Saturday
to take part in our inaugural Charity Day! There will be fashion and
fun for all, honoring Survivors & special coupon booklet sales
benefiting your American Cancer Society.  

Lord & Taylor has partnered with your American Cancer Society by
hosting this Charity Day on October 3rd in stores across the entire
nation. If you didn't get the chance to pre-purchase your very
special coupon booklet, don't worry- they will be available at
every register! We look forward to partnering the world of fashion
with our fight while maybe walking away with a fabulous new
outfit.  

See you at your local Lord & Taylor on Saturday October 3rd!

Aaaand...

Wait for my special Giveaways at my blog, My Purple World, with a lot of against-breast-cancer pink merchandises, including from the American Cancer Society and many beauty products (wait for those lovely products from Estee Lauder, Sephora and many moreee...) only for you..

Stick around and help spread the words in our fights against breast cancer!

#lordandtaylor #charityday #pinktober #breastcancerawareness #breastcancer #againstbreastcancer #MSABC #Timessquare #gopink #makingstridesagainstbreastcancer #centralparkwalk #NYC


Kickoff Breakfast Making Strides against Breast Cancer

And we are going to have another walk this year!





Yeaaah ;)...


join us in Central Park :)

Remember Making Strides against Breast Cancer walk that I did last year in the middle of my chemotherapy?
I did that in the middle of the second chemo I got. And it as the AC one..
the tough one :).
I shared it in my blog as well and you can read it here on 

Making Strides against Breast Cancer...The D-Day :)


And this year, 2015, we will have the same, or even more fuuuun :).

And last week, I joined the Kickoff Breakfast for Making Strides against Breast Cancer.
Thanks to my dearest Kisha Kelly, who contacted me in the first place, I managed to get a reservation for this kickoff breakfast.


My dearest Kisha Kelly :)
thanks to Kisha Kelly, I got the email :)


Surely the most fun breakfast I have ever attended!

And very moving as well ..

You know, being a breast cancer survivor, I just celebrated my first birthday a couple  weeks ago.
I just had my mammogram, 1 year after my last one last year, so it marked my 1 year cycle already.
And I never thought it felt so wonderful.

I just can't help it when during the breakfast,  we, the survivors, were asked to light the candles that we got for free together with Magnolia bakery's cupcake.
To light the spirits and remember those who have lost the battles.
I cried like a baby :).
Happy tears indeed..
Even as I wrote it now.


light the candle :)

Merci, Ya Rabb...
Alhamdulillaaah...
I can't help it...
I know it is still a long and winding road ahead with Herceptin and Tamoxifen at least for the next 5 years but I have all the hopes and spirit to stay healthy and live healthier.

So we started the kickoff breakfast at New York Marquis Hotel with the registration for everyone... 
Newcomers, survivors, family members, volunteers, team leaders, pacemakers, sponsors... Everyone is welcomed.


Fight like a girl!

They had photo booth and pink carpet as well ;). 
You should see the properties we have here.. Super cute.


choose what you like...


Then we also had free cupcakes for survivors presented by Magnolia bakery.


thank you Magnoliaaaa...


Inside the hall, we had some presentations, testimonies and information session given interactively by Kelly Crawley. She was supeeeeer coool indeed.


with Kelly Crawley :)

We all made a pledge to join this noble cause of raising awareness of breast cancer and helping those suffering from it. That's why I am also soooo excited to invite everyone of you to join my team, Indonesia Ceria & Beyond, to walk in Central Park on Sunday, October 18, 2015. 


our brekky :)


Even Miss New York 2015 joined our breakfast and will have a team for the walk! 


cheers from the pretty Miss New York :)

We had a blast last year and will definitely come back this year.

Please donate and contribute and show me some love to this great cause. Ask me how to do it ;). look for some charity sales I will soon do (I am thinking of cooking some cakes and food for sale ;) and handy crafts, too) to gather more funds for continuing this fight. 

There are soooo many ways to help as well.

Get more information at cancer.org  or You can also check making strides against breast cancer in Central Park  and my blog for more updates :)

Here is a video about the next walk we are going to make  :)




Aren't you super excited?

I am ;)

Wish me luck, people ✌ 

Bismillahirrahmanirrahiiiim..