WW: Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Central Park 2019

Cheeeers from MSABC Central Park 2019

I'm back to NYC and super happy!

Why?

Because I manage to join Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Central Park 2019!
Yaaaaay..
This is my 6th walk and I just can't tell you how blessed I am to join this walk and be in such a great condition!
NYC was treating me well with the lovely autumn weather, too. It was a sunny day, not too windy..just perfect for a walk with friends, family and supporters of our fight against breast cancer. This year, I walked with my dearest Erma and Ainan, who have been supporting me since day one. Love you so, girls :).

So here are some rituals I do during the walk and cheers..
Don't forget to live a healthier life (try it and try it harder!), manage your stress and protect your ta-ta, ladies. Do your self exam and go to the doctor when you feel the lump, no matter how small or how unimportant you think it is!

Big Pink Sofaaaa

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have fun with the link party

Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018 - Go Pink

 

"Dear passengers, we are about to land at JFK International Airport, New York City.

Please make sure you fasten your seatbelt and make sure your food tray as well as your foot rest are folded."  

I was looking down the window to see the fascinating view of New York City from above when the flight attendant reminded me that we were about to land.

It obviously felt great to be back to the Big Apple, although it was only for 7 days.

And most importantly, I would join one of the most inspiring events in my life, Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018.

NYC,  I'm back and I'm ready to kiss breast cancer goodbye!

***

Thank you sooo much Erma and Haryo :)

New York City is calling me back for a week of meetings.

I was lucky to be here just in time for Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018 in Central Park.

The walk this year took place on Sunday, October 14, 2018, a day before I started my meeting at the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly.

And this will be my fifth walk in a row!

Wuhuuuu!

You never walk alone..

I still remember my first walk in 2014. 

It was in the middle of my chemo and I went out feeling week with my bold head to the cold October day.

But I was so excited and full of spirit.

Meeting other survivors gave me a huge dose of determination to fight back.

To believe in myself that I can be free of cancer.

And now, 5 years after that, I'm back for my 5th walk as the survivor.

As always, I registered our team, Indonesia Ceria & Beyond, to participate in this year's walk. Some friends have confirmed to walk with me and I am so grateful for them. Thank you so much Erma, my dearest sister-in-crime; Haryo; Eliza; Nabil ad Razzan! It was an honour to have you guys walk with me!

So that morning, I met Erma and Haryo right in front of the UN Headquarters and took M15  as well as M66 bus to Central Park.  As always, Making Strides walk starts and ends at the  famous Bandshell in Central Park, which is located at  the 72nd Street Transverse. 

I woke up a bit late that morning, thanks to jetlag that made me sleep at 4 AM NYC time. But we managed to arrive at the Bend Shell at 9 AM. Not bad! And the check in for all participants has started at 7:30AM. As announced in cancer.org website, the first rolling or the start of the the walk began at 8:00AM and ended at 10:15AM. Just like previous years, the walk concluded around  12:00PM.

Mini me and I!

This 4-mile walk really attracted thousand of New Yorkers! 

When we arrived, it was packed with people and many of them were coming with their team, wearing pink and all those special costumes. I can say people of all ages in all costumes are there to spend the day with us the survivors in the park and also walk. 

It's also heartwarming that the route for the walk is accessible to strollers, walkers, and wheelchairs. It's open for everybody!

There are non-stop entertainment as well as we have talented singers, DJ and bands entertaining us.

The first thing I did was stepping in to the Survivor tent!

It always gives me a goosebump and a wonderful feeling at the same time.

Being able to stand in front of the SURVIVOR tent never fails to make me feel how blessed and lucky I am. 

I 'm still fighting the side effects of all those procedures I went through before but I'm here!

Standing tall, feeling better about myself and determined to live a healthier life, while advocating others to do the same thing.

I'm a survivor!

Read more stories about my fight here:  When You Lost Your Hair  and Why Me? Fighting Breast Cancer 

So, at the survivor tent, I picked up my free t-shirt, wireless bra, as well as free breakfast from Starbucks and pink roses! I also wrote my name in the big banner saying You Never Walk Alone. We took pictures here and there.

This year is special as Avon is joining American Cancer Society to host this walk.

I also see Normani Hamilton from Fifth Harmony, joining her mother, a survivor as well, in this walk.

We joined the walk around 10 AM and we followed the route designated.

I didn't finish the walk this time because I had to admit I was super tired.

Flying from Jakarta and stopping by in Tokyo with the total traveling time of 23 hours really took a tool on me. I felt that my feet were swollen so that I decided to stop the walk just in the middle of it. It's a bit disappointing but I know I made the right decision.

Fight like a girl!

Let's walk

Well, at least my spirit continues and it roars up high every time I meet others survivor.

One of the biggest challenges that we survivors face is to stay healthy and manage the damaging side effects of the treatment we have received to get rid of cancer cells.

Coming back to NYC celebrating this positivity and excitement is indeed a great experience!

Being a cancer survivor is indeed a bless and I'm grateful for all the love and support I receive from everyone up until now.

So, that's my story from Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2018 - Go Pink!

Hope I can join Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2019 as well.

If you feel like donating this great movement, please check  

www.makingstrideswalk.org

Let's kick some cancer cells!

So please, please, please, ladies...remember that early detection is the best protection.

If you feel and see something different in your body, check it.

Don't forget to do self breast exam, mammogram, and live a healthy, balance and happy life!

Stay healthy and blessed, people!

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 :)

                           

WW: Making Strides against Breast Cancer 2015

October is indeed the pink month.

If you have been following my posts lately, I dedicate October as the time to double the efforts in raising awareness on  breast cancer.

And joining Making Strides against Breast Cancer in Central Park with my team, Indonesia Ceria and beyond, is indeed one of the higlights of my year :).

Check out some of the photos from the event...

we started early this year...somebody was still sleepy :)

with my team, Indonesia Ceria :)

fight, fight, fight...

to my aunty and dearest friends...fight fight fight..

yes, I'm a survivor :)

cheeeeers..

and we have Nasi Uduk party afterwards :)

Join us on (almost) Wordless Wednesday and have a great bloghopping experience :)

Don't forget to join my #giveaway #campaign #finishthefight #gopink as well :)

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..