Project Pink extends arms in national battle against cancer

Three members of Karen DeFreitas’ family have succumbed to cancer and this tragedy has spurred the Soka clothing line designer to do something to help cancer patients.

This something is the establishment of a fund-raising entity called ‘Project Pink’.

Launched July 28 at the French Veranda in Villa, Project Pink has embarked on a mission to raise funds {{more}}that will go towards helping persons with cancer in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).

Speaking at the launch of Project Pink, DeFreitas told persons gathered that an estimated 14.1 million persons are diagnosed with cancer worldwide and “…my question to you this evening is are you going to be one of them?”.

She said that she has lost an uncle, aunt and grandmother to the disease and that being the case, she has always felt overwhelmed.

“I always felt helpless to the news of this disease…I choose to no longer feel hopeless, powerless to it,” said DeFreitas, who noted that she used her talent, experience and network to bring about Project Pink.

She said that Project Pink is a movement where everyone in the community could provide support, “but most importantly, celebrate those warriors battling cancer.”

DeFreitas said that she is hoping to create a space where anyone, from any background, despite age, gender, race or class, “could give of their genius and most importantly collaborate to create a way to support someone and their family through this challenging period in their life.”

She added, “I stand here not only as a founder, but one member of a dynamic group who willingly and passionately dedicate all of them to give to Project Pink.”

Public relations officer (PRO) of Project Pink Laferne Fraser described the initiative as an island-wide project support movement that is operated completely by volunteers.

“It is a movement for Vincentians by Vincentians. We have no interest in competition; we are interested in a holistic fight. We are focussed this year on breast cancer and we want every Vincentian to be able to say I am Project Pink,” said Fraser.

The group raises funds through various initiatives, which include cookie sales and the sales of their pink wristbands. Rici lipsticks has also created two Project Pink brands “She will” and “She did,” while the group held a car wash last Saturday.

A signature gala event will be held on October 29, and Project Pink members are also planning an event called ‘Pink Friday,’ where they are hoping to turn corporate SVG pink by selling pink T-shirts.

“We will be doing fund-raisers, as we aim to donate all the proceeds to patients who cannot afford and need the treatment to live,” explained Fraser, who revealed that in 2016 the group will focus on breast cancer, while in 2017 they will focus on prostate cancer.

Persons present at the launch included Minister of Health Luke Browne, president of the SVG Medical Association Dr Rosalind Ambrose, president of SCORCH Dr Joselle Miller and cancer survivor Natifa Bonadie.(LC)