Walking with PRIDE - 31 July 2005
By Ranbir Kaur, Breast Cancer Survivor On Sunday, July 31, 2005, BCWA members joined hands with Pink Ribbon Deeds or PRIDE to increase the awareness of breast cancer in the country. A fund-raising gala dinner and fashion show called “WALK WITH PRIDE” was organised by PRIDE which is a special purpose committee established in collaboration with Yayasan Budi Penyayang under the patronage of Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Endon bt Mahmood.
The gala dinner and fashion show held at the JW Marriott Hotel Kuala Lumpur was to raise funds, increase awareness, boost the support needed for breast cancer survivors and at the same time convey the message that there is life after breast cancer. All proceeds would go towards improving the standard of diagnosis, treatment and supportive care of breast cancer patients in both semi-urban and rural areas.
The event received huge support from both locally and internationally renowned personalities and celebrities. Among those present on that spectacular night were Jackie Chan, the Pointer Sisters and Mike Davis, Donnie of the Platters, Anita Sarawak, Paula Malai Ali, Erra Fariza, Sheila Majid and Shafinaz Selamat.
The Prime Minister YAB Datuk Seri Abdullah Haji Ahmad Badawi was the Guest-of-Honour at the eventful dinner and was accompanied by an entourage of his Cabinet ministers and deputies including Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, Education Minister Datuk Hishamuddin Tun Hussein; Women, Family and Community Development Minister Dato’ Seri Sharizat Abdul Jalil and Deputy Finance Minister Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen.
28 models, all cancer survivors including 9 from BCWA and some from the National Cancer Society of Malaysia sashayed down the runway, with pride and confidence, flanked by professional male models. They wore designer outfits from Anne Klein, Loewe, Celine, Christian Dior, DKNY, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Versace and local designer Jendela Batik.
All survivor models received catwalk training over the previous three months under the tutelage of choreographer Datuk Shah Reazza.
For many of these recently turned models, it was the first time walking down the runway! “This has been really exciting and fun,” exclaimed Sarojini while Mary Gurusamy felt “This event has been a great way to reach out to others.”
Background information:
PENYAYANG is a trust foundation chaired by Yang Amat Berbahagia Datin Paduka Seri Endon bt Mahmood. PRIDE is an acronym for Pink Ribbon Deeds. It is a Special Purpose Committee established in collaboration with Yayasan Budi Penyayang (“PENYAYANG”). PRIDE comprises 35 volunteers and is chaired by Puan Azrene bt Abdullah.
WALK WITH PRIDE was organised by Pink Ribbon Deeds (PRIDE) with the support of Penyayang and University of Bristol Alumni Association. The main sponsors for the Event were Starhill Gallery, JW Marriott Hotel, media partners TV3 and the STAR, and Ogilvy as the communications partner. |
