Women in Pink 2015

Gathered beauties who modelled on the catwalk

Ten cancer survivors from all walks of life showed off their catwalk at the ‘Women in Pink 2015, Let’s P!nk a Difference’ charity fashion show held at UTAR Sungai Long Campus on 29 October 2015 in conjunction with Breast Cancer Awareness month.

“The purpose of today’s show is to support those who have struggled triumphantly with breast cancer. Their participation here today proves that cancer can be overcome. This is also an opportunity for us to arm ourselves with more knowledge about breast cancer,” said organising chairperson Yew Jolynn.

Prof Chuah presenting a gift to Datin Paduka Chew

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the students and staff who worked with MAKNA to make this campaign successful. This is truly reflective of UTAR’s wholesome education where students are trained to be involved in voluntary and community projects in support of charity,” said UTAR President Ir Prof Academician Dato’ Dr Chuah Hean Teik.

“Today’s effort demonstrated by MAKNA and the students truly represents the spirit of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Community Development, which is empowering women in all aspects including the physical, economic, social, political, health, psychological, and spiritual,” said Deputy Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development, YBSenator Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun.

“I’m thankful to the organisers for providing a platform for me to build my confidence and self-esteem after an eight-year long battle with breast cancer. The beauty of a person is not defined by physical appearance, but the confidence exuding from within,” said Peggy Chin Kim Fong, one of the models.

She added that the endless support and unconditional love given by her husband, siblings, and children motivated her to keep fighting on.

Educational material about various cancers

“Statistics have shown that breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in Malaysia, affecting one in 31 women in Malaysian women. About 4,000 women are diagnosed each year, mostly between 35 to 60 years old, with 40% affected below the age of 50. These statistics show that the disease affects a large segment of the population, and its threatening consequences must not be overlooked,” said National Cancer Council Malaysia (MAKNA), Cancer Awareness Department Head Nisha Sanita Binti Mohd Norha.

Datin Paduka Chew (right) overlooking organising chairperson Yew Jolynn (second from right) and Nisha (second from left) as they officiate the event

“The awareness of cancer is increasing among the public, but many are still uninformed regarding the measures to take. The MAKNA Cancer Helpline is manned by clinical staff trained in oncology handling queries on cancer and providing counselling accordingly,” she continued.

Nisha said that the chances of catching breast cancer rests not only on genetics but also on the lifestyle choices we make. She advised the public to practise a healthy lifestyle and to schedule an appointment for a digital mammogram screening to enable early detection of breast cancer, as the chances for recovery is up to 90% when detected in stage one.

MAKNA also provides services such as digital mobile mammogram, financial assitance to breast cancer patients throuh its Bursary Assistance Programme, and cancer awareness talks and exhibitions in order to increase their understanding of this terrible disease.

This event was organised by a team of 11 UTAR Corporate Communication final-year students in partner with MAKNA and Amber Chia Academy, sponsored by Nivia, MBG Fruit Shop, Nando’s, and Kotex.

Organising chairperson Yew Jolynn (sixth from right) and Department of Mass Communication Tutor Lim Chai Lee (fifth from right) celebrating with the organising committee along with Department of Mass Communication Head Chew Wee Lee (third from right)