In a poignant and uplifting event held at the Golden Tulip Hotel, the Shades of Pink Society bid farewell to Abu Dhabi as it marked its sixth and final anniversary in the UAE with a theme resonating with the essence of its journey: “Fight to live, live to inspire.”
Reflecting on the transition from Abu Dhabi to the Philippines, Gie Drew, the founder of Shades of Pink Society, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support received in the UAE while emphasizing the continuation of their mission back in the Philippines. “We might be marking our last anniversary here in the UAE, but our mission will continue back home in our motherland, the Philippines, where breast cancer patients need help the most,” Drew shared, underlining the organization’s unwavering commitment to supporting women in need.
The evening was a testament to the strength, resilience, and interconnectedness that define the mission of Shades of Pink Society, as supporters and survivors gathered to celebrate their shared journey and the organization’s impactful work.
Vice Consul Kevin Mark Gomez of the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, guest of honor during the evening’s event, commended the strength and resilience of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the UAE, drawing parallels between their spirit of ‘pakikipagkapwa’ and the courage displayed by Filipina breast cancer survivors. “To our Filipina breast cancer survivors, your journey of resilience is a testament to this spirit, as you’ve faced challenges with courage and grace,” Vice Consul Gomez remarked, acknowledging the profound impact of their stories on the community.
Highlighting the evening were performances from notable supporters, including the mesmerizing vocals of America’s Got Talent Semi-Finalist Peter Rosalita, Geraldine Cuevas, Edward Drew, France Elias, and the captivating performances from the Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mananayaw at Mang-aawit sa Abu Dhabi (OPMMAD), among others. Their performances added a touch of inspiration and unity to the event, amplifying the message of hope and solidarity.
Among the voices that resonated during the event was that of Dr. Sharon Mendoza-Dreisbach, a cancer survivor who shared her story of resilience and hope. “I firmly believe that Shades of Pink Society serves as a platform for social good, giving breast cancer survivors and supporters a common ground to gather here in the UAE and soon in the Philippines,” Dr. Mendoza-Dreisbach affirmed. “As a breast cancer survivor for 9 years, no one can understand our situation better than those who experience it also,” she added, underscoring the importance of solidarity and support in the journey towards healing.
As Shades of Pink Society concludes its chapter in Abu Dhabi, its legacy of compassion, courage, and collective support will continue to inspire and empower individuals, both in the UAE and beyond. With renewed determination, the organization looks forward to extending its reach and making a difference in the lives of breast cancer patients in the Philippines, embodying the spirit of resilience and hope that defines its mission.
