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It’s been about 2 weeks since the wrap of Project Pink. What an amazing and enlightening experience. I’m writing this piece from a personal perspective, so that next September when the notices go out that tickets are selling fast, you’ll want to have the chance to share the day with us celebrating, giving, and being grateful! I was backstage but wouldn’t have had it any other way.
I had the opportunity to cross paths with wonderful people who are a testament to one of my main mantras in life- PAY IT FORWARD. If you aren’t familiar PAY IT FORWARD is the ideology of doing good out of the kindness of your heart, it makes you happy and that you have had such a profound affect that someone will in turn do the same for someone else, even a complete stranger. I made great memories and walked away reflecting on a lot of different things. 3 words left a lasting impression in my heart and mind based on that afternoon.
Solitude: uninhibited peace
Attitude: settled way of thinking or feeling
Gratitude: quality of being thankful
I started following Hasti about a year and half ago on Facebook. We would comment and message back and forth. I had originally mentioned to Hasti last year that I would love to help, but due to personal reasons it did not work out. I was extremely overjoyed to know that I would have the opportunity to do so this year. This year’s opportunity meant so much to me. I believe that the day you stop improving yourself physically, mentally, emotionally or even spiritually, you stop living life. One facet of that for me is making sure I give back to my community, especially since my mother is a 14 year survivor. I was 21 when she was diagnosed; I had just moved to the west coast. In Sept of that year, we buried my paternal grandfather to cancer the day my mother started chemotherapy for breast cancer. My bond with the two of them was incredible, so to lose one and not know the fate of the other was a devastating thing for me. I was so far and felt so helpless, at least after returning from the funeral I felt that. I needed something to help me. If I couldn’t be there physically, I would in spirit. It gave me solitude. I threw myself into volunteering. In essence, thanking god for not letting my Grandfather suffer and for giving my mother such strength, tenacity and courage to fight through her nasty illness. I felt so much gratitude. Now I volunteer simply because it brings me a little of all 3 of those words I asked you to focus on.
Heather Thompson-Twardus and Cathy Haire were amazing and a true reminder of strength and desire to live with such will to fight. They definitely were definitely motivators. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to meet them both backstage that afternoon. They reminded me of why I do this. That this disease affects just not the the person battling but everyone around them. October gives us the opportunity to celebrate their brave fight, whether they won or lost their battle. Heather and Cathy had a never quit attitude!
As I walked into the tent Saturday afternoon Oct 1, 2011 for Project Pink I was blown away. Under a huge white tent was a fantastic scene put together by Westfield Valley Fair. The attention to detail was great. The entire staff was tremendous and accommodating and worked to help all those that needed it to get things ready for the day.
The main goals of Project Pink are to bring the community together, raise awareness so women are getting tested, and to celebrate survivors in order to give strength to those who are just starting the battle.
My focus was on the back end of the show. I was given an opportunity to work with Charleston Pierce who was focused on the behind the scenes with models, timing and coordination of the runway show. He had such a positive light, genuine spirit, and pure genius. Qualities I had already identified within Hasti, and all those involved seemed in some sense to have such endearing qualities.
The Models & HMM Halverson Model Management were such professionals. I remembered all their names the day of but I can’t now, I believe we had 17. You were a pleasure to work with! The models gave their time and were so open and positive. Noel, Katrina, Norman, Michael, Drew, KC, Briana, Mary, and the rest of the gang the energy back stage was amazing. I enjoyed working with you all so much. I applaud your time and effort. You made this day! You saw them walk, I got to see so much more.
VE Salon and Asal: Without your work and fantastic “Warrior” theme, Project Pink would not have had such beautiful women gracing the runways! And Laura Kathleen from Season 9 of Project Runway was the guest host.
Hasti was hands down the epitome of unselfishness. The world needs more people like her. It also helped solidify my attitude that the good you do comes back to you tenfold.
I encourage you to attend Project Pink next October. I also encourage you not only in October, but all year to be a warrior and a champion for your health. Give thanks, find peace and love your life.
- Courtney D.
Photo Credit: Kanoa Utler Photography
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