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PNA San Diego Supports a Sea of Pink

December 27, 2015

By: Vivian Sanderlin, PNASD President-elect

Most of us are aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s annual 5K walk was held Sunday, Oct 18, 2015 at Balboa Park in San Diego, California.  More than 6,000 people mostly dressed in their pink garb, wearing costumes as angels or Superheroes, in their pink tutu’s and pink outfits laced up their walking shoes for this event.  Dogs were allowed to wear pink outfit/bandanas and walked alongside with their owners.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Philippine Nurses Association of San Diego (PNASD) members with team leaders Derek Velasquez and Jemimah Olivar met at the park at 7AM for registration and distribution of pink shirts.  Among PNASD members present were:  President Dr. Merlie Ramira, Vivian Sanderlin, Rolly and Cece Echon, Tessie Porciuncula, Ludy Deperio, Helen Schmied, Trishia Carinio, Merly Ferrer and her grand children Lucas and Alyssia, Jessie Delmundo, Dinnah Didulo, Amie de Jesus, Rosemarie Ferrer and her family, Sandra Cid, Gina Cascolan with her children Krysta, Kyra, and Kacey, Grace Ramirez, Rollie and Millie Mamaril, Lynette Bautista, Norie Gabriel, Arianna Vargas, Daisy Lopez, Christie Eser, Amie Boulanger, Quintin Mabanta, Jr and his wife Patty, Luz Jones and son Jaiber. This walk raised over a thousand dollars for PNASD’s efforts toward reduction of breast cancer to which PNASD received a Blue ribbon and the organization has been announced in the program. The largest donation was given by PNASD member Fe de los Reyes who gave $500.

Nearly everyone has a story to tell regarding the loss of someone to breast cancer, I take particular interest in this walk because my niece died of breast cancer twelve years ago and presently, a dear friend of mine is in the final stages of her struggle with this disease. Investing in breast cancer research helps understand, prevent and find ways to fight this disease at an early stage when it is most treatable. 

 

The 5K route began at 8 am beneath a huge pink arch on the approach to Cabrillo Bridge overpass. Through El Prado and past the Organ Pavilion, we turned left at Presidents Way and south on Park Boulevard. The route then turned right on Highway 163 North and exited on Robinson Avenue where it turned left onto 6th avenue and reentered the park through Balboa Park Drive toward the finish line.  PNASD sign banners were held by Mr. Rolly Echon, Lucas (grandson of Merly Ferrer), Trishia Carinio and other members. There were lots of photo opportunities along the way; one group photo was taken at the Robinson Avenue exit sign when we all climbed up a little hill on top of ice plants. We began in high spirits with much laughing and talking…as the route went on, the efforts began to take their toll.  The talk became complaints of knee pain, foot pain and general weariness.  We all labored through because it was WORTH the effort.

I want to thank the team leaders, all the PNASD members and friends for helping make a difference while we made strides wearing pink and walking our hearts out at this event. We thank the people who made cash donations on behalf of our organization but even more important than raising money was creating a sense of PNASD spirit and pride.  I really do think everyone stands a little taller and feels a little better that we can come together and participate in an event like this.  It is an amazing organization and community to be a part of. Thank you.

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