If you want to be named “Prettiest Person in Pink,” you have to go all out. That includes wearing a fluffy hot pink boa, fancy pink hat, oversized pink glasses, sparkly pink masks and yes, even the sign that tells the world that during these times, “real men wear pink.”
Paying homage to the color pink in a fun way was part of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities at the Preserve at Palm Aire in Pompano Beach. Residents posed for pictures and listened to music while snacking on pink macaroons, iced-pink cookies and some delicious spiked pink lemonade.“A good party and a good cause. Who could ask for a better afternoon,” said resident Dorothy, while having her picture taken.
For Engagement Director Sarah Chambers, the day’s events “warmed my heart watching our residents come together to proudly show their support.”
Events like this one, where men and women raise awareness about breast cancer was even more meaningful for resident Louise, who survived breast cancer 26 years ago. Beyond the painful treatment and three surgeries, the ordeal of going through cancer completely changed the course of her life in an unexpected way.
“When you are given a second chance at life, you make the most of it,” said Louise, who took those words to heart and decided to declutter her house and her life. What started as a simple chore inspired her to take a home organizing class and soon after, to open her own business called 'Organizing, etc by Louise Christina.’
As her business organizing homes and offices flourished, she ended up embarking in yet another new path, as a college professor. For 10 years, she taught “How to Organize your Life” at Westchester Community College in New York.
As a breast cancer survivor who reinvented herself in the midst of tragedy, she offers some words of wisdom: “Don’t fret over little annoyances. Take one day at a time and enjoy it to the fullest.”
