A non-profit organization in Quebec dedicated to raising awareness and providing support for breast cancer is marking a significant milestone as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Back in 2006, a heartwarming gesture by Denise Vourtzoumis’s 11-year-old son, Lawrence, who shaved his head in solidarity with women battling breast cancer, sparked a movement that continues to impact lives two decades later.
Since 2014, the MUHC Foundation has proudly collaborated with Denise and her organization, Pink in the City. Together, they have raised an impressive $1.949 million to benefit the MUHC Breast Clinic Wellness Program. This initiative ensures that breast cancer patients receive comprehensive care and support, focusing on the entire person rather than just the disease.
Pink in the City has successfully raised over $3.5 million, which has been used to purchase vital medical equipment, fund research, and provide support programs for individuals confronting breast cancer.
One remarkable story of survival involves Rajdaye “Susan” Maharaj and her husband, Pavel Zezulka, who both battled breast cancer and were diagnosed within a week of each other with tumors of the same size on the same side. They availed themselves of the services offered by the Breast Clinic Wellness Program, partially funded by Pink in the City.
Marie-Hélène Laramée, the president of McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), commended Pink in the City for uniting the community in support of women facing breast cancer. She highlighted the organization’s efforts to raise awareness and provide assistance to those in need.
The Breast Clinic Wellness Program offers a range of services such as psychological support, nutritional counseling, physical rehabilitation, and sexual health guidance, all aimed at helping patients rebuild their strength, confidence, and quality of life in a single location.
Denise Vourtzoumis, the president of Pink in the City, emphasized the importance of community support in tackling causes that have touched the lives of many. She noted the organization’s diverse campaigns and programs, reaching out to individuals of all ages to foster unity and collaboration.
To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Pink in the City will be hosting the Magic of Hope Gala this Friday in Laval, bringing together supporters and advocates in a celebration of hope and resilience.
