THUNDER BAY – This week, the Pink Pearl Foundation – a not-for-profit organization supporting young women who have been affected by cancer – will be expanding into the City of Thunder Bay starting with brunch. The brunch event, called One Fine Day, will be held on Sunday, September 27th from 11AM – 2PM at Breakwater Taphouse, bringing together young women who have been diagnosed with cancer to celebrate life with their friends and family.
Founded in 2006 by ovarian cancer survivor Elise Gasbarrino, the Pink Pearl Foundation strives to provide support, facilitate connections, and empower young women ages 18 – 35 across Canada who are overcoming the social and emotional challenges of being diagnosed with cancer.
Elise Gasbarrino, Founder and President of the Pink Pearl Foundation, says; “When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer during my final year of university, I couldn’t help but feel like there was something was missing from my treatment. No doctor, hospital, or medicine could give me what I needed – which was connection with other young women facing the same challenges. Battling cancer can be very isolating, so I started Pink Pearl to create a peer support system for women to conquer their cancer together. Since 2006 the organization has grown to embrace over twenty dedicated volunteers, and our innovate programming and events have raised over $100,000 to benefit cancer research.”
One Fine Day, the one-time brunch event to be held in Thunder Bay, will introduce the established organization to Northwestern Ontario and propose a new facet of local cancer care. “Pink Pearl is extremely excited to introduce the organization to Thunder Bay because there is a demonstrated need for emotional support among local young people with cancer. When diagnosed with cancer at a young age, educational aspirations, relationships, career goals, and much more may be put on hold and this is where peer support plays an important role. The conversations Pink Pearl is facilitating would not happen within the confines of a doctor’s office.”
The Pink Pearl Foundation has plans to speak to the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre to potentially open a local Thunder Bay chapter. “It is Pink Pearl’s hope that One Fine Day will raise awareness for the organization, as well as for the often overlooked demographic of young people with cancer and their unique needs. It will be Thunder Bay’s responsibility to keep the momentum going and continue to host Pink Pearl events until we can get a formal chapter up and running. Together, we can bridge the gaps in cancer care and community support for young people, and One Fine Day is the first step.”
To register for One Fine Day, RSVP to George Gasbarrino at (807) 472-5008. Those looking for more information about the Pink Pearl Foundation are encouraged to visit pinkpearlfoundation.org.