Raising Awareness in Pink for Breast Cancer

An estimated 316,950 women and 2,800 men diagnosed with invasive breast cancer are expected in 2025 (National Breast Cancer Foundation.org). This is a huge eye-opener that fuels our desire to do something about it. This year, over 130 guests competed for over 40 prizes, raising over €6,000 for the Associação Partilhas e Cuidados.

This event was founded five years ago and since then, Tribulum Restaurante has been the perfect setting. “We have a very international team, working together to raise awareness for a cause that hits close to home in many cases, and supporting those affected through the charity”, Jonnie Pratt, co-owner of Tribulum and host of the Pink Morning, told The Portugal News. “For us, the ultimate goal of this event is to raise funds to support people who need it.”

The initiative gained a much more personal dimension when Lisa Cattermole Watkins was diagnosed herself with breast cancer. Lisa is a main awareness speaker and collaborator in our team. “I never imagined that I would have this, it’s always somebody else that you hear about”, she shared. “At the time I had my diagnosis, I didn’t know about this charity. But this was a new home for me in many ways; everyone really just enveloped me with their care, love, and support, and so now I’m giving something back.”

The event included inspiring and motivational talks led by professionals and cancer survivors’ speakers, who shared powerful stories of resilience and hope. These moments of reflection highlighted the importance of early detection, emotional support, and maintaining a positive mindset when facing a cancer diagnosis. The speakers’ words deeply resonated with the guests, reinforcing the true purpose of Pink Morning to unite, inspire, and give strength to those affected by breast cancer.

Volunteering

Many people involved in the planning of our Pink Morning have been touched by breast cancer in one way or another. “Breast cancer has affected some members of my family. This motivated me to do something to help others; it’s in my heart. I have participated in cancer awareness and fund-raising events, back home, in Venezuela”, recounted Alejandra Gonzalez Díaz, organizer of the Pink Morning. Therefore, it was straightforward to embrace this cause here in Portugal. Goodwill and commitment to the cause is what enables Pink Morning to keep going, with many people volunteering to put in the work to support the event. Alejandra mentioned. “Our photographers (Elena & Dimitar from www.edproductionsofficial.com), and singers (Raquelle Gracie & Nikki Jo Edyvane) donated their time for this event”.

Amani Edyvane, speaker for the Pink Morning, continued. “Everybody, every single volunteer, has given up their time, their energy, and cash contributions to this event.”

Rahel Abner, a member of Women of Loule recalled “I came to the Algarve for an early retirement, and when I started to visit the first charity events, I thought that I could help the team with my professional background in marketing and brand advertising”. “I love to work for causes that are close to my heart, and this feels like home. Rahel contributed to many aspects of this year’s Pink morning event.

“I personally love getting involved because you never know if cancer is going to knock at your door”, Susie Feliciano, English representative of the Associação Partilhas, commented. “I’m an advocate”.

Associação Partilhas e Cuidados

Pink Morning raises money in support of the Associação Partilhas e Cuidados, an organisation that for 11 years has been raising awareness and funding treatment plans for breast cancer patients. “Often, fundraisers and volunteers want to know where the money goes. This is a charity that is super transparent in what they are doing”, Susie Feliciano remarked.

Events like this emphasize the need for continuous support for the charity. “This is a yearly event but cancer sufferers need help on a regular basis. Amani explained, with Johnnie corroborating, that “breast cancer isn’t just a one-day issue. It’s happening all the time, and can affect anyone”.

“This charity empowers people to know that they’re supported, that there’s people around them that genuinely care”, Lisa expressed. “We’re doing this for charities that are then going to support not just the individuals, but the family, everybody around that’s a witness. Because it’s hard for everybody”, Marie-Jose Verweij, volunteer of Pink Morning, elaborated.

The support for cancer patients comes in more ways than just financial aid. “There’s a stigma involved if you reach out to a charity”.

Another stigma that the organisers aim to break is that surrounding men’s susceptibility to breast cancer. “Next year, we need to bring something for the men in” Johnnie admitted. “Nobody talks about breast cancer in men. Even if a guy got it, I don’t see him talking to his mates about it. We need to talk to people, it’s the same bottom line for everyone. It’s okay not to be okay”, he elaborated. “Everyone sees men as strong and all that, but men affected by breast cancer go through a similar journey as women in terms of psychological impact.”

We want to be able to continue to grow, using the experience of each year’s event, and to raise funds and awareness on behalf of this beautiful charity, so that they can reach further. We believe that with our collective support, they can make a difference and touch more lives.

Acknowledgements

A huge thank you to Derek Thornton, Jonnie Pratt, and Inês Pratt and their team for their tremendous contribution in hosting this event.

Thank you again to everyone who supported or joined us on the 2nd October, it was an incredible morning and a powerful reminder of how, together, we can raise awareness and show unwavering solidarity for this important cause.

Feeling incredibly grateful for the generous collaborators and donations of the fantastic prizes for our raffle. This amazing day wouldn't have been possible without each of you!

Let's keep spreading awareness and hope. Together, we're making a difference!

For more information or donations, please visit https://www.instagram.com/associacaopartilhas/