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‘Pinktober’ a resounding success
CCA hosts sold out crowd at Hard Rock Cafe
Violeta Lapuz was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009. After first hearing about her diagnosis, she said she was nervous and fearful.
“I thought I was only going to have a few more years to live,” the long-time Saipan resident said. “The feeling of worry was overwhelming for me and my three kids.”
A year after being diagnosed she and her husband flew to the Philippines, where she underwent surgery and chemotherapy for three years. After returning to Saipan and awaiting her next check-up, Lapuz lives to tell her story and struggles as she battles breast cancer.
“I am grateful to be here to share my talent and story with others,” she said.
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- Commonwealth Cancer Association member Pat Kaipat, president Lauri B. Ogumoro, and project manager Juan L. Babauta pose for a photo at Hard Rock cafe during the organization’s signature Pinktober fundraiser. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Commonwealth Cancer Association volunteers and members pose for a photo with Hard Rock Cafe staff during the Pinktober event last Saturday night. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Ed Propst and his wife, Daisy, support the Commonwealth Cancer Association last weekend during the Pinktober fundraiser. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Mount Carmel students Emiri Angela Iwai and Amalina Delamona Evangelista pose for a photo during last weekend’s annual Pinktober event at Hard Rock Cafe in Garapan. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Violeta Lapuz, a breast cancer survivor, performs a song number with her husband at the Pinktober at Hard Rock Cafe. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Jan Alcantara and Saipan Southern High School’s “Flow” band end the night’s entertainment with their rendition of Valerie. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
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- Saipan residents enjoy the night’s local entertainment while waiting for raffle prizes to be drawn during the Pinktober event at Hard Rock Cafe in Garapan. (Thomas A. Manglona II)
The event, held in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, raises funds for cancer research.
Lapuz, among other entertainers of the night, shared her talent at the event and performed a song with her husband, Walden Beri.
According to CCA president Lauri Ogumoro, this is Hard Rock International’s 15th year to support cancer research through hosting the event with the Commonwealth Cancer Association and assisting the non-profit organization in procuring funds to fight the disease.
“It is a great partnership that we have with Hard Rock and we look forward to doing it every year. It is a fun event and it reminds everyone in the community along with the families about the fight against breast cancer,” she said. “It is a good cause and is really at the heart of what we do for community awareness.”
The sold-out event featured artists Parker Yobei, Al Saures, and Saipan Southern High School’s “Flow” band. A candlelight vigil also took place at the end of the night in remembrance of those who have lost their lives to breast cancer.
Another attendee, Amalina Evangelista, said her grandmother fell victim to breast cancer in 1997 and passed away.
“I am here to support the people fighting the fight,” she said, adding that seeing the community’s support of the association gives her hope that a cure will one day be discovered.
“I see every day that this disease is a struggle for families and tonight is really for them,” she said. “I hope to see people free from breast cancer and this event every year brings us closer to the light at the end of the tunnel.”
