Honoring her mother through philanthropy

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Honoring her mother through philanthropy
(L-R) Yuliana and her friend, Gloria, organized the event.

Yuliana’s mother fought breast cancer for many years.

“She struggled for most of my early life,” shared Yuliana. “She was diagnosed when I was 5, and she passed away in 2013 when I was 11. The life that I live now is all for my mother because I would not be the person I am today without her.”

Yuliana is a student at Carthage College, where she’s a member of Kappa Phi Eta, a social sorority.

“I joined because they do a lot of social projects that support a variety of causes. They also encouraged me to start my own project to raise funds for cause that’s meaningful to me – breast cancer care. I was too young to help my mom, but there are still people out there that I can help in honor of her.”

Yuliana started a fundraiser called Pink Wings in 2022. Funds raised support Aurora Cancer Care in Kenosha.

“I wanted to bring light to a dark topic, so I decided to make the fundraiser a carnival,” said Yuliana. “There are games where you can win prizes, but there are also education stations with information on the importance of self-breast exams and getting mammograms. There was an aromatherapy table because integrative therapies are provided at the Cancer Center, and I wanted to incorporate those too.”

She and her sorority sisters also teamed up with a fraternity, Delta Omega Nu, for a special fashion show.

“Including men is important because breast cancer can affect men too, and not everyone realizes that. All the guys decorated bras with different themes, like Barbie, western, space and Disney. Then they modeled them on a runway. It was fun and hilarious.”

The fashion show turned out to be an unexpected hit and raised the most money.

“I was surprised they had as much fun with it as they did,” admitted Yuliana. “They incorporated choreography and music into their walks. The winner was the Disney team, which did an Up theme. The guy dressed up like a house and had a bunch of balloons tied on his back. They had a blast, and they already want to do it again next year.”

About 100 people participated in the carnival and watched the fashion show. The event raised more than $1,200.

“So many people and families are impacted by breast cancer. I know there are some professors who have struggled with their own battles; a lot of my sorority sisters have family members dealing with breast cancer. And besides my mom, it’s affected other members of my family too. It’s a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone.”

How you can help

Breast cancer programs and services, like integrative therapies and the free wig program for women who lose hair during treatment, are supported by the generosity of donors.

“When I found out about the wig program, I cried,” shared Yuliana. “Losing her hair was one of my mom’s biggest insecurities. The first time she put on a wig, she felt so much better about herself. It gave her confidence and dignity.”

Yuliana is thankful for all the help and support she’s received from her sorority and the community. She plans to continue and grow Pink Wings in the coming years.

“Pink Wings is an event that I had always wanted to do in honor of my mother. I am eternally grateful to everyone who was able to make it possible and for everyone who’s supporting breast cancer care.”

Please consider making a gift to support cancer care in Kenosha or at a hospital in your community.