Hundreds of people joined together on Feb. 9 to celebrate Ventura College’s third annual Pink Zone event hosted by the WBCA to contribute, support and raise money for Ribbons of Life Breast Cancer Foundation.
The event included many activities associated with breast cancer awareness along with a basketball game played by VC’s Men’s team.
Former VC student and breast cancer survivor founded the Breast Cancer Education & Advocacy Group back in spring 2002 when she was diagnosed with DCIS cancer at age 42 in her second semester at VC and became what is now known as Ribbons of Life in 2007.
Lissa Barreto and husband Bob started the foundation nine years ago and have been devoted in outreaching to families and victims affected by cancer helping them with emotional support and education throughout the entire process.
“The advice I give women is to see a doctor if anything is suspicious,” said Barreto. “The earlier it’s detected, the better it can be treated.”
All the money raised at the event is donated to this non-profitable corporation. Due to the great success Pink Zone has had in previous years they have decided to make it an annual event at VC. The event began with several activities, a silent auction and resource tables and a bake sale.
The silent auction was carried throughout the entire event auctioning porcelain dolls to pies and everything in between with bids starting from $5, $10 and $25. VC’s Psychology Club was also present contributing to the event.
The club gets involved every year creating special hearts for people diagnosed or family members who have lost someone with cancer.
Resource tables included Altheas Corset Shop, which dedicated in custom fittings for breast Prosthesis, Mastectomy, Lumpectomy and reconstructions as well as rib belts, maternity supports etc.
The Breast Cancer Center was also part of the event giving a full range of services including breast care, mammography and supportive professionals informing all women the importance of early detection and how it is the key factor to a successful treatment.
R&J Prosthetic Apparel booth offered Vasectomy Postsurgical kits for the days following after having breast surgery. They also just came out with a panty line to match their bras. “We are believers that underclothes make you feel better,” said American Breast Care representative.
A very special project Ribbons of Life carries to their events including Pink Zone is their Quilt. Debbie Zahner, the “Quilt Lady” began this project and it is very special and dear to their hearts because it is created and sewed together with photos of victims diagnosed with cancer that have shared special moments, words of strength, laughs and became part of the Ribbons of Life family.
If someone wants to reach out, Ribbons of Life has people that are available. Whether is a victim, a loved one, family member, or friend that is affected by someone who has been diagnosed with cancer.
“You have to be your own advocate. Educate, educate, educate your self and figure out what works best for you,” said pledge supporter Rhonda Dalton. “Don’t bow down and become a victim!”
Being diagnosed twice, Dalton gives kudos to the breast center in Ventura whom has always been there for her. Being a pledge supporter is her way of giving back to women diagnosed with cancer and don’t know what they will be going through.
The event was a great turnout since more and more people are getting to know about it and are assisting the events. “I wouldn’t be able to do this event without great volunteers including the Women’s Basketball team” said Barreto.
The next event Ribbons of life will be hosting is Breast Fest occurring monthly on Saturdays where people gather to have breakfast, share laughs, stories and have conversations with others that have gone through same or similar situations.
If you are a victim or know someone that has been affected by cancer, volunteering is a way to help out and give your support to those who need it. Students can become a part of this by volunteering at www.ribbonsventura.org.
