VIPink Raises Breast Cancer Awareness

Oct 7, 2024
VIPink Presenter
Chei Whitmore, Vice President of Branches at Valley Strong Credit Union and breast cancer survivor, shares her story at VIPink. Watch Chei’s video below.

The AIS Cancer Center at Adventist Health was deeply honored to host the VIPink event, an unforgettable evening dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer and celebrating the resilience of survivors. The event was a tribute to the strength of those who have bravely fought breast cancer, those who continue the battle and those we’ve lost far too soon. The event provided the community with the opportunity to be inspired by courageous stories and gain valuable knowledge about prevention, early detection and treatment options.

VIPink Attendees
Nurse Jacqui leading the crowd in a self-breast exam exercise.  

Adventist Health Central California Network President Jason Wells shared his heartfelt thoughts on the event: “It was a true privilege to host VIPink. We are so proud to stand alongside our community, united in the fight against breast cancer. This evening highlighted the incredible strength of survivors and emphasized the importance of early detection and the power it has to save lives.”

VIPink featured a captivating survivor fashion show, refreshing mocktails and hors d’oeuvres, offerings from local jewelry and clothing boutiques, as well as pampering beauty services. More than 1,000 guests arrived dressed in their fabulous pink outfits, bringing with them their families and friends to share in this beautiful occasion of love, support and empowerment.

VIPink also highlighted the exceptional care provided by the AIS Cancer Center. 70% of women in Kern County choose Adventist Health for their breast cancer care and it’s easy to see why. Our center offers a unique, comprehensive approach where patients can have their labs, scans and consultations with doctors all in one place. Our care team collaborates as a close-knit group, coming together to create the best treatment plan tailored for each patient.

And our reach extends beyond our walls. Our cancer specialists travel to Delano, Tehachapi and rural communities, serving as a regional resource for more than 1.5 million people across the Central Valley. Since the Breast Center opened in 2016, we’ve treated more than 5,000 new patients and 1,400 cases of breast cancer. In total, there have been more than 33,000 clinic visits, reflecting our mission of reaching our community with comprehensive, compassionate care.

VIPink is not just about those fighting breast cancer today, but also a celebration of those who have survived and a remembrance of those we’ve lost. Together we are stronger, and events like VIPink remind us of the importance of community, care and early detection.

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