Health Reads

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A Catwalk of Courage

28/02/2024
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This International Women’s Day, 7th March 2024, breast cancer survivors will take the catwalk in a show of courage and solidarity to women who have survived, or are still undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Solis Breast Care & Surgery Centre, together with Breast Cancer Foundation (BCF), Bobbi Brown, JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La, Shunji Matsuo and Singapore Fashion Council will collaborate in celebration of survivorship and advocacy.

A total of 10 survivors from all walks of life will come together to share their message of hope and courage. They are living proof that their breast cancer journey has not only been a transformational experience, but have changed their outlook on life. In a show of confidence and positivity, these women will strut down the walkway, with outfits, hair and make-up to reveal their raw authenticity and   bravery – a celebration of survivorship.

Three of our Club Solis members – Carmen Loh, Jill Alphonso and Nahoko Kodama – will form part of the 10 warriors on the catwalk. Their participation in this empowering event aims to encourage other women to take charge of their breast health.

Celebrate the courage and transformation of our breast cancer survivors and join their family and friends for a meaningful night.

P.S. a delectable all-you-can-eat seafood spread awaits!

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Courage Catwalk
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When Thursday, 7th March 2024
Time From 6pm
Where J65@JEN Singapore Tanglin by Shangri-La 1A Cuscaden Road, Singapore 249716
Price Each ticket is priced at $100++ ($10 will go to BCF). Click here to purchase your tickets.
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Meet Our Inspiring Women
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Carmen Loh

When Carmen was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2022, her children were only 3 and 5 years old. “Am I going to die soon? How much more time do I have?” Her diagnosis came as an extremely big surprise to her as she had been conscientiously doing her breast self-examinations and yearly scans, was leading a relatively healthy lifestyle and had no family history of cancer. Her breast cancer journey was a roller coaster especially with the side effects she experienced from her chemotherapy treatment. However, her loved ones, family and friends provided her with the mental and emotional support that still encourages her daily. Her focus is on the here and now, and on what she can do to create awareness for breast cancer and inspiring others by sharing her story.  

Jill Alphonso

Jill knew that she has “cysty” breasts, discovered in her 30s, but had not followed through with regular checks. When she did her first mammogram at age 43 at the suggestion of a doctor, a 5 to 7cm odd-shaped, soft lump was uncovered and she was initially diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. The diagnosis overwhelmed her, and the thoughts of the effects of chemotherapy on her body scared her. She made the decision to have a unilateral mastectomy, without reconstruction, an extremely bold move for any woman. When the lump was removed, her diagnosis was reclassified to stage 2. Jill was already a vegetarian before her diagnosis and is inclined towards natural healing. After her diagnosis, she shifted to a vegan gluten-free diet with no refined sugar. She bravely shows off her mastectomy scar on her social feeds, continues to teach yoga and live an “awakened” life with the people who matter to her. “We need to create for ourselves a happy life. That’s our job here on earth,” she says.  

Nahoko Kodama

As a media specialist, Nahoko was in the know and already understood the importance of breast self-examination. Hence, she decided to have it checked out when she felt a lump in her right upper chest and had been experiencing slight pain for a few months. She was diagnosed with triple positive stage 2+ breast cancer. Although the journey was tough, she knew the importance of keeping her energy up to see herself through chemotherapy. She did this by continuing her exercise regime of yoga and ballroom dancing lessons, something she had been taking for a long time. After her treatment, she was determined to take part in a dance competition and placed her focus on that. With the encouragement of her dance instructor in Russia, she kept an upbeat outlook and overcame the gruelling chemotherapy sessions. She continues to immerse herself in dance and work, has regulated her diet and strongly advocates self-examination.