NEXTGEN
Stories behind the ribbon
‘Healing Through Art,’ held on 19 to 20 October, provided patients and survivors with an avenue to express their experiences through creativity.
A pink ribbon may be the symbol of breast cancer awareness, but behind it are stories of resilience, recovery and hope.
This October, Araneta City placed those stories at the center of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign, “Beyond the Pink Ribbon: Recognizing the People Behind Every Story,” which highlighted the experiences of patients, survivors, families and healthcare workers affected by cancer.
In partnership with the Philippine Cancer Society (PCS) and the Love Hope Dream Foundation (LHDF), the campaign brought together health services, educational sessions and creative activities aimed at encouraging early detection while strengthening support for cancer communities.
The initiative opened with “Screening for Wellness,” a free breast and prostate cancer screening program conducted with PCS on 15 October for breast screening and 19 October for prostate screening. The program provided members of the Araneta City community with access to preventive healthcare services while reinforcing the importance of regular checkups and early diagnosis.
Participants who completed their screenings also received points through the Araneta Rewards program.
The campaign also promoted active lifestyles through “Moving for Fitness aRUneta Run Club” edition on 18 October at the Green Gate of Smart Araneta Coliseum. The morning event featured running activities and dance warm-ups, with participants wearing pink as a gesture of support for breast cancer patients and survivors.
To promote awareness and accurate information, Araneta City hosted “Learning Through Awareness” on 19 October at Gateway Mall 1 in partnership with PCS and LHDF. The session tackled cancer prevention, early detection, common misconceptions and available support resources.
Meanwhile, “Healing Through Art,” held on 19 to 20 October, provided patients and survivors with an avenue to express their experiences through creativity. Organized with LHDF, the workshop and exhibit highlighted the role of art in emotional healing and recovery.
Araneta City sought to move the conversation beyond awareness alone, encouraging communities to take proactive steps, prioritize early screening and support individuals navigating their cancer journeys.