Members of the Queens community gathered Oct. 16 to pay tribute to those lost to breast cancer during a poignant candlelight vigil. Survivors, thrivers and family members spoke of their anguish over losing a sister, mother, aunt, grandmother or friend as the fight for a cure continues.
Hosted by Queens Cancer Walk founder Allison Alexis, the vigil took place outside Better Vision Optical at 111-17 Lefferts Boulevard in Ozone Park, where the entrance was a sea of pink, a symbol of breast cancer awareness.
An evening of hope, fellowship, unity and togetherness unfolded as speaker after speaker chronicled their journeys from diagnosis to treatment and healing.
Others bravely spoke of their struggles and fears of not knowing whether they would survive the disease. Some questioned how they could have been diagnosed with cancer despite maintaining a healthy diet and having no family history of the disease.
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Queens Cancer Walk founder Allison Alexis, left, joins U.S. military veteran N. Khan in lighting candles to honor those lost to breast cancer during an Oct. 16 vigil in Queens.Photo by Tangerine Clarke[/caption]
Mourners lit candles to honor those they had lost, illuminating the sadness while reaffirming their commitment to routine screenings.
Sharon, a Montefiore Hospital staff member, said she remained numb throughout the diagnosis and surgery process. She recalled that a routine mammogram six years ago revealed a benign tumor, prompting a regimen of annual screenings. Unfortunately, missing one of those appointments later led to a cancer diagnosis.
“I am fortunate that I work in a health care system. I was given access to a new appointment, and found out that I had stage one cancer,” she said, adding that she underwent surgery in April and is now following a treatment plan.
“I am now on a five-year treatment of medication," said Sharon, who also received a diagnosis of pre-osteoporosis, which she attributed to the medication she was prescribed.
According to Sharon, Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx offers free annual screenings. She encouraged the public to take advantage of the hospital's outreach programs. She also distributed gift bags filled with informational resources and emblazoned with the messages “living Life In Full Bloom” and “No Limits Only Possibilities.”
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Members of the Bhajan family wear pink T-shirts featuring the smiling face of Chandra “Cha” Bhajan, who died earlier this year after a battle with cancer. The siblings joined friends at a candlelight vigil hosted by the Queens Cancer Walk nonprofit on Oct. 16.Photo by Tangerine Clarke[/caption]
The Bhajan sisters, still mourning the loss of their beloved sister, Chandra Bhajan, expressed heartfelt sorrow as they described the deep void left by her passing and the enormous impact she made on the world.
Babita's voice trembled as she recalled, “Cha’ the warrior, who was a happy person, who did everything right. “She loved traveling, and dancing.”
The sisters wore T-shirts adorned with Cha's smiling face and said they were maintaining healthy lifestyles and keeping up with their screening appointments.
The testimonials from the strong and courageous women were compelling. Lisa Bachan was 29 years old and the mother of a young son when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is now celebrating 10 years cancer-free and has welcomed a second child. A pink sign on her jacket reading “Cancer Survivor” served as a testament to the bravery and determination on display throughout the vigil.
U.S. military veteran R. Khan, a Purple Heart honoree and current security officer, lit candles in remembrance of his cousin and neighbor, both of whom died in their 30s after battling cancer.
Alexis, who launched the Queens Cancer Walk 11 years ago, is passionate about embracing and supporting every patient and family who reaches out for help. She said she believes this is God's plan for her and that she does everything from the heart to ensure survivors receive the services they need.
The Trinidad native and 15-year breast cancer survivor recently completed the nonprofit's 11th cancer walk. She said survivors look to her for help but insisted that they are also her support system. She thanked everyone who continues to support the organization, including its community sponsors.
Better Vision Optical owner Sandy Sheriff expressed support for the cause, noting that her doors are always open to serve the community.
“I love people. I will continue to welcome everyone in need of help,” she added.
SherryAnn Singh, Kim Waith, Grace Bhajan, Amanda Baksh, Shanta Raghunanan, Sheri Bhajan, Lisa Bachan, Sunita Baksh, Marilyn Dones, Mala Bhajan-Sunil, Kevin Maize, Mary Cassaberry, Soona Primchand, Judy Ortiz, Sally George, Bibi A. Majid and others attended the vigil.
