Resilience runs in the family: cousins accept distinguished honour at LOVE HER
April 24, 2019
LOVE HER Vancouver, in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada, dazzled on the evening of April 4 and for the first time ever, the two recipients of this year’s Virginia Greene Award are each from the same family.Glasses clinked as the crowd pressed into seats and eyes directed to the stage waiting in anticipation as the renowned Virginia Greene Award read next on the schedule. On the stage, a silhouette of Lisa Konishi and Christine Coletta shadowed the screen and beamed through spotlights as they accepted the distinguished honour.
Christine Coletta (left) and Lisa Konishi (right) receiving the Virginia Greene Award
The award, named after the late Virginia Greene, a leading British Columbia businesswoman and ovarian cancer advocate, recognizes outstanding contributions that have led to the advancement of knowledge and research pertaining to ovarian cancer. For the first time ever, recipients of this award were from the same family.
“Our family realizes the dramatic advances that research has led to and that more funding can make a big difference for generations to come, so we are pleased to be able to support this worthy cause financially and to raise awareness,” said Christine.
Cousins Lisa and Christine stood together and shared their journey having lost multiple women in their family to ovarian cancer including Lisa’s mother, sister and aunt. Lisa and Christine prompted their family to work with medical professionals to coin a plan for prevention.
“This disease is very personal for me and my family. Our shared journey has taught us what a difference research can make as well as how our support can inspire others by raising awareness and taking steps to prevent the disease,” says Lisa.
Christine also optimizes her business with Okanagan Crush Pad and Haywire Winery to advance the cause through sponsorship opportunities, community events and fundraisers.
The Virginia Greene Award presentation was a key highlight of the night and building on the momentum of that highlight, guests were then swooned by a fashion show featuring pieces from Marilyn’s Fashions, the comedic genius of Jessica Holmes (Master of Ceremonies for the event), a silent auction and much more.
LOVE HER Vancouver raised over $235,000 (and we’re still counting) in support of Ovarian Cancer Canada to help women living with ovarian cancer, and all those at risk of the disease, to live fuller, better longer, lives.
There’s still time to donate to this event or you can attend a gala in your community. THE LADY BALL hits Calgary, Charlottetown and Halifax next. Find more details online and purchase your tickets to support this cause.