Gentle Dental Hawaii Supports Cancer Survivor and the American Cancer Society

In February 2009 an ‘ohana' (family member) and long time employee, Turvey Wong Yuen, of Gentle Dental Kona was diagnosed with breast cancer. The big “C” word often conjures up thoughts of fear and trepidation, but when Team Kona learned one of its own was battling with this disease they quickly rallied to put together a Pretty in Pink gala event in late May. The funds raised were to help defer Turvey’s out of pocket expenses and show some community support along the way.

“We thought we might sell about 75 tickets and raise $2,500,” said Office Manager, Alayna DeBina, “Boy, did we underestimate the community’s aloha spirit! We had to change to a larger venue after the first day’s ticket sales exceeded the space’s capacity. We ended up selling over 225 tickets and raised more than $10,000 towards to help Turvey with her treatment and care!”

Turvey underwent a successful double mastectomy in late June and has since received increasingly positive health reports. While already back at work, she will begin receiving chemotherapy and is scheduled for reconstructive surgery at the end of the year.

Fueled by the energy and momentum from the gala event, the Gentle Dental Pretty in Pink Team is once again coming together to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life event on July 11, 2009. The team is made up of 15 people in all and will be raising money for cancer research by relay walking a local track overnight from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am. The team hopes to raise at least $1,500 for cancer research.

Well wishes for a full and quick recovery for Gentle Dental’s ‘ohana’ and good luck to their Pretty in Pink Team.

Source:www.gentle1.com/gentledental/news/: