Over 60 women gather to celebrate overcoming adversity at ‘Pamper the Pink’ luncheon in St. George

Written by Cody Blowers
April 19, 2023

ST. GEORGE — More than 60 women who have fought the battle of their lives — and won — as well as those whose journeys are still underway were honored during a “Pamper the Pink” luncheon held at the Courtyard Marriott last week.

Dozens gather for “Pamper the Pink” luncheon in honor of women who have, and are still battling cancer hosted at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, April 11, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News

The festivities were held April 11 at noon in one of the hotel’s large conference halls, adorned with pink balloon arches and gift boxes, where dozens of women gathered to share stories celebrating life and resilience. A lunch buffet was donated by Outback Steakhouse, and tables were garnished with Crumbl cookies.

Karen Esplin, who has survived cancer twice, said Tuesday’s luncheon was held to encourage and support women fighting cancer, whether in the past or those who are currently fighting the battle. And though many of the women did not know one another prior to Tuesday, she said there is a common bond that brings a sense of warmth and familiarity that deepens over time.

“We are uplifting and strengthening women who have been through a lot — and we love each other,” Esplin said.

Deb Christiansen, who also spoke during the event, said her journey began when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2008. She said survivors often radiate a type of beauty that comes from going through a difficult struggle, “something big,” and coming out the other side.

She also spoke of the many challenges that many survivors experience along the way. Like the seasons of the year, she said change is constant, and the ability to adapt to the changes in life can be key to overcoming many challenges, including those associated with a disease such as cancer.

Gift bags and other items were provided during “Pamper the Pink” luncheon hosted at the Courtyard Marriott in St. George, Utah, April 11, 2023 | Photo by Cody Blowers, St. George News

During the luncheon, a musical piece, “Sunshine After the Rain,” was performed by Mikalene Ipson, who also wrote the piece. Following this, a slideshow created by Kimberlee Pope and Tara Alofipo was presented in memory of those who died from cancer.

The event was made possible by the numerous donations provided by supporting businesses and organizations that donated gift certificates, food, goodies and other items packaged in pink party bags and baskets that were presented to the attendees.

The ability to overcome adversity was outlined in a quote by E. E. Cummings that was read toward the close of the presentation:

“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”

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Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Cody Blowers was raised in South San Francisco, California. A 2013 graduate of Colorado Technical University, Cody earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor in paralegal studies. Through the course of her academic studies she discovered that writing is her true passion, and she is committed to providing credible, integrated news coverage. Cody joined St. George News in 2015, and when she’s not busy chasing the news, she can generally be found chasing her young granddaughter, Kali.

Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @stgnews

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