Think Pink....Think Pink in the City....

Anyone who has ever been a part of coordinating fundraising events, you know first hand,  exactly how much work is involved.....and .you also know first hand how rewarding it is.  It means countless hours of working on the upcoming event, no sleep, talking pink in the city during our family dinners, dinning room converted to pink in the city headquarters, pink brain freeze moments and lots of heightened emotions when the tough gets going.....so why am I doing this again....remind me ??? Oh yes, there is no greater feeling then when that day comes.... and everything goes as planned....or maybe not....lol !  and the day you hand over that check.....what a proud moment...it takes away all the tiredness and  motivates you to do this again.  I know....I must be insane....but there is that something inside that drives me....care and compassion.  When your heart drives you...you can balance your life and make a non profit charity a part of your every day life.... that is my life and has been for the last 8 years.  Already August.....and starting to work on Pink in the City.....our Spring Charity Ball is booked for May 1, 2015...we are so excited and when I say we...this includes all of us on the pink in the city team who is family, friend, volunteer, supporter, sponsor and partner !  I  had  such a wonderful time with everyone making this past event a success....and really excited to make our upcoming one an even bigger success !

Who would have thought that Lawrence's simple request to fundraise 8 years ago for breast cancer would evolve into our Pink in the City success story.What began as a one time fundraising activity, has evolved into our family grassroots Pink in the City non profit charity organization to support a network of breast cancer survivors. To support members fighting,  to save lives, create better futures and model the way. Pink in the City has established  a community supported by so many volunteers, sponsors, friends,family and teachers that have been a huge support right from the get go. What has been really special and exceptionally touching....is when people reach out to me that I don't know, just simply wanting to support us. That truly is the most amazing feeling...and just reiterates to me that we have an entire community behind us, we are not in this alone.  Our supporters are  there, ready to assist in their special way, working together to increase survivorship and to make it better for those fighting the fight. With the help of our corporate partners, individual donors, school partners and interested supporters in our community, my family and I will continue to donate our time and energy to educate, support and care for the network of survivors that drive us to do what we do every single day. I am hoping that by the end of my post, if you were not one of our supporters....that you will have a change of heart and be !  Only you know how you can help us and if you are able to....I would love to hear from you !

Having an entire community by our side, supporting us in every way to make this annual event the best success ever is special and I would be lying if I said I was not touched and grateful. As a matter of fact, I get teary eyed and emotional every time our story comes up or someone talks to me about Pink in the City. You are probably wondering why ?? Well – I take it to heart and am very proud, proud to represent a story that we all created and proud of what we have accomplished. It is really incredible to see first hand individuals that care and genuinely want to help you. Yes, there are many compassionate individuals out there i have had the pleasure to be in touch with.  Working on this charity, I have also come across many interesting and fascinating individuals, who are generous and interested in being part of a unique team of individuals, passionate about Pink in the City.  What a combination....running a non profit charity is lots of hard work, and on your mind when you're sleeping.,,,but all worth it.

So, together with an incredible team of volunteers, we gave it our heart and soul to make our annual event the success it was. Seeing it evolve to what it has become is really something incredible.  This year we are already thinking.... how can we make this one bigger, how can we raise more money with this one. Our purpose is to give back and help create awareness and fundraise for breast cancer. Breast cancer touches so many women and men. We often hear only about women, but there are men as well that are touched by this dreadful disease. We were driven from all those that we knew and did not know that were impacted by breast cancer and that is what drives us today.  I am so grateful we have so much support.  We cannot do any of this alone and thanks to so many caring, selfless people out there that want to give their time and energy,  we are able to support our cause and make it a reality to help us support the many breast cancer patients out there that can benefit from all of our help. We cannot bring back those that have left us, but we can make a huge difference to those that are fighting.  Our 2014 Pink in the City organizing committee was out of this world - just thinking of the contributions each member brought to the team makes me real proud.

This year, we want to work with the schools to grow our "Model the Way" program. We are hoping the students will participate and become advocates for  Pink in the City  and what it represents. 
Pink in The City is not just a charity to raise awareness for breast cancer, but one that inspires everyone to get involved and model the way for others, pay it forward. If we each contribute in our special way, we will be able to raise awareness and funds to support the acquisition of specialized medical equipment and that is something that every breast cancer survivor will thank you a million times over.

Pink in the City serves as ambassadors and encourage volunteer-active communities. Through our act of volunteerism and our message, we would  like to  empower students all across Canada that they can make a difference and create their own success stories just like Pink in the City. They play an important role in increasing volunteer participation and leadership within local schools and across canadian communities to promote "Model the way " program.
Pink in the City promotes young mentors and volunteerism in our schools to the next level and will award each participating school a Scholarship to recognize a young student that has displayed outstanding and exemplary leadership attributes in  the community.

If you want to join us,  there are many ways to lead by example and create/celebrate success stories, our aim of this program is for students to have fun, be creative and pick their own fundraising activity, which could consist of the following, but not limited to :

• Fundraising : Model the way bookmarks/donation 5.00

• Dress pink days/color your school pink,/pink sporting days

• Fashion show…..boys model the way

• Comedy for Pink

• Talent for Pink

• Track and Field for Pink

• Music show for Pink

• Sport days for Pink

• Sponsors to match funds raised for Pink in the City

• Raffles
I am hoping that you will give this program consideration to partner with us and create the next success story!  Everyone will have many months to fundraise and our aim is to pool in everyone's efforts on May 1, 2015 to celebrate our successes.  Our target for 2015 is $125,000.

As one of the founding members, you can understand this is dear to my heart and am reaching out to each of you to ask for your support and consideration.  To all companies headquartered in the region, branches of large corporations, local businesses, local sports teams, local schools and just simply ordinary citizens, please sponsor  Pink in the City or be a part of a school or workplace fundraising activity that will bring pink fun to any office or school.  Every time you share our page, you share awareness and share our story.

I want to personally Thank all of our participating sponsors for your contributions who made it possible for us to reach our target in 2014 and all of our loyal supporters.  Thank You for your support in the fight against breast cancer - you make a difference with each dollar donated.  Please visit our Pink in the City Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PinkInTheCityCanada?ref=hl    to stay connected and join us to paint our community Pink !　

Phil, Steven and Lawrence at Pink in the City Spring Charity Ball 2014

Donated $60,000 to the Cedars breast clinic of the MUHC  2014

Opening speech by vourtzoumis brothers Pink in the City Spring Charity Ball 2014

　

lawrence's first shave 2006 !

Lawrence's teachers  are there to support him in 2006 shave !

CTV Aphrodite Salas and Rob Lurie host Pink in the City Spring Charity Ball 2014

Evie Vourtzoumis prepares check at RVH

Thank you to all our supporters 

Dr. Meterissian presents new gamma probe purchased with $60,000 donation from Pink in the City

After all this time...

In the summer, on the 8th month of the year...august was a glorious month ! a baby was born to the most beautiful woman......that was my mom !

I was really blessed to have a caring mother who was there for me from beginning to end. She was the world to me. I write and can`t help but think of her and how I miss her.....it has been 11 years....and miss her dearly.  Although I cannot bring her back....she is very much a part of my life as if she was here, and a big part of all our special family events.


As an only child, she was a wonderful role model to me. One that positively affected my life and one that I had and to this day have a great deal of appreciation and respect for - I was lucky indeed to have had the most wonderful mom anyone can have.  Our bond was like no other.....she taught me values, strength and love. I feel like I have taken so much from her....and sometimes catch myself doing the things my mom did.  We never admit that we are like our parents....but in some strange way, we are....so give it up !

She was one of  the most important individuals in my life while I was growing up. She was the kind of mother I am proud to be today, she gave me all her attention, she listened to me, and was there for me.  To care and be a positive example.

She was a strong woman, a nourisher and a woman that encouraged good behaviours in the development of her child, fostering a strong and well rounded individual.  Her duty was to take care of her only daughter, and be the best she can be....and she was. She was so proud. Proud of the daughter she raised. I still remember fondly mothers day mornings.....I would be so excited to give her my hand made card, macaroni necklace and a flower.....served to her in bed - back then we did not have digital camera's and did not take pics of everything like we do today. I probably have those macaroni necklace's somewhere close.  That was the most amazing feeling for her and for me.....I cherish those moments and am lucky to have experienced as a mom  the same handmade cards and macaroni necklaces from my boys.   I think we all have. The role of the mother teaches us how to nurture, how to be a positive example, how to love, how to be compassionate, how to show emotional and moral support. I was lucky enough to have my mom shape my life with the right examples and she was a great influence on family values....I will be forever grateful for the wonderful impression she made on me. When I think back....she was strong, respectful, loving, forgiving and at peace. She was an entrepreneur with a knack for business.... she definitely was a go getter.

I have to say....growing up, I was fortunate to have my mom`s parents live with us....they were a true inspiration and source of strength, the driving force for me that til today left an incredible impression on my life. We had a great family life and they always made me feel very close to them. They were thoughtful and expressed their love. They brought to me a great deal of joy. They will forever live in my heart and who would think that years later.... I feel just as close to them. My family unit did all they can for me while juggling work, managing a house and lots more.

I always felt secure, loved and they spent lots of quality time together with me. When I look back....my parents and my grandparents did everything they could to make it the most enjoyable of family experiences. Every year to celebrate my birthday, they would bring together our family and friends and make it a very big deal ! To this day...I treasure those days and everything they did for me to make me feel special.   The traditions they created will remain with me forever and I have done the same for my family members. 

 Growing up, as a family....I remember we talked about everything and they gave me alot of encourgement through words and affection. They disciplined me with love and lots of understanding. They were there for every school concert and greek dancing concert....their support in each of these events was appreciated and never forgotten....I still remember them sitting in the audience. What a great feeling that was. The little things that make such an amazing difference in our lives and we hold on to those memories. I was blessed they took such  an interest in what I was doing. Memories are all we have to hold on to.

Last year, my son got married, and my amazing daughter in law requested that my mom's brooch be a part of her bouquet.....I cried and I cried.  I still cry today writing about this.  It was the most touching and thoughtful request Evie could have made....really I am blessed....to have such an amazing family to keep her alive...every single day....she is missed...but not forgotten !



So my takeaways from this family unit was to be strong, respectful, loving, forgiving,  happy and at peace ! To celebrate together and make the very best of each day.....I can't help but think of these important people that were such a big part of my life on the very day I celebrate each year and that they for years made it so special for me.  Her memory lives in all of us....and so do my papou and yiayia.           Would love to hear from you on what are your takeaways are from your childhood.

one of my favorite memories.....
my 8th birthday  with mom, dad, papou stathis and yiayia sophia !
 loved them dearly

our wedding 1983 with my papou stathi, my mom and my step dad

 

 

                                             

On my son's and daugther-in-law's wedding day, my mom's brooch was a
part of their special day
 

                                                 Feel free to share your favorite memories...

　

　

Champagne ?

In 1985, we did not have the internet, so getting ready for the new baby, i did alot of reading about the baby's first year, sleep patterns, diaper changes, feedings and all of the fun baby stuff. This was a whole new world for me and was just so excited to get started....even though that meant, there would be sleepless nights, night feedings and all sort of action that came with a new baby. I wondered would I be able to change a diaper, breast feed and take care of a newborn when we really had no experience whatsoever. I can assure all of you ladies that once that baby arrives, it's like instant knowing, you just know what to do. It's incredible...babies are so alert and when that little smile is flashed, you forget how tired you really are and how blessed you are and it's amazing how much you enjoy watching your baby change every single day. Yes, motherhood comes with the greatest rewards and one of my biggest one was to have the opportunity to experience the joys of a first time mom and caring for a new baby, I was going to make it my best experience. I can still remember when I heard "mama" for the first time - words cannot really describe that feeling.

So yes, ladies, things are going to be very different with a baby.....you have a companion with you everywhere you go....and that is okay.....just plan extra time for getting the baby ready, getting yourself ready , packing all of your things to take along, load the car with stroller and your bag....and anything else you need to bring along, just add lots and lots of time.

As a new mom, the list of things we do is endless, but my top 5 are :

*Write down all the milestones on a calendar to keep track

*Take lots and lots of photos.....you will enjoy them for years to come

*enjoy your time with baby during breastfeeding, most precious time

*never wake up your baby to feed them...let them wake up on their own

*Make some time for hubby and you - plan date nights !

　

29 years later.....this little boy who gave me a whole new world turns 29 ! Celebrating a champagne birthday !

My firstborn taught me about strong love and all the boy toys like planes, trains and cars. Hockey and Soccer. He was full of energy, never stopped a moment...bouncing around, always on the go, made a few trips to the emergency room for stitches at the oddest of times. Yes....coffee tables and fences seemed to be our favorite things to fall into. He was the one that got extra goofy and told you I love you all at the same time. The one who took charge...made puzzles and built things for hours. Had dreams and made them happen.... a fine young man, an amazing brother and now a loving husband.

Love you as much as that first time I saw you in the morning of july 29th, 1985, only 29 years more !

You make us very proud and parenthood a complete joy.

 

 Happy Champagne Birthday !

 

The dash...

On july 9th, 2014 it was a very sad day for all of us that lost our very dear friend Kosta Yanakoulias.  As a tribute to him, I would like to dedicate this blog to him. He was an inspiration to many of us...

A very long time ago, I came across  reading material from Simple Truth....and I recall reading "It's the dash between those years and what you do with it that count "

Kosta's dash mattered, so much so that has left a void for all of us,

　
I am very proud to have known him for the past two decades.  We met when our boys lawrence and mathiew were in daycare at 18months old. We instantly became friends and throughout the years spent every day together....that's what parents do when you have boys and they play both hockey and soccer.  Kosta was both hockey coach and soccer coach.....like many dads, volunteered his time. Lucky for us, we got to spend lots of quality time on our free time cheering on our kids.
He was a massive contribution to express laval and as a result brought many of us together, who today cherish our time with him and all the fond memories we have of him. Words cannot describe.

Kosta was a great example  and role model of why we were put on earth.

And although his life ended before any of us were ready, we are comforted by his memory of his full and inspiring life in such a short time, so proud of this devotion to others.

He was the one to help others for the better.

Kosta spoke his mind and his values. everyone knew where he stood and what he stood for.

He made each person feel special.

He was one that lived his personal values

He was an incredibly kind man. An extraordinary man admired by so many.

He was a fighter til the end, a loving family and network of friends with him til the end.

Has made an impact on many and will continue to have a profound influence on his kids and those he touched for generations to come.

I saw him for the last time on monday July 7th, his body was ailing, but his mind was as sharp as ever.

He showed us how to live and how to never give up. That is something i will always treasure from him.

No matter how ill he was, that did not get in the way to spend good quality time with all of us - and we had fun times...in the last 3 years, we made each minute seem like an hour, .to make up for the next 50 years.

We admired his stamina, his committment and his drive.

Everyone loved Kosta.

　
What mattered most....was all the time spent alive on earth, and how he contributed and who he was,  and all those he loved  That is the dash.....everything in between.

In the end....nothing matters except how we live, who we love and how we make others feel,

No anger, show appreciation, love to the fullest,
Treat each other with respect, wear a smile,

Remembering his special dash, says it all.

All of my condolences go out to his wife Lisa, his boys markus, jonathon and mathew and all of his extended family and friends who he adored. A  tribute to him and all he accomplished.

Kosta and Lisa

how he impacted all of us...

　
As a tribute to Kosta, feel free to express and share your most fondest of memories...

Night out at Starlight

The boys at Starlight

A very memorable night at Lisa and Kosta

Kosta with our dog Ice






On May 1, 2015 Pink in the City will be hositing a Charity event to raise funds for breast cancer for the Cedars breast clinic. As a tribute to Kosta, we will also raise 25,000 in his memory to benefit Neurosurgery at the RVH of the MUHC where he was well taken care of.

We ask all of our family and friends to join us and celebrate his life.
Join us on our Pink in the City Facebbok page

Reconnecting with family...

The most beautiful experience is to reconnect with family you have never met.  In 2007, I was fortunate enough to meet my younger brother. Although I had never met him before, from the day he was born I would receive letters and pictures of him.  Back then, there was no  email, just good old fashion letter writing.  My parents had divorced when I was 11.  My father had moved away to BC and had remarried.  I was fortunate enough to get regular updates about Tasy and kept in contact, so as an only child, I was super excited to have a brother.
Up until Tasy was old enough to send his own letters and pics, I would receive them from his mom.
She really wanted for him to get to know me. Once he was old enough, we started to call each other and talk on the phone, send each other birthday notes and christmas cards.  I was super excited that I now had a brother I can connect with.  Although we had 20 year difference, that did not really matter.  We had become really close.  So close, that when Tasy and Jackie were having their 2nd baby, we were on the phone and he happened to mention that baby was coming soon and if it was a girl, her name would be sophia.  I immediately told him, that if it was a girl, and baby was a Sophia, we would baptize her !  Not long after, we got a message, announcing that we were the proud godparents !  We were ecstatic !

A year later, Tasy and Jackie came down to visit with the girls for the first time.  It was the first time that we were all going to meet each other.  I have to admit, we were all nervous somewhat....but not for long.  It was love at first sight and we all hit it off beautifully.  It was the best 2 weeks we all had.
During that time, we also planned a baptism ceremony and a dinner inviting all of our family and friends to share in this joyous occasion.  The boys were the godparents and could not be more proud.

We did not want for the 2 weeks to pass quickly.  We had so much to catch up an enjoyed each day to the fullest.  We knew that moving forward we had to stay connected.  Meeting Tasy, Jackie and the girls for the first time was absolutely heartwarming.  We realized that we had to talk often and keep in touch.  Thank goodness for social media - we were able to fulfill this part.

When it was time for Phil and Evie to get married in Penticton, we were so happy to learn that they would be there by our side.  Tasia was one of the junior bridesmaid's.  It was just awesome for all of us to be together for this family wedding.  Truly was an incredible experience and one that I will cherish forever.

So, a few things that stand out for me.....it is clear that even at a distance and not knowing each other, you can really become close and create a fun and loving relationship.  So much so, that when I was celebrating a milestone birthday, Tasy came down to Montreal to surprise me for a few days. It was very memorable for me as we spent the day together pampering ourselves.  What better way to spend your birthday and what made it even more special.....this was the first time we were celebrating a birthday together....after 30 years for the first time !  We may live miles and miles away, but when we are together, we make it count !

I am extremely proud of Tasy and Jackie for being such remarkable parents. They work really hard and ensure that the girls are well taken care of and part of every activity possible !  They are a beautiful example of parenting at it's best and the girls are just simply precious !  Love you...

1st picture I received of Tasy

Meet for the first time  2007

We all meet together for the first time  with Dad ! 2007

Phil & Evie's wedding in Penticton 2013

top 10 mom traits...

When I first started out and was thinking about the title of my blog, I wanted it to summarize and represent all the stay at home and working moms.  They have a heavy load of responsibility and the best way to refer to them in my eyes is  CEO in the house !  I know for a fact, that everything goes through you to manage the day to day household.  Women set the strategy and vision. Although you get help in delivering the strategy, we are the ones that ultimately set the direction.  If you have children, you also know it takes a lot of planning and organization to run a smooth household. It makes me think about the family as a company and actions we take as an investment.

As a mom, there is a great deal of stress on you...... to set the example, as your every action shapes  what others do.  You don't realize, but everything you do is noted.  From experience, you need to be upbeat, positive, have great personal work ethics, treat others with respect and thoughtful of those around you. These are non negotiable attributes. Every mom wants to keep her family focused and working together - that is not an easy task as many of you have experienced and live every day.  Sometimes, I wish there was a manual...and you quickly find out, we learn as we go and hopefully we can share our experiences with others. Just remember, there is no right or wrong...we make choices and set our priorities.....they can vary from person to person, and family to family.

Every day we aim at making a difference for our family by creating an environment of trust, honesty and openness.  As a working mom, it was always important for for me to plan a meal at the end of the day for all of us to touch base. I guess the fact that I was balancing both career and family, I wanted to make sure I was not missing out on the family side. It became  more and more difficult as the family grew  to plan these dinners as everyone was heading in different directions.  Although it was a challenge, I also realized that if you were determined,  you do your best to make it happen.

I remember when my family was growing, I would also encourage them to lead by personal example and conduct themselves as good citizens. As a mom, you want to coach them to be the best they can be and have confidence in their abilities.

Every mom's list of responsibilities, tasks and qualifications are endless.  Moms have this unique ability to get you to work hard, express yourself, make good impressions, and reach out for your dreams.  We all have our top traits of an extraordinary mom, here are my top 10....

Compassionate
Courageous
Disciplined
Dynamic
Fun loving
Forgiving
Honest
Insightful
Resourceful
Respectful

Running a household and balancing career and family is not easy, take pride in what you do and accomplish every day.  Mom's have the toughest job ....they are indeed Ceo in the house....what are your 10 top traits ???

Make it count...my top 8...

Life is what we make it...make it count !

As a woman, we have many roles to fulfill, but to be successful in any of them - we have to feel good about ourselves, and if we can do that, we can do all we put our mind on and more. Somehow we find that energy, that enthusiasm and the drive to tackle whatever comes our way.  I am not saying that everyday will be perfect, but with the right attitude and confidence - we can handle what comes our way and each day can be a happy one.   Here are my top 8 ...
　
* Feel happy about your life and what you are doing.  The happier you are,
the more positive you will look at things and be. Your outlook will generate
a positive and optimistic energy - one that attracts other happy people and one
that drives you to accomplish more in life - whatever you decide that to be.

*Have dreams and don't limit yourself. Everything starts with a dream
and once you do, set your goals. The only person that can stop you
from acheiving your goals is you - so take the drivers seat and make it happen.
Sometimes you might find obstacles, find ways to get past them and focus on the goals.
　
*Get out of your comfort zone and explore new things. You will be amazed
how competent you are at doing the unthinkable. Don't always do what you know,
do what you think you can't. This will get you to try new things, keep you motivated
and achieve new goals you set for yourself. What is the worst thing that can happen,
just go ahead and try.
　
*Embrace mistakes and learn from them. The sooner you realize that making mistakes
is one way to make us stronger, the sooner we will improve our life. Everyone makes
mistakes, and what is important is for us to realize is don't be afraid of not making them,
instead learn and don't repeat the mistake.
　
*You are the only person that makes you feel the way you do.
Focus your energy on efforts to get you closer to your goals.
Care less about what people say and you will stay strong. Let bad comments
fall into deaf ears. If anyone is talking bad about you, they really are not the people you want to
have in your life. 

*Handle one thing at a time, be ready and willing with open arms.
If things get in our way, get to the root of it, stay positive and handle.
We will face difficulties from time to time - don't let that hold you back from
your quest to achieve your dreams and asipirations. Success should be your ultimate goal, 
setbacks and frustrations will be part of the journey, be accepting of them.
　
*Read inspirational books and material.
Be open to try new things that will give you new energy and excitement
about life. Spend  some time reading motivational books and
stories . There is always a takeaway and we could learn so much from someone else. We have 
many things we want to do, and sometimes life happens and takes us longer to finish what we started. Whatever you do, just make sure you finish what you started. This will not only be a great feeling, you will have accomplished what you set out to do.

*Appreciate and celebrate
Nothing pleases me more than to spend time with those I care about.
Take the time to appreciate what you have, be thankful and grateful.
When you set goals and achieve, make sure you also celebrate. You have worked hard to get there,
Appreciate every moment and learn from your journey. Every experience builds who you are.