Can-cer Vive
To celebrate breast cancer awareness month, Wanda Ponika and Catharina Widjaja share with Indonesia Tatler the campaign being held and the efforts being made to avoid or detect the early stages of breast cancer in women around Indonesia
A joint campaign between Indonesia Tatler, Wanda House of Jewels and YKPI that focuses on breast cancer awareness
Wanda ponika, wearing a gorgeous long sequin gown, smiles brightly as she approaches. It is hard to believe that this lovely lady is already turning 40 this year. When asked about the secrets behind her youthful look and slim figure, she laughs. “I am lucky enough—i think it’s in my genes. Actually, I’ve just started hitting the gym again last week, and I probably need to apply more eye cream now.”
Wanda is indeed a strong woman. She and her three children have been through 10 years of ups and downs as two of her closest family members—her brother and her husband— fiercely battled cancer. It has since taken a long period of time to finally make peace with the period. “I have my utmost respect for, and salute, all the cancer survivors out there,” says Wanda. “Cancer is not a death sentence. If you have hope and faith, give your best effort, pray to God, and have the best support system, you can beat cancer.”
To promote Breast Cancer Awareness Month this month, Wanda organised the Solidarity photo exhibition, a collaboration between Wanda House of Jewels, Indra Leonardi, Indonesia Tatler and Plaza Indonesia that is dedicated to the Indonesian Breast Cancer Foundation.
For this second campaign, she has selected 42 muses from different occupations and age ranges, pairing them in 22 frames with balanced proportion of husband and wife, mother and children, siblings and friends. In addition, Wanda also revealed that she is set to release a book soon—her autobiography entitled Smile and Kiss the Day, written by acclaimed biographer Alberthiene Endah.
Catharina Widjaja, Director of PT Gajah Tunggal and Managing Director of Alun Alun Indonesia, is a breast cancer survivor blessed with a fantastic support system who was by her side through her journey. For Breast Cancer Awareness month, Catharina shares with Indonesia Tatler her journey as a survivor. “My husband, family and close friends were always there when I needed them. They didn’t bother me with questions, but were just there to be my shoulder to cry on. I was also blessed with very good doctors— my breast surgeon, specialist and oncologist were very patient with me and very informative. I took each day as it came with my full faith in God,” she explains.
Even though lifestyle is an important factor, genetics and stress also contribute to awakening the cancer cells in one’s body. However, early detection is the best prevention. Foundations such as Yayasan Kanker Payudara Indonesia (YKPI), Yayasan Kanker Indonesia and Love Pink are the few active organisations that help in providing information to those who need it in the city. YKPI, for instance, also provides free mammograms in their mobile unit.
“The higher the number of people aware of breast cancer, the better it is for the community. I am glad that it is not merely celebrated on one day of the year, but a whole month,” says Catharina.
Other than being active in her role as Director of PT Gajah Tunggal and Managing Director of Alun Alun Indonesia, Catharina is also involved in social work but makes sure she finds some me-time amid her busy schedule. Before ending our chat with this inspiring lady, she shared with Indonesia Tatler the motto she lives her life by: “Stay healthy and be happy!”