Miss January

This a story of how a group of Dutch women decided to make a difference.

It all started four years ago when a few Dutch women decided to create a networking group that would get together for lunch every two months. Very quickly the group grew to 45 members and they would enjoy each other’s company for lunches or cocktails. Unfortunately two of the members were diagnosed with breast cancer. During their absence from the pleasant gatherings, the other group members decided to go on a mission. They created an organisation called the N.C.O (Networking Cote d’Orange) and together they would organise events. All the money raised from these events was to be donated to the organisation "Pink Ribbon".

At a brainstorming session last summer three different projects were born:

   *An information evening whereby three group members who were treated for breast cancer would tell their different stories and answer questions.

TWELVE BEAUTIFUL WOMEN POSE for ART CALENDER

   *The making of a calendar. Twelve models were needed to be painted without clothes by artists.

   *A country buffet at a castle.

The evening was a big success. In the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Mas Shabanou in Roquefort les Pins about 50 women came together around the open fire place. Three of the women: Arlette, Pauline and Meta each told their different stories and experiences with cancer. Dealing with this life threatening disease in a country that was not their home country was frightening. They all agreed though, that the medical care in France was excellent!

In the meantime Marina Kulik, a Dutch artist, had started organising the calendar project. She found 12 different artists, painters and sculptors, willing to devote their time and talent for this good cause. Twelve women from the group volunteered to take their clothes off and pose for the artists.

A sponsor: Beau Development (Herbalife NL) was found. Herbalife offered to pay for the printing and making of the calendar. After months of work it all started to come together on March 26th 2010. In the presence of the Dutch Consul, the Directrice of Pink Ribbon Netherlands and a 100 guests, the calendar was presented. It is amazing achievement!

Miss July

Miss August

The calendar is for sale for 25 euros, and the entire amount of the sales is donated to Pink Ribbon. This donation will be used for the onco-plastical surgery courses organised by Dr Marian Menke. It is of great importance that breast surgeries are conducted by both oncologists and plastic surgeons for the best cosmetic result. And thus a better quality of life for the breast cancer patients that have to undergo this surgery.

To share her experience and knowledge Dr Menke developed a three day course: Oncoplastic- Mammosurgery” in 2008. Many participants assisted at these courses in 2008 and 2009. For November 2010 this course is already almost fully booked. But to finance the course for 2010 and 2011 money needs to be raised.

On June 18th the third project will take place! The Country Lunch at Wine Castle: Château Sainte Roseline.
Starting time 11:00. With a wine tasting at the Castle, followed by a performance from a musical star Simone Kleinsma and a performance from the illusionist Christian Farla- a lunch- and a tour of the Castle. By 16:00 end of the day.
Cost: 125 euro per person. Again….all the money goes to Pink Ribbon, thanks to the sponsoring of 20 different companies and some NCO members.

To order tickets and/or Calendars: paulinemanassen@wanadoo.fr Tel: 06.07.22.39.70 

Details also on: www.ncoweb.org