The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party Goes Virutal

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It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic has upended thousands of lives in so many different ways. The lockdowns have posed an especially dangerous complication for cancer patients, as many now find it more difficult to obtain proper treatment due to the stay-at-home orders. During these times, cancer research and treatment needs more help than ever, and thankfully, the NYC-based non-profit Breast Cancer Research Fund is still standing up to the disease as the virus continues to spread. While the BCRF wasn’t able to hold its annual Hot Pink Party in New York City this year, the fundraiser powered forward, finding a new home online.

The Hot Pink Party was redesigned to fit a temporary online platform, through a virtual livestream that included celebrity appearances, speeches from survivors and breast cancer researchers, and musical performances. Photographs of BCRF supporters in various shades of pink were displayed all across the screen as celebrities like Elton John, Karlie Kloss, and event host Elizabeth Hurley shared inspiring messages of hope to all those tuning in.

The honoree of the night, Broadway star and breast cancer survivor Mandy Gonzales, stunned listeners with an emotional rendition of “Breath” from her In the Heights staring role, accompanied on-screen alongside Lin-Manuel Miranda and other fellow cast members. Gonzales also told the incredible story of her decision to continue performing her role in Hamilton post-cancer diagnosis. Throughout the night, she was honored through dedicated musical numbers from friend Laura Benanti and Hamilton and In the Heights director Thomas Kail.

Despite having to quickly and seamlessly adapt to a new fundraising format, the inspiring night was an incredible success, managing to raise over .2 million for breast cancer research. But as the foundation states, “breast cancer doesn’t stop because of the coronavirus–and neither can we.”

To donate or learn more about the foundation, visit the BCRF website.

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