18th Pink Ball Gala: Helping Thousands of Patients and Families With Cancer in Hong Kong

The 18th Pink Ball, a cornerstone annual event in the fight against hereditary cancers, is set to take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Wan Chai on October 26. Organized by the Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry ("THE REGISTRY"), this year's gala carries the theme "Transformation," serving as a poignant reminder of the resilience and metamorphosis that individuals and families undergo in the face of hereditary cancer.

Since its inception as a simple charity gala in 2007, Pink Ball has evolved into a powerful platform for awareness, community support, and fundraising. Over the years, it has raised over HK$80 million to support affected families, which has been used to provide essential services to thousands of individuals and families. The event continues to touch countless lives across the city, playing a crucial role in the ongoing battle against hereditary breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

Funding Services

THE REGISTRY uses funds raised to provide patient services such as the High-Risk Breast Surveillance Programme - a free comprehensive program that includes 3-D mammograms, breast ultrasounds, and MRI breast scans. Additionally, their TP53 Love Follows Assistance Programme helps patients who are found to carry the TP53 gene mutation by providing genetic tests. Further, their BRCA Gene Mutation Ovarian Cancer Drug Assistance Program aims to help disadvantaged patients suffering from hereditary ovarian cancers receive the most suitable medication.

To date, THE REGISTRY has been able to fund genetic testing and counseling services for over 6,100 local individuals at high risk, including more than 4,700 cancer patients. Among these, over 1,200 individuals were found to carry gene mutations, and many have been referred to specialized high-risk breast centers for further screening and support, which have been pivotal in helping patients and their families manage their conditions and improve their quality of life.

A History Rooted in Compassion

The Pink Ball, now a grand annual affair, originated in 2007 as a modest charity gala dinner hosted by THE REGISTRY. The event gained its official name in 2008 and has since become a significant fundraising tradition in the city.

The inaugural Pink Ball, themed "A Night of Dance and Celebration," successfully set a promising precedent for future events. This first gala blended elegance, entertainment, and philanthropy, attracting a diverse crowd of attendees ranging from dance enthusiasts to devoted philanthropists.

Each year, the event unites Hong Kong's elite, medical professionals, cancer survivors, and supporters, all driven by a shared desire to make a difference. Pink Ball 2017 marked a notable milestone, celebrating THE REGISTRY's tenth anniversary with the theme "Bloom."

Held at Grand Hyatt Hotel, the 2017 event showcased the community's commitment through special performances, including a Latin dance performed by Pink Ball Angel Mrs. Karen Chuang and a unique three-part dance key supporters. The evening culminated in a cake-cutting ceremony led by THE REGISTRY's Chairperson, Prof. Ava Kwong, alongside other prominent figures.

Over the past 17 years, Pink Ball has grown from its humble beginnings into a cornerstone event, consistently bringing together people to contribute to a cause that has touched many lives. These funds have been instrumental in providing genetic testing, counseling, and preventive services to high-risk families who may otherwise be unable to afford them.

This successful evolution of Pink Ball demonstrates its crucial role in supporting hereditary cancer families and uniting the community in this important cause.

A Platform for Survivor Stories

Pink Ball has consistently raised significant funds for crucial services while showcasing inspiring stories of those who have benefited from the Registry's work. In 2018, a highlight of that year's ball was a heartwarming performance by Mrs. Lucy Wang, a cancer survivor whose lively and confident dance received a standing ovation, symbolizing the resilience of those facing hereditary cancer.

After the 3-year pause by the COVID pandemic, Pink Ball made a comeback in 2023 with the theme "Phoenix Rising Above Challenges" and continued this tradition of inspiration and fundraising. It featured a series of charity dance performances spanning three generations, including a vibrant K-Pop performance by 15 young children, a dynamic showcase by five stylish mothers, and a captivating dance led by Mrs. Christine Chan, one of the founders of Pink Ball. The event also premiered a health awareness video where three breast cancer survivors shared their journeys and highlighted THE REGISTRY's crucial support in managing their conditions. These elements not only entertained but also powerfully illustrated the impact of THE REGISTRY's work across different age groups.

A Pillar of Support

The Hong Kong Hereditary Breast Cancer Family Registry is the first and only charity in Hong Kong dedicated to researching BRCA gene mutations and supporting high-risk families affected by hereditary cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.

THE REGISTRY is renowned for its extensive genetic sample and clinical biobank, which is the largest of its kind globally dedicated to Chinese cases. This invaluable resource has significantly contributed to advancing medical research and developing preventive measures tailored to the Chinese population, aiming to reduce the global risk of hereditary cancers among Chinese communities.

We look forward to their upcoming event and supporting their mission to raise public awareness of health and support patients with hereditary breast cancer and other hereditary cancers.