Ilke from Pink Ribbon vzw
Can you introduce yourself?
Ilke: I am Ilke, 25 years old and I have been working for Pink Ribbon vzw for almost a year. During that time I have been able to learn an incredible amount and have made many steps forward. To keep a good work-life balance, I always make room in my free time for fun things. A long lunch with friends or a cozy evening with my roommates, I won't say no to that.
What is your role at Pink Ribbon? What was your motivation to work at the non-profit organization?
Ilke: My focus within the non-profit organization is mainly on the prevention part, especially stimulating an active lifestyle. For example, I've already pulled out all the stops twice to get as many people as possible to walk via The Pink Walk. But I also coordinate the walking coaches and introduced Pink Ribbon at major sporting events. Our participation in the 20 km through Brussels is one I am still proud of.
In addition, I am working with the Secretary General, Anne Soenen on the first edition of the National Ladies Golf Cup. All fantastic projects that I put my shoulders to with great enthusiasm. Each time with the eternal little voice in the back of my head: 'I want to do well'. And I mean that both for Pink Ribbon as an organization and for the 250,000 patients currently battling breast cancer.
How does a young woman like you view breast cancer? Have you had to deal with it yourself?
Ilke: Fortunately, I haven't had to deal with it myself yet. But I admit that since I work at Pink Ribbon , I do deal with it more. And fortunately so. Before, for example, I only knew the most well-known alarm signal: the lump on the breast. Now I know that there are eight more that I need to be alert for. And now that I have this knowledge, I also encourage my girlfriends to check themselves regularly. Even if it's just those two minutes before getting into the shower. It can make a big difference.
We all know people with breast cancer in our environment. With you, I suspect, it's no different.
Ilke: True. Like so many, I have lost several people close to me to cancer. It's incredible how quickly that disease can make an impact not only on the person themselves, but also on those around them.
How do you deal with emotional stories and testimonies about breast cancer?
Ilke: Time and again I am amazed at how strong so many women are. Living with breast cancer is anything but easy. And putting a positive spin on it is certainly not. That is why I am so grateful that patients want to share their stories with us. They touch me every time. They make me realize that they are the reason why I love working for Pink Ribbon .
Which animal are you in the Mammo Quiz?
Ilke: Before I started the test, I already had an inkling of which animal I would land on, and my feeling was right. I am a dolphin. As I said, by now I am well aware of the alarm signs and I spread that message as well. But the sober side in me won't worry too easily.
What projects are in the pipeline at Pink Ribbon?
Ilke: There are still an awful lot of Pink Ribbon coming up that I get to contribute to. For example, we are at the start of an undoubtedly beautiful collaboration with Walking.be, the twelfth edition of The Pink Walk starts this week and the final of the National Ladies Golf Cup is also coming up. All projects that strive to promote a healthy and active lifestyle. Because that is so important in the fight against breast cancer. And I am more than happy to do my part.
