MANILA, Philippines - Accessories designer Portia Eleene Leuterio, who is associated with this blushing pink color, was prodded by friends to come up with pink neckpieces to drum up support for breast cancer awareness. Since pink is the color of the awareness campaign, Portia decided to come out with fancy fun accessories in pink.
One of Portia’s favorite memories is of a plane ride from New York to Minnesota. Her seat mate opened a conversation, exclaiming, “Your bag is Vera Bradley!” as she, too, was using Vera.
Vera Bradley was a breast cancer warrior who sadly lost the battle. When she died, her friends wanted to honor her with a lasting tribute, coming out with a line of bags, proceeds of the sale of which went to cancer research. A story that touched the core of this lady’s heart. She was coming home to see her first grandchild and showed Portia sets of pink Vera bags full of baby things. This elegant seat mate, it turned out, was with the Cancer Institute in New York.
Vera Bradley is gone, but the line has endured through the years. Portia loves the bag because it is light, unpretentious, easy to carry and washes well. It is also recognizable like “Pierre Deux,” another favorite brand of hers. Vera’s line has extended to include home ware fashion and other things.
Portia says, “Now, if everyone can help in some way for the research even if it is just for awareness, like me, cure and eradication could be just a step away. What it does at the least is bring hope!”
Portia marvels at Kara Alikpala’s wonderful endeavors and dedication for this cause. She cannot express it enough. “Perhaps, these pink accessories will let her know,” says Portia.
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