San Mateo unites in pink

“It was probably the most devastating thing I’ve ever heard,” Pelka said. “My mom had just gotten sick, but she was recovering from her illness, so I was taking care of her. Then I got this diagnosis, and I thought the world was going to end.”

Pelka started chemotherapy in July after taking steps to preserve her eggs to avoid affecting her chances of getting pregnant. She underwent chemotherapy, multiple surgeries and radiation. During her chemotherapy, she met many other women under the age of 40 with breast cancer, realizing how there was a lack of awareness.

She will be five years cancer-free this November.  

“The community that I serve at the medical center is really what pushed me through,” she said. “I continued to work because it gave me purpose and I wanted to bring awareness to those around me that, like, it’s hard, but it’s something that many of us can do.”

To help bring awareness, Pelka represented the San Mateo Medical Center in its booth at the third annual Pink Patch Party Oct. 5, organized by San Mateo police Officer Julian Jolivette.

After Jolivette’s mother was diagnosed with breast cancer during the pandemic, he helped reshape what the Police Department’s fundraising efforts look like for the event in 2021.

 “As cliche as it might sound, police officers are supposed to be problem-solvers and supposed to have the answer for everything,” Jolivette said. “Which is why they call us — why the people call us — to help them with their problems. To make them feel safe and to give them hope. And so I didn’t feel that way in that moment.”

Jolivette oversees the fundraising efforts, merchandise, production of the Pink Patch Party and the facilitation of the first annual comedy bank set to debut Oct. 12.   

The Pink Patch Party was on B Street in downtown San Mateo from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. At the event were free mammograms, a makeshift dunk tank featuring police officers, a doughnut-eating competition, live music and dancers. Many organizations were tabling, like Pink Power at the Peninsula Jewish Community Center, the American Cancer Society and San Mateo County Health.

Free mammograms were offered to women over 40 who had not received one in the last year, according to Sanam Mobin, a nurse practitioner for Sutter Health Alta Bates Summit Medical Center. Slots for 21 patients were available, and eight individuals attended the free service.

Jeanne Eng came to the event in remembrance of her best friend, who lost the battle to breast cancer 13 years ago.

“She would email me and tell me how chemo was,” Eng said. “She was just like a sister. She knew that I would understand what she was going through because she was a fitness buff, and so am I.”

Eng says she’s glad to see the community gather to bring awareness, as she believes many people think it couldn’t happen to them even though they eat healthy and exercise.

On Oct. 12, Jokes for the Jugs, the comedy bank, will give all proceeds to newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. It will take place at Poplar Creek Golf Course at 7 p.m. Visit https://sanmateopoa.org/comedy-night for more information.