A Night of Trust, Vulnerability & Community:
The Pink Warrior Advocates Diamond Decade Gala
There are some events you attend, and then there are some you feel.
This past weekend, we had the privilege of attending the Diamond Decade Gala hosted by Pink Warrior Advocates — an evening dedicated not just to celebrating survivorship, but to honoring the community that forms around a breast cancer diagnosis.
And what made the night so powerful was exactly that: community.
Honoring Survivors & Their Stories
One of the most emotional moments of the evening was seeing several of our own Perky clients in attendance, including two incredible women who walked the stage representing the Bra Assistance Program and the Perky Restoration Program.
Watching survivors stand confidently in front of a room filled with people who understood even a fraction of their journey was a reminder of why this work matters so deeply.
Every woman in that room carried a story.
Not just of diagnosis and treatment — but of resilience, identity, healing, and rebuilding.
The Impact of Restoration
We were also honored to be joined by Dana and John, who courageously shared their experience with nipple restorative tattooing and the role it played in Dana’s breast reconstruction journey.
Nipple tattooing is often spoken about as a cosmetic procedure, but for so many survivors, it represents something far deeper. It can be the final step in reclaiming ownership over a body that has been through immense trauma.
In a powerful show of solidarity and advocacy, John once again volunteered to receive additional nipple tattoos himself — helping raise awareness not only for restorative tattooing, but also for the frustrating reality of social media censorship surrounding this work.
The Ripple Effect of Breast Cancer
One of the most impactful parts of the evening came from keynote speaker Stacy Gonzales, who shared her experience of being diagnosed with breast cancer at just 31 years old.
Her vulnerability filled the room.
She spoke about eventually meeting Jen Reynolds, founder of Pink Warrior Advocates, and helping create TV Thursdays — “Trust & Vulnerability” support groups for women navigating breast cancer.
But one statement in particular seemed to stop the room:
“A breast cancer diagnosis has a ripple effect. Everyone you love gets a piece of your diagnosis too.”
Breast cancer doesn’t happen in isolation. It touches spouses. Children. Parents. Friends. Care teams. Communities.
It changes conversations, relationships, routines, futures, and identities — not just for the person diagnosed, but for everyone standing beside them.
Looking around the room that night, you could see that ripple effect everywhere.
Why Nights Like This Matter
Events like the Diamond Decade Gala are about more than fundraising or celebration.
They create space for:
Survivors to feel seen
Stories to be shared openly
Vulnerability to become strength
Community to replace isolation
At Perky, we talk often about restoration — but true restoration goes far beyond physical healing.
It’s found in connection. In advocacy. In support groups. In storytelling. In being surrounded by people who understand the weight of what you’ve been through.
And this night was a beautiful reflection of that.
The Perky Restoration Program Is Open Nationally
One of the most meaningful parts of the evening was seeing women represented on stage through the Perky Restoration Program — a program created to help make nipple restorative tattooing more accessible to survivors who may not otherwise be able to afford it.
For so many women, restorative tattooing is not simply cosmetic. It can be an emotional final step in reclaiming identity, confidence, and connection to their body after breast cancer and reconstruction.
And, we’re incredibly proud that the Perky Restoration Program is officially open nationally.
That means survivors anywhere in the United States who are interested in nipple restorative tattooing with Perky can apply for assistance.
Healing should never be limited by financial barriers.
If you’ve been considering restorative tattooing but weren’t sure it was financially possible for you, we encourage you to reach out and learn more.
Grateful to Be Part of This Community
We left the gala feeling deeply inspired and incredibly grateful:
for our clients who trusted us with their stories
for advocates using their voices to create change
and for organizations like Pink Warrior Advocates that continue building spaces rooted in trust, vulnerability, and hope.
To everyone who made the evening so meaningful — thank you.
We’re honored to be part of this community.
