Pink Ribbon of the Month, March: Charles Chen

Charles Chen was born in the Year of the Rabbit - an astrological sign for those who are sentimental, sensitive, hospitable and genuine.  Now, we're not one to argue with the wisdom of the ages, but when it comes to Charles and his friendship to the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate, they left out a few key attributes! For in addition to these four, Charles is also: loyal, generous and compassionate... to the extreme.


Charles, the owner of Charles Plaza - one of China Town's finest restaurants distinguished for its classic and healthy cuisine - has been a very special supporter of The Affiliate for twenty-one years. The story he has to offer us is one of not just following your dreams, but truly believing in them... so much so that anyone who shares the dreams knows without a doubt they will come to fruition.  His story takes us from his childhood dream of being a healer in Shanghai, to his achievement of his own 'American Dream' as a successful businessman, to his ongoing passion for the dream we all share - a world without breast cancer.

 

The February, Charles Plaza hosted The Affiliate's Winter P.I.N. Stripes event, Let's Do Dumplings. In addition to astounding approximately fifty young professionals with his fabulous food, healthy cooking philosophy and knowledge, and perfection of the art of the 'dumpling fold,' Charles made a profound impact with his zest for life and the single philosophy he offered when asked what advice he'd give to young professionals for achieving goals and realizing their dreams.

 

Without hesitation, Charles said simply, but with incredible impact, value every friendship... always remember, making friends makes dreams happen.

 

No friendship demonstrates this point more powerfully than the friendship Charles and the Charles Plaza family have extended to the Affiliate. Charles was one of the very first friends to believe in our vision of the Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure when we first started in 1991, and to contribute in his own special way to our success. For years, he has also been a key contributor to the success of The Affiliate's outreach in Asian communities - catering our Asian-American Women's Breast Health Awareness Day, an event at which Charles feeds over 1,000 people annually, as well as other Affiliate events and fundraisers.

But through all his contributions, Charles does much more than feed the body - he nourishes the mind and spirit to be open to the power each person has to defeat breast cancer. With his food, and all the love he puts into it, Charles helps us create a comfort level for the Asian men and women we seek to educate... allowing us to both embrace the culture and integrate it with choices that promote breast health and a full, rich life.

 

A 'barefoot doctor in China' who is now a chef, successful business man and physical therapist, Charles to this day is know for his healing hands. However, in the Komen Philadelphia Affiliate family, we thank him for his healing HEART... a heart that believes in the dream of an end to breast cancer forever, and beats to inspire a man that will go to any length to make it come true.

 

 

Pictured, from 'Let's Do Dumplings: The 'healing hands' of Charles Chen which helped hundreds in China return to health and continue to do the same for U.S. residents today, utilize the same gentle touch in teaching young professionals to fold dumplings.