Survivors in fashion to benefit local cancer patients
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Donna Palumbo looks forward to the Survivors in Fashion Show as not only a night to dress to the nines, but as a way to inspire other women who may be going through cancer diagnosis and treatment.
"For me the fashion show is a passion. It is a great way to be an example to other women and to support them and show them they can get through it," Mrs. Palumbo said. "The whole purpose of the fashion show is to show people there is life after treatment. Hopefully we are inspiring people."
The event, held at the Fox Theater at Foxwoods, is organized by Producer/Director Barbara Chiangi and co-producer Mrs. Palumbo. The show will feature 26 women who are all breast cancer survivors and whose mission is giving hope after diagnosis. The funds raised go to the Breast Cancer Survivors Fund, to be used for the benefit of patients in the local community.
Mrs. Palumbo was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer in February 1997, after her first mammogram at 40 years old. She said the event is not just about the glamour, but also about showing that you can still do things after treatment. The show includes a performance by the Pink Ribbon Tappers and a fun number that highlights different activities the women enjoy, such as biking, playing tennis, scuba diving and more.
"I think since we only do this every other year, people really look forward to it and come out to support us," she said.
In 2007, nearly 1,000 people attended the Survivors in Fashion Show, which raised approximately $70,000 for the Backus Hospital Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.
"The past success of this event has been due to the tremendous outpouring of support from local businesses and individuals," said Genevieve Schies, Director of Planned Giving for the Backus Foundation. "Including the donation of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation's Fox Theatre to host the event and the support of our Partner in Care, Pfizer, Inc."
It is a passion for Ms. Chiangi as well, who starred in the first show 18 years ago-when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer. She subsequently took over the role of producer/director and has maintained its success, even through her cancer recurrence in 2005.
Ms. Chiangi said knowing that every dollar raised will be used for the benefit of patients in the local community makes the show easy for people to support.
"We're so pleased to be working with Backus," she said. "It is important for all of us to feel that we are doing something to give back to our community hospital and our community."
If you want to go:
What: The 2009 Survivors in Fashion Show
When: Thursday, Oct. 15, from7-9 p.m.
Where: The 1,250-seat Fox Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino
For more information: Tickets can be purchased online at foxwoods.com or by calling 1-800-200-2882. Sponsorships are still available for this popular event; please call the Backus Foundation at (860) 823-6331 or visit www.backushospital.org/foundation and Link to Pink.