Jayne and Linda met at a breast cancer support group at the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Care Center. They shared the journey through chemotherapy and later shared a tent at the Avon Breast Cancer 3 Day. Not only did they become great friends, but they became breast cancer advocates, searching for ways to raise awareness, funds and promote research and quality patient care. The social worker at the time was participating as a model in another hospital's fashion show. Along with Loretta Bancalari and Corinne Young, Jayne and Linda attended this fashion show. On the drive home, they decided that they could do something similar, but different, for the female cancer patients at Stony Brook University Hospital. With only an idea and a lot of nerve, they approached their personal medical team of Dr. Dacosta, Dr. O'Hea and Dr. Meek. The Fall Fashion Festival was conceived in the spring of 2001. With support from them and assurances that they would all be the first male models, they then contacted the experts of the Long Island Cancer Center at Stony Brook for advice. It was suggested that the chairpersons work in conjunction with the Stony Brook Foundation. The Fall Fashion Festival benefits the women cancer patients of Stony Brook and is endorsed and supported by the LICC, and is proudly run strictly by volunteers. All of the models donate their time and travel for their fittings; all the entertainers donate their time and services, as well as the donations of wine, bags, raffle prizes. To date, we have been able to support the patients through a variety of programs, which the medical staff has asked for. We have supplied stereo systems and a variety of CDs to the radiation-oncology suite, gift certificates for a massage to all female chemotherapy "graduates", provided training courses to add a newly certified lymphedema therapist to the staff, been instrumental in obtaining new technologies to allow the oncologists to access their patient information whenever and wherever needed, purchased special compartmentalized pill containers for those on oral therapies. With the institution of the GIFT program, which supports our mission of supporting the women diagnosed and treated at Stony Brook University Hospital, we have also been able to set aside funds each year to allow us to participate in the programs which will be offered at the soon-to-be completed new ambulatory cancer center on the grounds of Stony Brook University Hospital. We owe our gratitude to Loretta Gvazdinskas, the Administrator of Cancer Services, who has guided us throughout all our endeavors and continues to support us and lead us in the right direction. We are grateful to the physicians and hospital staff who give generously of their time and let us know what is needed to support their patients. We are passionate about the cause of breast cancer - no woman should have to travel this road alone without resources, whether her needs are physical, emotional or financial. Starting out as a "tag team of two", we have now gathered many more volunteers, made great new friends, and will continue to work for women cancer patients until the cause and cure are found. Together, we can make a difference. |
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| HISTORY behind the FALL FASHION FESTIVAL |