Pink is the color of strength at Breast Health Signature Event
AtlantiCare unites survivors, supporters in fight against breast and gynecological cancer
Nov, 03-2009 12:28 pm
By MADISON RUSS
AtlantiCare hosted its sixth annual Breast Health Signature Event Tuesday, Oct. 27 at the Sheraton Atlantic City Convention Center Hotel, providing cancer awareness and education as well as a warm, positive environment for survivors and friends to bond and share their experiences.
The event emphasized creativity as an outlet for survivors, 10 of whom were invited to showcase their work in the "I Will Survive" art exhibit.
The artists featured have used art to help overcome the trials of cancer and inspire others. Deborah Aker of Galloway Township, who recently marked one year of being cancer free, created the pastel drawing "Pink Roses for a New Lady." It was inspired by the women Aker met in a support group led by Linnea Brown, breast health coordinator at AtlantiCare.
The program links breast cancer patients with local organizations and community outreach programs. Brown is also there for women on the day of their surgery.
For the past six years the Breast Heath Signature Event has primarily targeted breast cancer. This year AtlantiCare invited survivors of gynecological cancer to participate.
Among them was professional artist and gynecological cancer survivor Joanie San Chirico of Toms River, who displayed her series "Ritual Cloth."
San Chirico, who was diagnosed with a rare fallopian tube cancer in 2005, said she was offered the largest commission of her career the week of her diagnosis. After some hesitation, she accepted the commission. Creating kept her sane and alleviated much of the sickness that follows chemotherapy, she said. Ever since, she has been thrilled when she has the chance to create art for health facilities.
In another first for the event, AtlantiCare honored a man as the recipient of the annual Moonbaby Award pin, given to individuals who help raise awareness for the cause.
Mike Richman, co-host of FM 95.1 WAYV's Mike and Diane Show, was honored for his Run Mike Run campaign. Richman asked listeners to pledge money in return for his running 26.2 miles in the Atlantic City Marathon. Since 2004, Richman has raised $184,000 for the Shirley Mae Breast Cancer Assistance Fund.
"I'm very humbled by this," Richman told a sea of women in pink who stood to applaud his efforts. "I'm a little embarrassed to be up here, but definitely honored."
A pink and teal Moonbaby bracelet that is for sale signifies the colors of breast and gynecological cancer and features a small running-shoe charm to commemorate Richman's efforts.
Among the guests was keynote speaker Barbara Delinsky, a best-selling author and breast cancer survivor who lost her mother to breast cancer at a young age.
Her book "Uplift: Secrets from the Sisterhood of Breast Cancer" relates her personal experiences and intimate information on breast cancer as though it is being shared among friends. Proceeds from the book benefit the author’s charitable research program.
"I didn't want 'Uplift' to be frightening in any shape or form," said Delinsky, who chose instead to provide positive messages of courage. "The difference that determines breast cancer is attitude. Attitude is backed on support."
