Not Just Surviving, but Thriving

Fleur De Bra 2023

If you are like me, you might be unfamiliar with Fleur de Bra. Upon hearing the name of this important benefit, I was curious. After researching and reaching out to founder Dr. Suma Maddox, I was fascinated. This extraordinary event is where creativity converges with love and compassion.

Fleur de Bra is a stunningly curated couture bra showcase dedicated to raising funds for Breastoration and the Cancer Association of Louisiana. Directly benefitting local women facing breast cancer, the proceeds from the event lovingly give access to crucial reconstructive surgery.

Suma Maddox, MD, the visionary behind Fleur de Bra, states, “I founded FDB in 2021 to bring together artists and our community to raise awareness and inspire hope and beauty after breast cancer reconstruction. There are survivors of all ages all around us. These are our sisters, and to support and uplift them during these devastating times is everything I want to be doing in my life’s work.” Dr. Maddox’s dedication goes above and beyond. As a double board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction, she is the consummate professional. As a woman, she is a caring and loyal friend to those women who face breast cancer.

Artists Jill Maumus and Jennifer Zurik of MZ Architecture share their unique perspectives on this very meaningful endeavor: “This is a NEW way for us to give back. Usually, our art form allows us a chance to provide sanctuary to people who work in or visit medical spaces, reduce stress that way, increase organization, etc. This is an opportunity to help raise money to bring relief in a new way and use our “making” skills a little differently! “

I was moved to learn about the important work of Fleur de Bra and the transformative power of art and compassion in the lives of breast cancer survivors. In a world where it is so needed, this beautiful fundraiser is a leader in offering hope, support, and a happier future for our sisters.

Hotel St. Vincent is the setting for this year’s annual Fleur de Bra event on October 22, 1-4 p.m.

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute is not just a medical facility. For the people of Lafourche Parish and the surrounding areas, it is a lifeline with a deeply personal mission.

The Cancer Institute is where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate, caring experts who are more than professionals but friends and neighbors. For the folks at Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute, the right team makes the difference in cancer care. Their oncology specialists support patients at every step of their journey. With the right team in place and cutting-edge technology, positive outcomes for patients are an everyday thing.

Thibodaux Regional Cancer Institute offers various advanced treatments and therapies tailored to individual needs. And it’s all under one roof: surgical, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, radiosurgery, or hormonal therapy. They aim to provide the most effective treatment plan and do it collaboratively, so the patient benefits from well-coordinated efforts, resulting in comprehensive treatment plans that are as individual as the people they treat.

The Cancer Institute understands that they are not just treating cancer; they are treating people. Director of Oncology Services Kay Areceneaux points out, “A diagnosis of cancer affects all aspects of a person’s life. Keeping in mind, our Cancer Institute includes a chapel for quiet reflection, a well-lit atrium for gatherings, an activity room for education, and a dedicated staff that treats all patients as part of our family.” They know that healing is not just about the body but the heart and soul as well.

Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center

I have heard of Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center for many years, but there’s a lot about Louisiana’s top cancer care organization that I did not know.

For starters, at MBPCC, they care for more cancer patients than any other organization in the Greater New Orleans area. Their number one objective is to fight cancer by joining forces with local hospitals and doctors to go above and beyond to assist cancer patients in their recovery journey while making coping with cancer more manageable.

I was also unaware that the professionals at Mary Bird Perkins work as a team to give their patients the best of the best. Oncology specialists, scientists, and caregivers collaborate to provide top-notch and comprehensive cancer support for every patient at Mary Bird Perkins. You can rest assured that you are in the very best care.

The mission of Geaux Pink is to urge participation from individuals, schools, restaurants, businesses, sports teams, and everyone to rally together to fight cancer throughout National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.

And at Mary Bird Perkins, in October, they embrace all that is pink! It is not unusual to see a doctor dressed like a pirate with a full pink beard, and at the very least, throughout October, the hospital is adorned in pink balloons with staff dressed in their own pink finery. All the funds from the Geaux Pink initiative remain within the community, aiding women impacted by cancer, offering free cancer screenings, fostering cancer education programs, and promoting early detection efforts.

Cure By Design Gala 2023

The New Orleans Pelicans Cure by Design Gala has an important goal: to meet Louisiana cancer patients’ needs by delivering life-saving programs, services, and advanced research.

You won’t want to miss this year’s Cure by Design Gala. Saturday, October 7th, at The Sugar Mill, is when and where the fun will begin. The evening promises to be delightful, beginning with a cocktail hour at 6 featuring the Grammy award-winning trumpeter Irvin Mayfield. Following a short program, the Paddle Raise Silent Auction with a Diamond Direct giveaway will surely cause some excitement. The 2023 Champion for Cures Honorees will be presented. Giving everyone a chance to raise a glass to the twenty dedicated men and women who have given their time and effort to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Association.

“GALERIE DE GALATOIRE GOES PINK” 2023

Another event whose proceeds aim to provide additional financial assistance to women pursuing breast reconstruction within Louisiana is the “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink.” Naturally, when I saw that this special dinner is held at Galatoire’s, I thought how perfectly marvelous. Not being a native New Orleanian, I only first dined at Galaroire's last December, and what a delightful treat it was! If you know, you know. Galatoire’s is so much more than incredible food, although it is that. I could go on and on about it, but I will just say that it is a gorgeous setting of elegance and timeless beauty, very much like a lady. Galatoire’s decks out the spectacular space in all things pink, making it absolutely gorgeous. What better place to celebrate the beauty of women?

The “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink” fundraiser allows its generous donors to contribute to education, patient support, public relations, administrative needs, or wherever need is most pressing.

Join Breastoration and Galatoire’s for “Galerie de Galatoire Goes Pink” on November 30th at 6 pm, an event where the decor and attendees are adorned in pink, symbolizing support for breast cancer survivors who are determined to reclaim their lives and bodies.

A DANCE OF HEALING AND HOPE: BIONIC BABES, DANCERS OF HOPE

Gina Cherry’s journey with Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope gave her solace during some incredibly challenging times. Initially, it served as a lifeline during her battle with breast cancer, offering support and hope throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Later, it became a source of strength following the tragic loss of her oldest son in a devastating car accident.

Inspired by her own path to healing, Gina established Bionic Babes, Dancers of Hope. She explains her motivation: “My aim was to support others in staying physically active and nurturing a positive outlook when confronted with a cancer diagnosis. What better way to achieve this than through the therapeutic medium of dance?”

This dedicated group of twenty-three dancing “Babes” serves as an emotional support network and a means of engaging in physical activity for individuals affected by cancer, including patients, survivors, caregivers, and medical professionals. “I am proud of the medical professionals, caretakers, and supporters who are also Babes who believe in our mission and want to be a part of it,” adds Gina.

Additionally, the Bionic Babes aim to inspire and uplift others by performing at public events, participating in cancer fundraisers, and contributing to awareness campaigns. You may spot them dancing non-stop in parades in their signature colors: lavender, blue turquoise, and plum. These colorful dancers also make guest appearances and are on the scene dancing at many nonprofit cancer events, including several for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.