Knocking Out Breast Cancer 2015

October 26, 2015

Fighting with Fashion! KOBC2015! This past Saturday, breast cancer survivors gave cancer the ole One-Two punch! The Barbara Bates Foundation held its Fighting with Fashion fashion show gala on the 9th floor of the Marvelous Macy’s on State st. The event space was transformed into a room of love and warmth with pops of pink all over the place. The evening started with guest mingling in the parlor for a lavish cocktail reception with champagne, beer and delectable delights. The evening continued as the Chairman of the Foundation Dr. Keith greeted guests and introduced Karen Teitelbaum, President and CEO of Sinai Health System, and the Co-Chairs of the gala, Toi Salter and Zara Johnson. The Co-Chairs, introduced the emcee’s for the evening and they were none other than Val Warner of Windy City Live and Robin Robinson, who was a star news anchor of Chicago television and is currently a part-time and fill -in anchor at CBS Radio. The fashions kicked off with a tribute to a couple of women who lost their fight over the past several years. One tribute, which was dear to me was the tribute to Teri Day, who lost her fight in February of this year, he memory was honored by Liza Cruzart Brooks, her best friend. The fashions were phenomenal and so were the women and one man who Ripped the Runway! These women and gentleman were humble, kind, loving, conquerors and most of all SURVIVORS, they came out fighting and looked marvelous doing it! Strut yo’stuff Survivors!!

The Barbara Bates Foundation, was approached by Mt. Sinai three years ago with a proposition that would lead to the opening of a women’s breast imaging center if they would commit to raising a half of a million dollars in five years. Barbara, not to sure if she could meet the challenge reluctantly accepted, only after several persistent call from the hospital. Barbara, a survivor herself, knew that she had to accept because she strongly feels that all women should receive treatment with dignity wherever they go, be it downtown or within their communities! Soooooo not only has the Barbara Bates Foundation met the challenge, but has done it in three years with the help of some small sponsorship and larger grass-roots efforts such as, walks, pop-ups where volunteers worked for tips as waitresses and bartenders, silent auctions, and the fashion show galas. Barbara has seen the blueprints for the Barbara Bates Foundation Women’s Breast Imaging Center and is very pleased with how the space will be laid out, she did mention that she will have to add her own flare to the walls, decor and seats…With that, we all know that the center will be just as fabulous as Barbara herself!