The Breast Cancer Resource Center at YWCA Princeton will again have survivors, along with family members, supporters, doctors, and nurses, modeling the latest fall styles from area retailers. It is an event not of fabulous fashions to benefit a great cause, but for its abundance of inspiration. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 12th, 2012 at the Westin Princeton. Cocktails begin at 6:00pm followed by the fashion show at 7:30pm.

Event co-chairs Leslie Burger and Cynthia Ricker are committed to increasing awareness of the Breast Cancer Resource Center and its services. Both are breast cancer survivors who have benefitted from the center’s services and know firsthand how important it is. "Having a support network during the entire breast cancer journey– from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, and survivorship is so crucial," says Burger.

Two-time survivor Karen Jezierny, of Princeton will emcee the fashion show again this year. "My whole world changed in that instant when I learned I had breast cancer," she shares. "As a mother, it was especially hard to hear those words and be able to move forward but that’s what I did with the help of the center." She continues to be a supporter and always ready to lend a hand. She wants people to know, "If you need breast cancer services, your mother, your neighbor, or your next door neighbor – call. You will be amazed at the network of people associated with Breast Cancer Resource Center who are willing to help. People start as strangers, but end up as friends."

MODELS AND THEIR STORIES

MaryAnn and Joe Procaccini, husband and wife who reside in Hopewell, will model at "In the Pink" this year. Their story is unique because both are breast cancer survivors. Joe discovered he had breast cancer by accident at age 58 and because Joe is one of the 1% of breast cancer diagnoses that are made in men. Leaning against a pickup truck, he experienced a burning sensation in his chest which turned out to be a cancerous lump. Neither ever thought about males getting breast cancer. Today, Joe believes that all men should be checked as part of their annual physical.

To meet Sena Hill, of Belle Mead, and Terry Guthrie, of Bordentown, you are struck by the exuberance of this energetic mother-daughter team. Mom Terry is a two-time survivor of breast cancer. First diagnosed first in 1997, she was again diagnosed in 2010 -- the same week as daughter Sena learned she too had breast cancer. Sena had a clean mammogram one month, and found a lump herself the following month. Terry shares about her experience with the Breast Cancer Resource Center, " During support groups, I learned I didn’t want my entire life to be focused on cancer. I realized that I had only lost a breast, not my life, and I believed that I would live to be an old lady!" About having to be a supporter and a patient at the same time, Sena says, "You don’t know how strong you are until you have to be strong."

Long-time survivor, Winnie Wanda Webster Stansbury of Pennington, was just 33 years old when diagnosed in 1983. She is the first and only person in her family to be challenged by breast cancer. She discovered a lump during a self-exam and soon after connected with the Breast Cancer Resource Center." Proof that breast cancer is survivable, she has been at the forefront of helping others with the establishment of New Jersey’s statewide screening program providing free mammograms for the under and uninsured.

HOW FUNDS HELP LOCAL BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS AND FAMILIES

Benefits the Breast Cancer Resource Center at YWCA Princeton. Proceeds used to for free support groups, private counseling, a peer support network, teleconference and lecture series’, mind/body wellness activities, a wig & prosthesis boutique, a patient assistance fund, a resource library, and more.

• $1000 helps 10 women participate in a 12 week yoga class to relieve treatment side effects
• $ 750 helps 10 women receive a breast prosthesis and a mastectomy bra
• $ 500 helps 2 women participate in a 3-day Nurturing Journey Survivorship Retreat
• $ 400 helps 12 women get a wig for their hair loss due to chemotherapy
• $ 300 helps 6 women receive private counseling with a licensed clinical social worker

EVENT TICKETS

Tickets are available at  www.ywcaprinceton.org/inthepink or by calling (609) 497-2100 ext. 333. Businesses and individuals can show their support by purchasing an ad in the event program book at ext. 346/249. For information on services, email bcrc@ywcaprinceton.org or visit www.ywcaprinceton.org/bcrc