A blush of pink filled the American Icon Brewery during an inaugural Pink in Paradise Charity Gala hosted by Friends After Diagnosis and the Reynolds Team of Compass Realty, the premier sponsor.
Bedecked and bejeweled in formal attire, survivors and supporters gathered to support the mission of the nonprofit “to enhance the lives of women diagnosed with cancer.”
As guests dined on small plates and a variety of tempting sweets, they could read from stories that lined the brewery’s second floor, written by some of the women who have participated in the myriad services and programs offered through the organization. Each story revealed the struggles these women have had during their battles against cancer; some overcoming them and others still waging their own private wars.
Event proceeds will go toward the support groups, wellness programs, and direct and personal services, provided by Friends After Diagnosis, aligning with the evening’s goal of “battling breast cancer at a local level.”
“The support meetings are a place to talk to someone else going through a similar situation; things that they may not ever voice to their family members or friends. It is really important to be able to have that community available to the ladies who have been diagnosed with cancer,” said Carolyn Nelson, Friends executive director, noting that support groups are offered in-person and via Zoom.
Friends also offers Ride Beyond Diagnosis, an equine-assisted therapeutic program; Friends in Motion, for those who enjoy dance; Row Beyond Diagnosis, a crew rowing program, at Vero Beach Rowing; and Aquatic Friends for water exercising.
“People don’t realize that in order to remain a cancer survivor and not have recurrences, you have to be physically fit. You have to maintain your health and get exercise,” shared Michelle Moss, a cancer survivor.
“If you’re just coming out of it, the whole idea of going to a gym is overwhelming. To be able to exercise with other people who are in the same situation as you is very beneficial.”
Their direct and personal services programs include breast prostheses, mastectomy bras, and wigs; concierge services ranging from shopping to companion visits; chemo kits that contain items cancer patients find helpful during their treatments; and financial services which provide financial assistance for travel during treatment.
“We want to help heal their mind, body and spirit. Cancer recovery is more than medicine. It’s comprehensive. It requires not just the medications and the surgeries,” said Nelson.
According to Nelson, the group will roll out a quarterly Caregiver Symposium in March 2023 that will create a network of local and national resources that cancer patients can access.
For more information, visit friendsafterdiagnosis.com.
Photos by Joshua Kodis
