On August 22, five extraordinary women came together as complete strangers with one common goal in mind: to raise awareness about a terrible disease that affected each and every one of them. Little did these women know that agreeing to share their stories with our community would develop a bond that will last a lifetime. This truly remarkable day began at POMP Salon for hair and makeup. The stylists dedicated their time and talent to make these women look and feel flawless.
The setting couldn’t have been more perfect — top hits from the 80’s evoked feelings of nostalgia, giving them the undeniable urge to get up and dance. Fresh in for fall, fashion for the day was inspired and provided by many of Lincoln Center’s top retailers, giving the ladies a perfect finishing touch to their entire look.
It was clear these women’s lives were not going to be the same from this day forward. As the morning progressed, so did their bond. Moment after moment we watched these women connect in ways almost unimaginable. Our first glimpse into this special bond was when 13-year breast cancer survivor, Sandee Kautz, a triple-negative survivor who, before this day, did not know a single person who endured her same type of cancer suddenly realized she was no longer alone — discovering two new survivors within this group with her same diagnosis. We knew something special was happening.
One of the youngest survivors, 31-year old Brandy Anderson, recently finished her last round of radiation in June. It was clear after meeting Brandy that her vibrant personality is contagious. In addition to being a working, single-mom, she also created an oil called “Rad” that effectively prevents burns during radiation treatment — which all these women can relate to. Yet again, strengthening this bond between these women that was nonexistent only just a day before. The amount of support that each poured into their newly found bond was inspiring, and they have agreed from here on out they will get together for lunch once a month. “Today was nothing like I expected it to be, it was ten times better”
– Vicki Gotelli.
SANDEE
Necklace:
McCaulous,
Ethyl & Myrtle
Top:
Zuesters,
Billabong
Pant:
FINA, Vince.
Shoes:
Dennis Shea Shoes,
Pelle Moda
“Being around other survivors is a great reminder of how far you’ve come, as well as a goal for where you want to be.” -Sandee Kautz
BRANDY
Necklace:
Best Wishes,
Simply Noelle
Top:
Chico’s
Pant:
Theadora,
Joseph Ribkoff.
Shoes:
Dennis Shea Shoes,
Vince Camuto
“[Breast Cancer] has given me a new-found perspective on life, a deeper feeling of love, and a mission to help other women to overcome this terrible disease and prevent it from ever occurring.“ -Brandy Anderson
VICKI
Necklace:
Flair Boutique,
Chan Luu
Top:
Flair Boutique,
A’NUE
Jacket:
Flair Boutique,
Baci
Pant:
Flair Boutique,
Cambio.
Shoes:
Flair Boutique,
Donald Pliner
“My faith and my family have helped me to remain hopeful. I couldn’t have made it through this journey without either.“ -Vicki Gotelli
GINA
Earrings:
FINA,
Goranna
Top:
FINA,
Spiritual Gangster
Jacket:
Fina,
Vince.
Pant:
FINA,
Pam and Gela
Shoes:
Dennis Shea Shoes,
Vince Camuto
“I look at life everyday differently. I savor sunrises, sunsets, and special moments with my family and friends. Things that I used to “have” to do, I see as things I “get” to do!“ -Gina Rishwain
PAIGE
