25th Anniversary of Celebration of Life Luncheon and Fashion Show Brings Cheers, Tears, Inspiration, Strength
More Than 250 Attendees Treated to Breast Cancer Survivor Fashion Show, Keynote Address by Cancer Survivors Vince and Barbara Dooley
More than 250 people attended Bosom Buddies’ 25th Anniversary of Celebration of Life Luncheon and Fashion Show: “Stronger Together,” presented by Georgia Cancer Foundation (GCF), Saturday, March 8, to celebrate breast cancer survivors, honor those who have stood by them as members of their support family, and reflect on those who have succumbed to the disease.
The event—held at the Westin Atlanta North at Perimeter—was a great success, as guests were treated to a joint keynote address by cancer survivors Vince and Barbara Dooley and a fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors and members of their support teams. Belk at Phipps Plaza provided the clothing fashions for the show.
Mrs. Dooley ended her speech with a David Letterman-type Top 10 list, featuring the 10 best things about having breast cancer (No. 10: “You don't have to cook.” No. 8: “You don't have to shave your legs.” No. 1: “You have the perfect excuse not to do a damn thing if you don't want to.”) and a wonderful sing along with Vince to “I Just Called to Say I Love You.” She said that song got her through many down times during treatment.
Rudy Morgan, GCF Executive Director, couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity to bring so many breast cancer survivors and their support teams together for an afternoon of celebrating hard-earned survivorship.”
Exemplifying the Celebration of Life theme of “Stronger Together” was one survivor’s group of friends. Elizabeth Thompson dearly wished five of her closest friends in Virginia, who had been so critical in her battle with breast cancer, could have attended the event. Unbeknownst to her, they did, and they surprised her at the end of the runway as Elizabeth strutted her stuff. Shrieks of elation filled the room, and eyes swelled with tears of joy as the friends were reunited.
Fox 5 Health Watch reporter Beth Galvin emceed the event for the second year in a row.
The keynote speech and fashion show were preceded with a social hour, silent auction, raffle, and an exhibitor showcase.
In addition to Belk at Phipps Plaza, other top-level Iron Will sponsors included Tanger Outlet Locust Grove and Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia.
Vince Dooley, former head football coach and athletic director at the University of Georgia, underwent surgery in 2007 to remove a malignant tumor from his throat. Barbara Dooley, Vince’s wife, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and received chemotherapy in 2006.
The Celebration of Life Luncheon & Fashion Show is GCF’s signature event, recognizing all who have been touched by breast cancer. As one of Georgia’s largest breast cancer information and support networks, GCF takes pride in uniting survivors, family members, and friends in celebrating the lives of those living after breast cancer.
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