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This issue marks our third annual Breast Cancer Special. While being diagnosed with breast cancer is devastating, it’s often the side effects that can be just as, or even more, life-altering. For most women who must undergo chemotherapy as part of their breast cancer treatments, the consequential effect of hair loss is one of the hardest things to deal with. For some women, being able to continue with their jobs, their hobbies and their day-to-day life is what gets them through their darkest hours in their battle against the deadly disease. But for women like Elayne Silver, whose story we feature on p. 48, having their hair can be so key to keeping up not only their appearance but their self-esteem and their hopes – all of which are integral components in overcoming any type of illness. For Elayne, and the other two women in the same feature, Elaine St. Pierre and Suzanne Miles, finding the right wig made all the difference. While these three women sought out the perfect wig because of hair loss due to chemotherapy, their stories are both inspirational and informative for anyone looking to regain their appearance and self-confidence.
Similarly, on p. 56, we delve into how to adjust to your breasts. If you’ve had a full mastectomy and a form of reconstruction, you’ll need to adjust not only mentally but physically and emotionally. Depending on your type of reconstruction – such as fat transfer, allopastic or autologous reconstruction – you’ll need to wear different types of clothes for your new figure, not only during the healing process but also once you’ve fully recovered. If you’ve had any type of breast augmentation, lift or reduction, this article is for you.
While breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women, all forms of cancer can be fatal, so raising awareness or money for any form of cancer can really make a difference.
In the office, we each have our own ways of getting involved. Here are just a few:
“Last Christmas, one of my girlfriends (whose name I picked for Kris Kringle) requested that I donate to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation instead. Now that I’m an offical donor, I plan to donate every year.”
– Daniela Giacco, sales manager
“At my wedding, which was earlier this year, in lieu of giving small gifts to our guests, we made a donation to the Canadian Cancer Society.”
– Morella Aguirre, hair features writer
“One of my friends is a hairstylist at Fame Salon in Stouffville. She’s shaving her head for cancer. To raise money, the highest bidder gets to shave her head. I’m hoping it’ll be me!”
– Candice Besselaar, receptionist
“When my ex-boyfriend got married (not to me) he requested that instead of giving them gifts, guests donate money to a local cancer-related charity.”
– Stephen Puddister, men’s columnist
“For a couple of years, I gave to Cops for Cancer. The constable who raised the most money would get his head shaved by a Blue Jays player before a game and sometimes, even throw the first pitch.”
– Alan Swinton, production manager
“Last year, I found it gratifying to donate my time to the design of Goes Down Easy, an innovative cookbook developed by oncology dieticians from The Princess Margaret Hospital and cookbook author Elise Mecklinger. With over 100 recipes specifically for cancer patients and caregivers, this cookbook is the first of its kind in Canada.
– Gillian Tsintziras, group art director
As for me, each year I look forward to the annual Eat to the Beat. This year’s 13th annual fundraising gala takes place September 23, 2008 and brings together more than 60 of Canada’s top female chefs to offer some of life’s greatest indulgences – food, wine, spirits and entertainment. Over the past 12 years, Eat to the Beat has raise more than $2.5 million for Willow Breast Cancer Support Canada.
Want to help, but not sure where to start? Turn to p. 38 and start browsing the pink products, a portion of whose proceeds will go to supporting a breast-cancer related charity.
Publisher and Editor-in-chief
CHANTEL SIMMONS, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
chantel@elevatemagazine.com
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