Tammy Gail
It’s been practically 20 years since walked right into a Tampa hospital on a New Yr’s Eve. She was there for the outcomes of post-mammogram testing on a small mass that, at one level, had been described as possible calcification in her breast. There was an 85 p.c likelihood, it was defined to her, that the grainy blur on the scan was nothing.
Solely it wasn’t.
“I used to be the one individual within the facility on the time [other than hospital personnel],” Gail remembers. “Somebody walked as much as me with a booklet in a single hand titled Easy methods to Deal with Your Most cancers. In her different hand, she had a field of Kleenex. I keep in mind telling her to return and verify the chart. There was no manner I had breast most cancers. It needed to be a mistake.
“I held it collectively within the hospital, however I misplaced it once I received to the automobile. I used to be 38. My household was in New York. My ex-husband had moved to Europe. And I had sole custody of my son, David. It was simply the 2 of us. That’s what scared me greater than something.”
Thus started a journey that will contain the invention of extra most cancers, six surgical procedures (together with a bilateral mastectomy), chemotherapy, a full restoration—and a fervent need to pay all of it ahead by way of a nonprofit initiative that, 16 years after its launch, goes by way of its personal rebirth.
Sidelined for the previous few years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Lipstick Lounge—the signature fundraising occasion of Glam-A-Thon, the nonprofit that Gail debuted in 2006—is again this month with an up to date look, a contemporary however acquainted venue and a brand new beneficiary.
Gail describes the reimagined occasion, scheduled for Sept. 15 at W Fort Lauderdale (which partnered with Lipstick Lounge a decade in the past), as a extra mature model of the unique enjoyable, flirty, high-energy vogue affair.
“It’s like a teenage lady rising up and turning into a girl and an expert,” Gail says. “We determined to alter the vibe of the occasion and take it in a extra upscale, fashion-forward course.”
To that finish, the occasion will culminate with the runway debut of items from the Wade Allyn fall capsule assortment (the designer behind the Miami-based luxurious model, Wade Hallock, appeared on the June cowl of Way of life journal). As well as, Lipstick Lounge will embrace a silent public sale and connoisseur bites from native eating places. Earlier than the principle occasion, VIPs will collect for the Glammy Awards, a non-public cocktail reception honoring native philanthropists who assist Glam-A-Thon.
Proceeds this 12 months will go to Memorial Basis, which can direct funds to sufferers within the Memorial Healthcare System battling breast most cancers. By means of the years, Glam-A-Thon has raised greater than $600,000 for breast most cancers packages and consciousness.
“Once I was going by way of my battle, it was necessary for me that most cancers didn’t outline my life,” Gail says. “I needed it over and out of my physique. I didn’t need the emphasis to be solely that I used to be a survivor. There’s a lot extra to my life.
“I received very fortunate discovering it early and having it eliminated. However there are such a lot of ladies who [deal with] far more. I felt compelled to boost consciousness and shake the timber for {dollars} for these ladies, to make sure that others identified with breast most cancers had been being handled with dignity.”
Lipstick Lounge
When: Sept. 15, 8 to 11 p.m.
The place: W Fort Lauderdale (401 N. Fort Lauderdale Seashore Blvd.)
What: The thirteenth version of Glam-A-Thon’s fundamental fundraiser, created to “Kiss Breast Most cancers Goodbye,” guarantees a reimagined occasion that features a runway present with luxurious fall vogue by Wade Allyn Miami, magnificence and elegance distributors, a silent public sale, fare from native eating places (together with Sushi Storage), cocktails and leisure. Proceeds go to Memorial Basis.
Title Sponsors: Perrier and San Pellegrino
Spirits Sponsors: Belvedere Natural Infusions Vodka, Moët & Chandon (with admission, friends obtain two free signature cocktails created with Belvedere’s Natural Infusion vodkas).
Extra Sponsors and Companions: Publix, ESG, Mannequin & Expertise Administration Miami, Memorial Hospital, Premier Property Properties, B Bella by Millie cosmetics, Wonderland, Ella Rae wigs, Pamela B jewellery, Daoud’s Fantastic Jewellery and extra
Tickets: $95
Contact: glam-a-thon.com
