n recognition of October being breast cancer awareness month, “The Pink Show”, which includes a delicious lunch and the play “Sound of Music”, will take place at The Granite Theater in Westerly, Rhode Island, on Sunday October 27 at 12:30 pm. The event is being held in honor of three local women who have survived cancer, Cathleen Holland of Stonington, and Angie Smith and Joanne French of Westerly, and in honor of Lauri Luzzi of Westerly who lost her battle earlier this year. A brief presentation will take place prior to the show honoring these courageous women, and providing information about the Terri Brodeur Breast Cancer Foundation.
Joanne French received a cancer diagnosis in 1995, and again each year between 2005 and 2008. She will celebrate four years in December of being disease free. “What cancer and hardships have done with my life didn’t change as much as it made me discover what to do with my life. I’m here for a reason, and every day when I wake up with both feet on the ground, it’s another day for me to discover another part of my journey.” She celebrates each day by bike riding, whether through Tuscany, Provence or the Himalayas. You can see her putting in the mile around Westerly and beyond.
Cathleen Holland worked long hours with high expectations of herself. When she was 32 years old, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Life as she knew it became transformed forever. She conquered the disease with a combination of Eastern and Western medicine, and has focused on sharing her story and the gifts she received as a result of it. She has met women of great strength, insight and love, and founded “Women’s Breast Cancer Support Group” at the Westerly Hospital and Synergy Gala, as well as community involvement raising funds for causes and providing resources and guidance. “I focus on putting cancer behind me, but I have great respect for what it’s done for my life. I choose to take my positive energy and focus on life’s great possibilities.”
Angie Smith received her diagnosis of stage 3 breast cancer in 1982. “I never looked back, just moved on with my life.” She charged right into making every moment count – days and evenings filled with community activities, chairing committees, joining several Board of Directors, just living life to the fullest. “It was just a small setback to my life, never altering my plans for having a good time. My goal is to continue to volunteer for anything that may be needed…I love life…I love to have fun!”
Lauri (Murray) Luzzi lost her fight to breast cancer earlier this year. She valued her work at the Northeast Family Martial Arts as well as her family and friends. She loved to cook and entertain, and spending precious time with family. She spent her short life making others happy.
The common element in all of these women is that cancer changed their lives. It made them grateful for every day they were given, helped show them what was most valuable in their lives, and showed them that life is to be lived to the fullest. The three survivors of cancer are filled with energy, positive spirit and inspiration. We can all learn from their struggles and aspire to that same attitude.
The Pink Show is being sponsored by the Greater Westerly-Pawcatuck Chamber of Commerce and the Rhode Island Blood Center. Lunch will be donated by: 85 Tavern On Canal, Sandy’s Fruits and Vegetables, Dunns Corners Markets, Haversham Inn, The Brazen Hen, the Ocean House and S&P Oyster in Mystic. A selection of pink wines and sparkling wines has been donated by The Wine Store. Other donations for this event are from the Big Y and McQuades.
Tickets are available for $30 from the TBBCF, www.tbbcf.org, 860-245-0402.For more information contact Mary DeVizia, mdevizia@tbbcf.org or 860-245-0402.
