A few months ago, I sat down with Ria and Danielle from Stage Right Etc and Justin from Cush Restaurant and Lounge to plan a Hollywood Glam wedding mock-up at Cush and Danielle had the fantastic idea of having a fundraiser for our friend Christine, following the mock-up since Cush would already be so beautiful decorated. Christine is a 27 year old single mom who has gone through the toughest chemo out there over the past few months and is now doing radiation. She always comes to our weekly girls night with a few close friends and I’m always inspired by how filled with life and positivity she still is. It’s truly amazing. So we wanted to do something in support of her as well as breast cancer research through this event. It’s the first fundraiser I’ve ever been involved with so I was pretty out of my element. Luckily Ria and Danielle of Stage Right Etc plan beautiful events for a living so they put their magic fingers to work and I helped where was needed and got things organized for the photography aspect of the mock-up as well. Justin graciously took over food and put together an amazing four course menu. Stage Right Etc deserves so much credit for this fundraiser as they put so much time into the decor, designing the poster/tickets, all the stationary, etc. Thanks so much to our good friend Amanda as well (one of the girls night creators) for all your help as well!!
Since Christine was to be the guest of honor at our event, we thought, hey- why not make her our bride for our mock-up too!! Check out how fabulous she was here.
Thank you so much to everyone involved who donated and gave their support. Everyone got glammed up, enjoyed a DE-licious meal, and go their dance on too!
I wanted to start this post with a little write-up that Christine did for us about what her experience with cancer has been like so far:
“I could say that cancer was a gift, but I would never give it to anyone. It changed my life, and even though I faced challenges that terrified me and cried more than I smiled… I gained some of the best friends I’ve ever had, broken relationships were healed, I learned so much about myself, and my faith in God was not only stronger than ever but it’s what saved me.
My name is Christine, I am 27 years old and I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer on December 2, 2009. This was the first time I have ever faced death. Hearing my Doctor say the words “you have cancer”, paralyzed me. I’ve never felt so scared, and weak in all my life. My life was so perfect, why was this happening to me? If I could just go back to the day that cancer entered into my body, if I could change whatever I did to make this happen, I would. But it’s not that easy. In very little time I had to find strength to go through a major surgery, I had to educate myself on treatment plans and prepare for the worst. God never left me, he was there holding my hand when I was most afraid and he brought me through it all. I had to educate myself on nutrition, vitamins, and therapies I’ve never even heard of. I had to study chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and drugs that are all a part of this protocol. I had to look at my 10 year old daughter and my 8 year old son and explain to them what was happening to their mommy. The fear and sadness I saw in their faces, caused more pain to my heart than anything ever could. To lie to them and tell them “everything is going to be fine” not really knowing if it was, broke me. But I am determined, I will do what I have to do, and face anything I need to face, but I will not allow cancer to take my life. My kids are my motivation, my mother, my brothers, and my family are my support, and I am so lucky and blessed to have the friends that I have. They are all the reasons I feel that I have already won this battle.”
- Christine
The lady of the evening- Christine.
From left to right: Me, Danielle (Stage Right Etc), Justin (Cush owner), Ria (Stage Right Etc), and Amanda.
Ria and Pat
Some of the staff from Summerhill Winery came out to support. Thanks guys!
Justin, the owner of Cush.
Everyone was so stylin! Melissa ( middle) and Amrit (right) are hairdressers/stylists from La Casa Hair Lounge if you ever need a great doo!
My Girls Night Posse. I hope we’re all still friends when we’re old and wrinkly- you ladies are the best!!
