Yesterday, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph a luncheon for thyroid cancer awareness. Present were doctors, patients and friends - all of whom (in one way or another) have been affected by this disease.
This event came to be because of the personal experiences of Lisa Purcell. Lisa, is a survivor and wanted to take a negative and turn it into a positive. One day, she was reading a national ad about a 21 year old girl who survived thyroid cancer. Lisa was inspired by the the girl's ordeal and decided to contact the founder of Light of Life, Joan Shey, to see what she could do here in her community to raise awareness and Joan Shey knew exactly what to! A bit later in October of 2009, Lisa called upon Pamela D'Orsi Ryan to offer her skills. She jumped on board and she stepped right up to the plate to assist in organizing the event and she didn't miss a single detail. The color of the day was purple (as that is the foundation's ribbon color) and every accent "tied" everything together ... from the stunning floral arrangements right down to the waiters' purple ties!
The music was spun by one of our Friendors, Anthony Crezcenzi of Anthony Crocenzi Entertainment - who did a fantastic job, as per usual! All the local vendors involved were integral in making this event the wonderful success that it was by offering their time and amazing skills. Many of those local vendors also helped to sponsor the event.
Patrice Wood of Channel 10 News in Rhode Island was the opening/closing speaker. She worked with Lisa at the station, so this was also quite personal for her as well.
Lisa wanted to share her experience with the attendees so, she decided to tell her story through the media of video, as this is her livelihood and her creative outlet. The presentation was not only moving and heart touching but also an enlightening experience.
Lisa, who is the current President of the Light of Life Foundation - Rhode Island Chapter, formed the committee back in March of 2009. The committee consists of: Paula Montgomery, Betty-Jo Cugini, Mona Bootmann, Cathy Calenda, Joanne Carlino, Martha Murray and Sue Rudis. All the proceeds of this event will be benefitting the Light of Life Fellowship program. Lisa is grateful to all those who helped in the event but is proud of all the hard work the committee did in making it all come together and making it a reality.
The committee also put on a Fashion Show - literally! Many of the committee members as well as several local people who are either thyroid cancer survivors or suffering from thyroid issues themselves were all models for a day and, boy, did they own that runway! They were showcasing a new line of clothing which was specially designed for the event by ETCetera Clothing Studio.
Another highlight of the day was learning that the inspiration, that amazing young lady who is now in her 30's and still just as amazing, was sitting right there in the audience! She came up from Manhattan for the day to attend the event.
The American Cancer Society of Rhode Island endorsed the event and the corporate sponsor was H. Carr and Sons, Inc.
I am grateful to have been a part of it and encourage all of you to take their advice! Check Your Neck!
For more information, please visit: checkyourneck.com
The linens were supplied by Rentals Unlimited.
The beautiful floral arrangements were created by Pamela D'Orsi Ryan 0f PDR Events.
The chairs were supplied by J&R Rentals and the
chocolates were courtesy of Rhode Island Rock Confections.
Touchstone Crystal's Jewelry Showcase.
Lisa (center/front) stands with the committee of the
Light of Life Foundation - Rhode Island Chapter
Patrice Wood of Channel 10 News shares how Lisa's experience affected
her and how important it is to have a simple check of the neck.
Lisa thanking all those who came out to support her awareness efforts.
Lisa watching her personal story along with the audience.
Lisa reading from the article about the little girl who inspired her and created
the spark that prompted her to get involved with the Light of Life Foundation.
Joan Shey, founder of the Light of Life Foundation, speaks to the guests.
Patrice Wood, Lisa's colleague at Channel 10 News, makes her
closing remarks to the audience while Lisa and Joan look on.
Monica of ETCetera Clothing Studio announced the Fashion Show.
Committee members of the Light of Life Foundation
- Rhode Island Chapter modeled the clothing line.
Lisa (below) workin' the runway!
Special thanks to everyone at the Light of Life Foundation
for inviting us to be a part of such a terrific cause!
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