In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, MARTINI sparkling wine, teamed up with actress Kristin Chenoweth and television personalities, Denise Albert and Melissa Gerstein of The MOMS, to host a “Toast to Survivors” luncheon this past Monday.
Thankfully no one in my immediate family has been stricken with this disease, but it is so pervasive in our society that it feels like it is just a matter of time. It is my dad who has so far had 2 different cancers that he has successfully fought, thank God. My spouse has an aunt and a cousin who are breast cancer survivors, thank goodness there is forward movement in the fighting of these and all cancers.
Kristin Chenoweth, the Tony Award-nominated actress, took time off to care for her sick mother as she battled breast cancer several years ago. Thankfully, her mother recovered, and Kristin spoke about the impact the experience had on her life. Melissa’s mom also spoke about being a long time survivor (almost 20 years) and how she remains vigilante and never feels cured.
It was great to hear these and other personal stories. Kristin spoke of her recent accident on the set of the television show she was filming, and she shared with us that when she asked her mom, “Why Me?” her mom responded “Why Not You?” No one is immune from life and all that goes along with it, I came away with a great sense of spirituality from Miss Chenoweth, we all need reminding that we are not in charge, it all boils down to how we deal with a situation.
Lastly I want to share how I live. I get the choice, as do we all, to ask the question in the morning and all during the day, is my cup half empty or half full. Sometimes it is half empty and I have to work harder to see that it is half full. I had a friend who went through a double mastectomy and the whole time it was about getting through all the steps she needed to to get healthy, she had 2 young kids to raise, she never dwelled on the negative (at least outwardly). 2 years ago I watched a friend pass away from a brain tumor and I used to wish that she would have fought harder and thought that her cup was still half full. I can only take away a lesson for myself, and try to raise my son to know that we all need to concentrate on positive energy, that is one way we can all help our bodies ( this is just my opinion, I am not a doctor!).
MARTINI truly believes that fun and philanthropy do not have to be mutually exclusive, and the brand is committed to spreading the word about the need for effective and efficient breast cancer research. The event celebrated strong and beautiful women and toasted to them with MARTINI Sparkling Rosé. To further support the cause, MARTINI donated $10,000 to Kristin Chenoweth’s charity, Maddie’s Corner, to be allocated to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Right Action For Women.
It was an uplifting and positive event and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate. And Miss Chenoweth was an absolute pleasure to listen to, she took all the questions we could throw at her and she was real. You have seen me on the blog and Facebook, I see celebs all the time, what a great honor to be with them as they give back to society, especially for this cause!
Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post.
You knew it was coming!
I really am so sorry that I missed this event. Kristin Chenoweth sounds like such an amazing lady.
I thought this event was fantastic also! The speakers were truly inspiring!
Here’s my recap: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/10/martini-moms-kristin-chenoweth-toast-to.html
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly
** Waving “HI” to Tracy **
Sounds like an inspiring event. Did you know that men can get breast cancer too? My grandfather had breast cancer. He had his left breast removed back in the 80’s. Back then they didn’t do suc a good job wtih minimizing scaring like they do now. He has a huge scar where his breast used to be.
MEN NEED TO CHECK THEMSELVES TOO!
Thank goodness no women in my paternal side of the family has had it (I don’t know anything about my maternal side). I hope and pray that I never have to find out.
I adore Kristin too. She’s so adorble! You are lucky to have met her.