Photos by Anna Epp Photography

In early March, we held the 4th Annual Forget for a Moment Makeover for 15 women living with breast cancer.

This event fills my heart with so much joy and gratitude. These women are amazing, full of grace, humility, honesty, humour, strength, resilience, and determination. The air was filled with love, laughter, and the celebration of living life to the fullest despite having breast cancer.

When I approached Fiorella Di Nardo more than 4 years ago, she was immediately on board offering her beautiful salon and staff to make my vision for this event come to life. Rinaldo Hair Designers in the Market, all white and gleaming, is the perfect backdrop for a special evening of pampering. When the women walk in, they are blown away. This is not a sterile examination room at the hospital. It makes them forget for just a moment what they are going through.

Every year I am in awe of the women who show up for themselves and for others. The support and story telling and sharing of experiences is so powerful. When they have their hair styled or their scalp massaged, and their makeup done, they are absolutely glowing from the inside out and it shows in their portraits.

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

This event lifts the spirits of all involved, not only the makeover participants, but the volunteers. Fiorella and her wonderful staff are so caring and thoughtful with the ladies. They look forward to this evening every year.

 

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Fiorella and the staff at Rinaldo

The staff of Holtz Spa are equally as wonderful with the ladies. They gently and skillfully apply their makeup giving them a natural healthy glow.

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

They soothe their souls with a deep relaxing hand massage.

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Since the beginning Thyme & Again Catering has generously donated the hors d’oeuvres and desserts for the evening. This year Bridgehead on Rideau provided the coffee and tea.

For the 2nd year in a row, Anna Epp was our official photographer. Anna generously donates her time and services and is amazing with these breast cancer champions. She takes her time and makes them feel comfortable and then captures their true essence and beauty. When you see their portraits, I’m sure you’ll agree.

Many of the women who attend want to come back the following year as a volunteer and sponsor of the gift bags. Ardin Sasmito participated in the very first Forget for a Moment in 2016 and has returned every year since then as a volunteer and gift bag sponsor. She also works at Thyme & Again Catering and helps prepare the food for the evening. Sue Deluney was a participant last year and wanted to come back this year to experience the evening on the other side. Women who have been there want to give back and support others in their journey.

Theresa Flaherty was my angel here on earth when I was going through my breast cancer treatments. She volunteers every year at this makeover. She tirelessly works in the background, setting up, cleaning up, and being there for the women.

This year, I was excited to have my sister Linda here. She is from Thunder Bay and has heard so much about this special evening over the years. She was touched by these women and their drive and determination.

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Our volunteers

And finally I would like to thank all of our gift bag sponsors:

Ardin Sasmito
Sue Deluney
Heidi McLaren of Wanderlust Scarves
LeeAnn Lessard of Lachesis Publishing
Patty Searl of Clean POV
Terra20 who has donated beautifully wrapped gift boxes every year since the beginning
Trish Rossiter of Meraki Mosiacs
All of these people and local businesses generously donate their time, services, products, and handmade gifts with so much love and appreciation. Giving to others is alive and well in this world.

Now, it is my honour to introduce you to the fabulous women of this year’s Forget for a Moment Makeover:

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Allison

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Amanda

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Erin

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Gina

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Jen

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Joy

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Kathy

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Kelly

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Kim

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Koko

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Lindsay

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Lisa

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Marylies

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Shannon

2019 Forget for a Moment Makeover, Photo by Anna Epp Photography

Stacey

As with all life threatening illnesses, there are those that leave us. Three of the ladies who attended last year’s event passed away this year. We hold them in our hearts and continue on in celebration of their lives.

Fiorella and I are already discussing next year’s event. It will be our 5 year anniversary. We want to make it an extra special celebration. Stay tuned in 2020…

~ Colleen