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.
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.
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.
They soothe their souls with a deep relaxing hand massage.
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.
Our volunteers
And finally I would like to thank all of our gift bag sponsors:
Now, it is my honour to introduce you to the fabulous women of this year’s Forget for a Moment Makeover:
Allison
Amanda
Erin
Gina
Jen
Joy
Kathy
Kelly
Kim
Koko
Lindsay
Lisa
Marylies
Shannon
Stacey
~ Colleen
This post brings back memories of my ‘forget for a moment’ evening. What fun!
I have a lot of memories associated with my breast cancer diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Plenty of bad, but, surprisingly, plenty of good as well. Thank you, Colleen and all of your sponsors and volunteers, for adding to the good with your kindness and compassion.
You are so welcome, Natalie! So happy we met and have become good friends. A positive side effect of breast cancer!
Colleen,
Thank you so much for this event. Part of my journey started at Rinaldo’s with Claude shaving my head after my hair loss from chemo. I felt so honoured and rejuvenated from the special care we all received. This evening gave me the boost and confidence I needed to know my treatment will end soon.
I hope next year, I can help contribute and volunteer to those who follow us in our journeys.
Kelly
Kelly, I’m so happy you were able to attend this year’s makeover. You came full circle at Rinaldo’s. I will include you in my notes for next year as a potential volunteer. Take care. You’re almost there!
What a wonderful event. Everyone looks fabulous and so happy. I have lost my eyebrows and eyelashes and having trouble doing something with makeup that looks natural. Hugs to you all.
Peggy, it’s a challenge when you not only lose the hair on your head but your eyebrows and eyelashes too! You realize what a good job they do keeping things out of your eyes when you no longer have them. We have not been able to have a Forget for a Moment makeover in-person since before Covid. Last year we did one online. Hopefully, we can get back to it again soon. Will keep you in mind for the next one. Wishing you all the best with your treatments.