The 2024 Breast Fest organizaing Committee are some of the hardest working women in this community, they are, from the left: Wilma Timmons, Stephanie Stokner, Charlene Clarke, Linda Smith, Tammilee Gillis, Rose MacDougall, Karen Mullins, Tara MacDonnell, Shannon Beaton and Lindsay MacIsaac-Ryan.
October 9, 2024
-by April MacDonald
“Take care of your boobs, wave them fondly, and flaunt them – big or small!” – Carmella MacIsaac, guest speaker and three-time cancer survivor.
You’ve likely heard it from a mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, daughter, or best friend, that while sitting in a doctor’s office, after being told “you have breast cancer” the world stops spinning.
It is a punch that is almost too much to process; and, as explained by Carmella MacIsaac during this year’s Breast Fest last Friday evening, she said that 2600 women in Canada will be told this news this year, that “you have breast cancer.”
“But today it is treatable and can even be curable,” added MacIsaac.
Co-founder of the event, Lindsay MacIsaac-Ryan, said, when introducing her counterpart and co-founder, Rose MacDougall, that she would try not to cry.
Ryan explained that being on any committee is hard work, “but Rose rallies us.”
She paused and said, what can I say but, “She’s Rose.”
Rose recalled the very first Breast Fest that was held at the former Casual Gourmet restaurant down at the Beach Village in Inverness; 25 years ago…and the rest was history and a lot of hard work.
Lyndsey Drozdowski, RN and Palliative Care Consultant nurse at the Inverness Consolidated Memorial Hospital, took the stage and explained her position as a Palliative Care nurse, “whether we work in hospitals, long-term care facilities, or in homes in the community. You’ll find us from Margaree to Whycocomagh to Judique,” she explained. Drozdowski spoke to dealing with cancer patient’s pain and symptoms and that money raised from events like this go towards travel as there are multiple appointments anywhere from Sydney, Antigonish, and Halifax.
Patients also need equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and items to make their home and living space more comfortable or safer.
“There are also nutritional needs, medications that are not covered. Therefore, the money raised goes a long way,” said Drozdowski.
She closed by thanking the committee, volunteers, and all those who donated items and to those who attended the 25th anniversary event.
Taking the stage next was one of Inverness’s most beloved matriarchs, Carmella MacIsaac, who kindness, compassion, wit, and charm know no bounds. She is also a cancer survivor, and a honourary member of the Breast Fest Committee.
“Congratulations Breast Fest for 25 years. Rose and Lindsay put on the first Breast Fest upstairs of the Casual Gourmet. It was a small group of women and what I remember, it was very classy,” said MacIsaac.
“Twenty-five years ago I had my first mastectomy and I was 56 years old. She [Rose] invited me to her event and my coming there boosted my morale during this very frightening time. Today, they continue to raise money and every dollar raised stays in Cape Breton,” explained MacIsaac.
“But we must stay diligent, early detection is how you survive,” she added.
MacIsaac said that in 2022, she had her second mastectomy, “and that really saved my life as due to a CT scan, lung cancer was detected and treated and I can say that today, I am cancer free.”
After this, there was not a dry eye in the house and all the women rose to their feet for a standing ovation for MacIsaac.
“We are so grateful for this event and for these women,” said MacIsaac. “Thank you so much girls, you are my heroes,” she added.
MacIsaac asked the committee members to stand to receive their own standing ovation. “Take care of your boobs, wave them fondly, and flaunt them – big or small,” closed Carmella MacIsaac, guest speaker and three-time cancer survivor.
Colin Ogden did his fire act and lit basically every part of his body on fire and spoke to his “Stair Challenge” should anyone wish to donate to that cause, they can look it up.
There was a live and silent auction, raffle tickets and 50/50, door prizes, and pink carnations for all.
Rose MacDougall, as per usual, made the most delectable spread of appetizers for the event and love, compassion, and female camaraderie filled the evening air.
That night they raised approximately $11,000. $5,500 goes directly to palliative care in Inverness; $5,500 goes to the Titz and Glitz organization, who matches what was raised.
Events like these are successful due to the love and hard work from caring community members who rally and step up to make our lives and communities the places we love to live.
Congratulations on 25 years of making lives better for those who are likely going through the hardest time of theirs.
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