Social life in Santa Maria often occurs in clumps.
At some times of the year, there will be a flurry of happenings—so much going on that a hobnobber could be out every night and sometimes in the afternoons, too.
April and May this year were like that. I was swept up in a swell of hobnobbing opportunities.
One of the really special events I attended and didn’t get to report on was something worth acknowledging and beneficial to many.
The Teal Journey Ovarian Cancer Foundation held its second annual Fashion Show and Luncheon on Saturday, April 22, at the Santa Maria Inn.
Before you say, oh that’s old news, read on. In this instance, old news is better than no news.
On this occasion, Dr. Cheryl Decker, director of survivorship and supportive care at Mission Hope Cancer Center, talked to us about ovarian cancer and genetic testing.
The most startling piece of info she imparted was that even if a woman has had her ovaries removed, she can still get ovarian cancer. That was a shocker to those in the audience who thought they were home free. This certainly comes under the information category of “good to know.”
Dr. Decker was terrific. Assisted by Kim Neace, nurse navigator at Mission Hope, she used a question and answer format. Instead of giving us a pre-planned talk on ovarian cancer, she immediately took questions from the attendees. These had been collected early on with index cards.
Dr. Decker also knows a lot about hereditary cancers and genetic testing, which can help determine your chances of getting a type of cancer that runs in your family. People can use genetic information to make health care decisions. That was part of the discussion.
About 160 were in attendance, and I guarantee you, audience interest was intense.
We were thankful to Cristine Sinco, one of the founders of the Teal Journey, for her contribution to health information. Cristine is a retired nurse who took on the role of advocate as a tribute to her mother who died of ovarian cancer. She has since been a fierce and resolute advocate of ovarian cancer education.
We need to be empowered in taking charge of our own health, and the Teal Journey certainly helps us do that.
But the day wasn’t all serious stuff.
Modeling very attractive fashions from Deasee’s Boutique in Orcutt were Leigh Shore Collier, Blanche Fugate, and Mary Buchanan Hernandez.
Lynne Fernbaugh, Sandra Dickerson, Jan Bartleson, Bodil Cudd, and Pam Gobel graced us with their presence. Olivia Alvarez came from Guadalupe with her mom. Jed Beebe was there too.
The fashion show was well done—very professional, with background music and a brisk pace. Tickets were $50 for this sellout show.
Pink is the color that signifies breast cancer, and teal is the color that represents ovarian cancer. There was tons of teal in the room. Teal dresses, teal hats, teal everything. Teal accents on the tables added to the feeling that we were in a sea of blue-green. Complimentary champagne was at every table. Such a nice touch!
The Ovarian Cancer Foundation has a fundraising golf tournament at the Santa Maria Country Club coming up in September. I know I will check it out and see what enticements are in store.
If you want to hobnob with Helen, you may contact her at column151@gmail.com.
This article appears in Jul 6-13, 2017.