'Fighting Cancer is Always in Fashion!' event is a huge success
Advocate Lutheran General Hospital physicians, several of whom were named Chicago's Top Doctors by Chicago Magazine, and cancer survivors walked the runway in front of a sold-out crowd during the "Fighting Cancer is Always in Fashion!" event at the Sunset Ridge Country Club in Northfield.
The event raised nearly $150,000 for the Cancer Survivorship Center on Advocate Lutheran General Hospital's campus, which offers free exercise and wellness programs and classes, educational materials, wig fittings, and transportation to-and-from the center to Lutheran General Hospital patients diagnosed with cancer.
Dr. Lisa Laurent, president of the medical staff at Lutheran General Hospital, spearheaded organizing the event, along with co-chair Dr. Sigrun Hallmeyer, medical director of oncology services at Lutheran General Hospital and the Cancer Survivorship Center.
Dr. Laurent chose The Cancer Survivorship Center as the beneficiary of the event because it relies on philanthropy and charitable donations to remain operational and continue supporting survivors. Dr. Laurent said the journey to wellness after a cancer diagnosis begins with understanding what it means to be a survivor. The center helps individuals along that journey, making it an invaluable resource for the patients she said Lutheran General Hospital is privileged to serve.
"As the daughter of someone diagnosed with and treated for lymphoma at Lutheran General Hospital, I am very grateful for the amazing care my father received here. I know first-hand that cancer affects the patient, family members and loved ones who together are part of the healing journey," said Dr. Laurent. "Our center is a unique resource that provides so many valuable services, educational and life affirming activities, as well as love, support, and caring long after a cancer diagnosis is made."
Models walked the runway in clothes donated from boutiques and were treated to donated pre-show hair and makeups services as well. During the event, attendees bid on live and silent auction items.