I ditched the scarf and tossed the wig, in a major step for me I appeared in public, bald! I had a gala event to attend from the generosity of the Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Foundation. I borrowed a dress, on such short notice of the event I had no time to thrift something amazing and wore this classic black taffeta number with silver embroidery. None of my scarves felt right so I decided to embrace the event and wear my natural self for all to see.
Some of you may be familiar with the Carol M. Baldwin BCR Fund of CNY, for others, I'll give a bit of background. In the late 1980's Carol, mother to Alec, Daniel, William, Stephen, Beth and Jane, developed breast cancer and as a result of her experiences dedicated the rest of her life to helping raise money to support research to find a cure. The "Night to Remember Gala" is the event where they raise funds, thank sponsors and name research grants to Upstate University Hospital (my treatment center) in memory of courageous women who have personally fought against breast cancer.
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My husband and I |
My husband got a call on Wednesday from Beth Baldwin-Keuchler saying she had two complementary tickets to the event and would like to surprise me; would we like to go? Yes, you bet! So it was a fun night with silent auctions, dinner, drinks (not me) and a band with dancing. There were about 850 people in attendance and I met Carol Baldwin herself, granddaughter Jackie Baldwin-Keuchler, who runs the daily work of the foundation and Daniel Baldwin as master of ceremonies as well as many other great people. I heard some amazing stories and sat at a dinner table with the radiologist that preform my initial breast biopsy, a local news anchor and a Colgate alum! I had a great evening out with my husband and also felt quite well one day after my chemotherapy treatment. With all this talk at home of baldwins and baldness, my daughter now thinks I should change my name to Bald-win because I'm bald....haha!
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With Jackie |
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With Daniel
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Dress: borrowed
Jacket: Cold Water Creek-thrifted
Necklace and Earring: Gifts from my husband