FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – So eagerly anticipated was the event, the room at the Hammock Dunes Club was packed with 180 attendees, with a waitlist. After all it’s not every day ladies get to see their friends modeling the latest fashion and accessories while supporting the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation’s efforts.
Designs were coordinated by longtime Chez Jacqueline store manager Shara Brodsky, who has earned a reputation among the well-heeled crowd for her stylish fashion shows and keen eye. The show’s theme, “We Believe In Miracles” invited guests to wear colors representing a particular cancer, and event chair Peggy Wald wore pastel blue in honor of her husband’s battle with prostate cancer.
Funds raised benefit the Freytag Cancer Center, and philanthropist Sue Freytag was on hand to enjoy the event and show her support.
“I think Advent has been so helpful getting this cancer center in Palm Coast. It’s really needed,” she said.
“When we moved here 23 years ago, we moved from Illinois, the Midwest, at that time, we supported our community there. But this is our community here and so we want to support it,” said Freytag.
“It’s kind of selfish. We want good medical help for us along with the community and for this cancer center, you can have it diagnosed, treated, and the whole ball of wax right here and not have to leave the community.”
Noted oncologist Dr. Padmaja Sai of the Florida Cancer Specialists and Research Institute, shared the story of working with the Freytags on a new treatment that saved Peter Freytag’s life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer.
It’s those cutting-edge treatments Dr. Sai said, that is changing the landscape for survivors.
“This new facility marks a new chapter in the fight against cancer for this community by providing personalized treatments, ground-breaking research, and advanced technologies,” said Dr. Sai.
The star-studded fashion show was made up of the community’s real rock stars, cancer survivors, who stepped forward to help raise awareness among their friends for the Freytag Cancer Center and all AdventHealth Palm Coast is doing to further quality care for the community.
“It’s just unbelievable. In the past you had to go to Daytona, Jacksonville. To have it right here,” mused Peggy Wald. “My husband Michael passed away 14 years ago from prostate cancer, and I really feel like if we had these facilities then, he might still be here. Everybody is just thrilled with it, so call the foundation and set up a tour.”
Working side by side with Wald to create the event, AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation team member Pam Bolter greeted each guest with gratitude.
“It is phenomenal to see the support of all these beautiful women in our community coming out to celebrate cancer survivors and thrivers, and to see the support for the Freytag Cancer Center which is where the funds are going to go for from today’s event,” said Bolter.
“We’re always looking at making the patient, family experience more comfortable. It’s just amazing.”
The event raised $23,000 for the AdventHealth Palm Coast Foundation to support the Freytag Cancer Center.
For more information on the AdventHealth PalmCoast Foundation, visit www.adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealth-foundation-east-florida/palm-coast-foundation.
