Print

Email story

Comment

Letter to the editor

On the town

By MARY JANE PARK, Times Staff Writer
Published October 7, 2007

10.04.07

Elizabeth edwards talks about pain, loneliness of cancer

If she were a rock star, Elizabeth Edwards' current series of appearances promoting health and wellness could be called her Stayin' Alive tour.

At a luncheon to benefit the Breast Center at St. Anthony's Health Care, Edwards talked not of politics, but of the loneliness, indignity and physical pain many breast cancer patients experience, even as they are supported by family members, friends and medical experts.

Her breast cancer was diagnosed in 2004; she announced this year that it was back, after treatment and remission.

Programs like St. Anthony's, which she toured earlier in the day, offer a range of screening, diagnosis, treatment and counseling, even "navigators" who can help patients through sometimes complicated processes, she said.

Patrons at the fundraiser, held at the Hilton St. Petersburg Carillon Park, gave Edwards two standing ovations. Before the luncheon, she signed copies of her book, Saving Graces: Finding Solace and Strength From Friends and Strangers.

"I was overwhelmed by the lines of support that were cast out to me when I was at sea," Edwards told the group.

Bettye Black led the event, which also raised money to provide breast health screenings for uninsured and underinsured patients. Also present were Robert Sherman, executive director of the St. Anthony's Health Care Foundation, and William Ulbricht, president of St. Anthony's Health Care.

A night earlier, Fred and Barbara McCoy were hosts for a private reception honoring Mrs. Edwards.

09.26.07

Members of the St. Anthony's Hospital Auxiliary raised about $18,000 through "Autumn Fantasy," a luncheon and fashion show featuring fall trends from Stein Mart. It was the 55th anniversary for the yearly event, chaired by Pat Howells.

Runway models in the ballroom at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club included Joann Barger, Mary Ellen Conte, Arlette Ferguson, Mary Phyllis Hart, Dr. Vanessa Hart, Kim Horstman, Connie Whitehead, Dr. Paul Steven Collins, William Ulbricht and Dr. Julio Warren.

Costumed heirloom dolls from the hospital's gift shop, embellished with flowers by Priscilla Hobby, were featured in table centerpieces, and patrons scurried to buy them as keepsakes, Howells said.

* * *

The Queen's Court, which raises money for charities through its Queen of Hearts Ball, seeks nominations of outstanding female community volunteers for the Queen's Court. Information and resumes: 864-1338 after Oct. 15. Resumes must be received by Jan. 5. The 50th anniversary ball, scheduled March 1 at the Hilton St. Petersburg Bayfront, will benefit the Breast Center at St. Anthony's and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic.

* * *

A dress once owned by the late Princess Diana is on display at A Corner of England/Festive Occasions, 6927 Central Ave., for a few weeks. The idea is to help raise money for breast cancer research, treatment and education, said Thelma Halway, who is timing her showcase to coincide with "Diana: Dresses for a Cause," an exhibition of the princess' dresses scheduled for Oct. 14 through Dec. 30 at the Appleton Museum of Art in Ocala.

The red and black flamenco-style ball gown in St. Petersburg was designed by Murray Arbeid for Diana to wear on a trip to Spain in 1987. It is on loan to the tearoom from the collection of Susanne and Jess King.

[Last modified October 7, 2007, 01:43:08]