NY Breast Reconstruction Associates Honor Patients' Journeys at The Uplifting Event

Breast cancer is too often synonymous with infinite physical and emotional turmoil, even for survivors. However, the breast reconstruction patients of Great Neck's NY Breast Reconstruction Associates/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PC have broken out of this proverbial confinement by harnessing the power of sisterhood support while undergoing reconstructive surgery from a uniquely skilled and caring group of plastic surgeons. Marking a significant milestone in their recovery and survival, hundreds of courageous women and men strutted their stuff on the red carpet and celebrated their lives during The Uplifting Event at Chateau Briand in Carle Place, N.Y.

The NY Breast Reconstruction Associates/Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PC staff understand how much their patients and patients’ families have to sacrifice during their mastectomy and breast reconstruction journeys. Their courage has tremendous influence on the entire medical team. Admiring their strength and resolve, Drs. Randall Feingold, Ron Israeli, Peter Korn, David Light and Jonathan Bank have invited their patients to celebrate the gift of the present and uplift one another during a life-changing evening of sharing, singing, and dancing.

“We believe The Uplifting Event is something special for our patients; something they deserve after a long road to recovery,” said Randall Feingold, MD, managing partner of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, PC. “The celebration represents our medical practice’s dedication to ensuring our patients are healthy, happy and whole again.”

The theme of the evening was “You Are the Champions.” Inspiring musical performances by the doctors and patients took turns in the spotlight with a runway featuring female and male models of courage now thriving after breast cancer. It was a special opportunity to reconnect for women in the Sisterhood of Support Group and for companions of patients in the Brotherhood of Support Group. Also, the Sisterhood of Support Awards were given to Mary Mahoney, RN, Senior Director Emergency Planning and Preparedness for Northwell Health, Teresa LaMonte, RN, Registered Nurse in Cardiology at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and Joyce Davis, RN, Nurse Navigator at Huntington Hospital, for their devotion of time and resources to help women facing mastectomy and reconstruction.

When Mollie Sugarman, Clinical Director of NY Breast Reconstruction Associates’ Patient Empowerment Program, launched The Uplifting Event six years ago, it had an undeniable impact on both the patients and the medical team. Convinced celebration is a crucial component to successful recoveries, the group is proud to host events like this one and others that uplift the spirit.

“I initially felt self-conscious about attending the event on my own,” said JoAnn, breast reconstruction patient. “I walked in not knowing anyone and left with 20 new sisters. There was an instant reaching out, warm energy, and connection.”

The event raised more than $14,000 for the Breast Cancer Awareness Fund, a program of the Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation. In other acts of altruism, guests took photos in front of a step and repeat banner with boxing gloves and received their photo as a gift from Gil Sacks of JoArt Photography, a patient’s grateful spouse who wanted to give back. Everyone received product gift bags from a new toxin-free skin care line, Beterre Skin Care, created by former patient and thriver Gina Maisano, Dr. Feingold and Dr. Israeli.