runway
for acause
Jimmie Lou Fisher
4-MONTH SURVIVOR
AY M A G . C O M . 2 3
From the Chairwoman
Beyond committee; and I cannot express my good fortune in being associated with
this important event.
COTTON
Runway has afforded me the opportunity to do SOMETHING about
breast cancer. My diagnosis made me feel powerless, and I desperately
11525 Cantrell Rd 10700 North needed to direct my energies toward fighting the disease. I desired control,
Pleasant Ridge Rodney Parham Rd and as my family and friends will tell you, I like to be in control! Runway
Shopping Center Little Rock
has provided me with a much-needed sense of direction.
I have enjoyed every minute of my time as chair. I admire our committee
because it is an all-volunteer group that produces a fabulous local fashion
show — arguably a full-time job from March to September — while
working and taking care of their families. We ask a lot of ourselves because
we are passionate about this event. That long-standing committee members
choose to remain active year after year is a testament to our love for Runway.
5913 Kavanaugh • Little Rock While this year’s economic climate presented fund-raising challenges, our
501.661.4696 • proposalsboutique.com
sponsorship committee, under the gracious guidance of Shirley Davis,
We salute our friend and employee overcame these challenges to raise money for our charitable recipients who
breast cancer survivor
Betsy Kemp treat Arkansans fighting breast cancer. Additionally, Runway would not be
possible without Vicki and her wonderful AY staff, who juggle our constant
committee demands and publish a great monthly magazine.
I hope my marks on Runway this year are ones of organization and
creativity so future shows may be even better. However, for me, 2009 will
be hard to top because of the benefits I have reaped working with the finest
group of ladies in Little Rock in this worthy pursuit.
Thank you, 2009 Runway committee, for your dedication and hard
work. Thank you to my family, Scott, Ella and Mary Scott, for your love
and support.
2 4 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 2 5
Contributors
KYLE G. MCLAUGHLIN
is the founder of studio
kgm, a commercial pho-
tography studio. While
working on his BFA, he
began an internship, that
11525 Cantrell Road | Little Rock | 501.225.7807 became an assistant-
pleasantridgetowncenter.com ship, which led to him
starting his own studio.
Some of his more noteworthy shoots have graced
the pages of American Photo, Cosmo Girl, and
Seventeen magazines. In his down time, Kyle
teaches classes at the Arkansas Arts Center and
Big City Shopping … works on personal projects to keep his artistic
passions thriving.
closer than you think!
{ {
VICKI KOVALESKI
Be sure to visit the Susan A watercolorist,
G. Komen “Race Space” designer and in-
opened at Pleasant Ridge structor, Kovaleski
October 2nd thru the 16th earned her Fine
Arts degree from
the University of
Arkansas at Little
Rock in 1990. Years later, a pivotal entry into a
prestigious art competition earned her the high-
est honor from Juror Janet Fish, affirming and
unleashing her passion. She is a former presi-
dent and active member of the Mid-Southern
Watercolor Society, a member of The National
Portrait Society, and has studied with many inter-
nationally famed authors and artists.
TRACY COURAGE is a
public relations professional
and freelance journalist.
She worked as a reporter
and editor for 15 years at
daily newspapers, including
eight years at the Arkansas
Democrat-Gazette. She
left newspapers in 2006 to
work in public relations at Pulaski Technical College.
She lives in North Little Rock with her husband,
Peter, and their 4-year-old daughter, Madison.
THE ARKANSAS
STUDIES INSTITUTE
served as the back-
drop of our Runway
model photo shoot.
We are grateful to their
staff, especially Holly
Mathisen, Kathryn
Heller and Colin Thompson for letting us invade
their space, drink their coffee and take over the
"dressing rooms."
2 6 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 2 7
Mailbag
You have again proven your commitment to { Models from the 2008 Runway for a Cause
the Arkansas Affiliate of Susan G. Komen holding up signs noting their years of survival.
for the Cure. Thank you so much for all your
hard work in making the 2008 Runway for equipment and other items that guarantee
a Cause such a success. Your willingness and our patients receive the best treatment
enthusiasm to help pull this event together possible.
resulted in one incredible fundraiser!
Your $10,000 contribution will be greatly Kathi Jones
President, CARTI Foundation
appreciated throughout the state as grants
Little Rock, Arkansas
are funded to educate, screen and treat this
deadly disease. Please pass on our thanks to
It’s been many months since Runway for
all who participated in the event.
a Cause 2008, but I wanted you to know,
Elizabeth Clark your event is still making a difference in at
Financial & Missions Director least one life … mine! The Nurse Navigator
Komen for the Cure, Arkansas Affiliate Project at Baptist Health Medical Center is
my lifeline to hope and to recovery. Laurie,
Thank you for your 2008 financial support. the Baptist Nurse Navigator, has been much
The gifts that Runway for a Cause and other more than a caregiver; she’s a friend, someone
donors entrusted to the Central Arkansas I can call in the middle of the night if I have
Radiation Therapy Institute (CARTI) to. Thank goodness for programs like this and
Foundation helped us serve some 2,500 people like Laurie, and thank goodness for
cancer patients last year … CARTI has organizations like yours that can fund these
helped bring the fight to cancer for 33 years. programs. It’s been one year; I’m cancer free,
CARTI Foundation’s role in that fight is and I really owe it all to the Nurse Navigator
to raise money to support CARTI and program at Baptists and to [Runway].
our cancer patients. Your gifts provide an
array of assistance in education and support Cindy, a breast cancer survivor
programs for patients as well as money for via Baptist Health Foundation
2 8 . O C TOBER 2009
Congratulations on another fantastic Runway
for a Cause. As a survivor, I have a great
appreciation for what all of you are doing to
support these great causes. It was an honor to
be a model for several Runways, and I have
attended every year. Keep up the great work.
Thank you.
Cathy Clowers
Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
Gina Grace
Moore Stephens Frost
Little Rock, Arkansas
Robbie Davis
Conway, Arkansas
Joann Vaughn
Special Touch Catering
Little Rock, Arkansas
AY M A G . C O M . 2 9
2009 Runway Committee
2009 RUNWAY COMMITTEE: (Back row from left) Vicki Vowell, Laura Davis, Barbara Freeling, Sharon Heflin; (Second row from left) Carrie Hurley,
Bev Eberle, Anne Marie Gibbs, Evelyn Menz, Emily Wilson, Gerri House, Wanda Valacahovic; (Third row from left) Kristi Moody, Carey Hill, Cherry
Landfair, Toni Lazenby; (Front row from left) Rosanne Boyd, Cathy Gammill, Stacy-Lynn Hobby, Penny Burkhalter. Not pictured: Linda Newbern,
Becky Bien, Gayle Maloch, Lynn Corley, Shannon McKinney and Pam Drilling.
A Word of Thanks
Our committee members are a formidable group. Special thanks to: Kristi Moody our chair, the most
organized woman I know; Carey Hill, co-chair, for her attention to detail; Penny Burkhalter and Pam
Drilling for their job coordinating retailers; Stacy-Lynn Hobby, Gerri House and Cherry Landfair for
recruiting our beautiful models; Evelyn Menz for her insight into music; Lynn Corley for arranging
beautiful decorations; Laura Davis and Cathy Gammill for spreading the word; Bev Eberle and Becky
Bien for securing magnificent items and escorts; Ann Marie Gibbs, Carrie Hurley and Emily Wilson
for logistics; Sharon Heflin and Gayle Maloch for gathering plenty of volunteers; Barbara Freeling for
producing a great show; Shannon McKinney for a delivering a delicious menu; Linda Newbern for
mapping it all out; and Rhonda Penn, AY office administrator, for keeping us all on schedule. Much
gratitude to the sponsorship committee: Rosanne Boyd for her extra effort; Toni Lazenby for her
exceptional ability to raise money; Wanda Valachovic for her continued support; for all the women
on our committees who helped raise money; and to Shirley Davis, my friend, who reminds me that
friends, family and laughter will get you through.
P.S. We would like to thank the Arkansas Studies Institute at 401 President Clinton Ave., in Little Rock
for allowing us to use their beautiful facilities for our fashion photo shoot.
3 0 . O C TOBER 2009
Symbolizing courage, strength and above all hope, the pink ribbon is recognized
worldwide as the emblem of the fight against breast cancer. Cecil’s has captured this
spirit in a gold and diamond ribbon pendant hand crafted by C.Y. Sheng.
We at Cecil’s have created a jeweled tribute to commemorate those who have lost
the battle with breast cancer, and to celebrate with those who have beaten this terrible
disease. This symbolic diamond studded ribbon will be awarded to a Breast Cancer
Survivor at the Survivor Luncheon following the race.
AY M A G . C O M . 3 1
3 2 . O C TOBER 2009
Where the Money Goes
S
2008 RECIPIENTS
ince its inception, Runway for a Cause
has raised more than $716,000. We
cannot thank our sponsors, volunteers,
donors and models enough for their
continued support. Each year, we have
supported some of the state’s most worthy
organizations as they champion the effort
to defeat breast cancer. With your generous
support, Runway for a Cause 2008 made the
following donations: $30,000 to the Baptist
Tribute
Health Foundation Nurse Navigator
Program, which pairs breast cancer Paying
patients and RNs one-on-one to help
patients manage their healthcare through
follow-ups, instruction, monitoring and
care to help arrest breast cancer; $30,000
to CARTI (Central Arkansas Radiation to
Therapy Institute) Foundation Health
& Wellness Strategies for breast cancer
Family
patients, which includes their Cancer Well- Friends
Fit program; $30,000 to The 20th Century &
Club, which provides housing for breast and
other cancer patients who travel to Little
Patients
Rock for treatment and cannot afford to pay
who have had
for lodging during treatment; and $10,000
to the Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. Komen
breast cancer
Penny Burkhalter, Bev Eberle, Kristi Moody, for the Cure.
Pam Drilling, Paula Pistorius, breast cancer
survivor and dosimetrist, Kathi Jones, president,
CARTI Foundation, Shirley Davis and Emily If your organization would like to be a recipient of the
with much love,
Wilson. Kristi Moody (center), with Missy Lewis
(left) and Elise Siegler, Baptist Health Foundation.
proceeds from 2010’s Runway for a Cause event, Liz Clouse
Penny Burkhalter and Sheila Vaught, Komen. contact AY: Runway for a Cause, c/o AY Magazine, 910
Bev Eberle, Vicki Vowell and Dana Kleine, W. Second St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201.
campaign chair, The 20th Century Club.
AY M A G . C O M . 3 3
A Unique Approach
to cosmetic surgery
" … never forget the fact that we
are partners in this venture."
3 4 . O C TOBER 2009
women
(Seated, from left) Terri Parker West, Patricia Brown and Jimmie Lou Fisher, (Standing from left) Karen Trevino, Stephanie Flaherty,
Dale Ronnel, Jan Smithson, Nicole Francis, Evelyn McKenna, Karen White and Phyllis Watkins.
2009 RUNWAY
ay magazine's
FOR A CAUSE
A diagnosis of breast cancer can be devastating
to an individual and her family; however, many discover
It’s with great pride, we present 11 women
of various ages and vocations and in various
strength in the face of adversity and become empowered stages of recovery … each graceful, joyful
… finding that cancer has no power unless it is given. and powerful. 3
AY M A G . C O M . 3 5
Patricia Brown, 51
4-year breast cancer survivor
Executive Director,
Fort Smith Classic — Nationwide Tour
3 6 . O C TOBER 2009
Jimmie Lou Fisher, 67
(but my spirit is 35)
4-month breast cancer survivor
Senior Education Instructor for
Attorney General Dustin McDaniel
AY M A G . C O M . 3 7
Stephanie Flaherty, 37
8-month breast cancer survivor
Dentist
3 8 . O C TOBER 2009
Nicole Francis, 36
two-time, 1-year breast cancer survivor
Literacy Specialist
AY M A G . C O M . 3 9
Evelyn McKenna, 40
7-year breast cancer survivor
HRIS Manager for Stephens Inc.
4 0 . O C TOBER 2009
Dale Ronnel, 70
(and I’m still surprised when I have to say that!)
3-year breast cancer survivor
Community Volunteer
AY M A G . C O M . 4 1
Jan Smithson, 46
5-year breast cancer survivor
Pharmaceutical Sales Management
4 2 . O C TOBER 2009
Karen Trevino, 49
currently undergoing treatment
Executive Director,
North Little Rock Visitors Bureau
AY M A G . C O M . 4 3
Phyllis Watkins, 63
7-year survivor
Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Arkansas
4 4 . O C TOBER 2009
Terri Parker West, 54
two-time, 10-year breast cancer survivor
Creative Director/Designer
AY M A G . C O M . 4 5
Karen White, 56
12-year breast cancer survivor
Sales Support Assistance for Publishing,
AT&T Advertising Solutions
4 6 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 4 7
Generous
Gems
O 6.60 ct tw diamond, 14k
white gold earrings, provided
by Sissy’s Log Cabin.
4 8 . O C TOBER 2009
Kiss My
FFANY!
No, it’s not a typo! FFANY, the Fashion
Footwear Association of New York, each
year, for 15 years, has hosted the FFANY
Shoes on Sale on QVC, and this year
promises to be FFANtastic as always. For
three shoe-lovin’ hours Oct.13, QVC will
offer more than 100,000 pairs of designer
shoes at half price. For the entire month
of October, the network will present a
Shoe of the Day. The net proceeds,
which have yielded more than $30 million
cumulatively, will benefit breast cancer
research and education at eight worthy
institutions including the Winthrop P.
Rockefeller Cancer Institute of the University
of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS).
This is not the first year, UAMS has received
money from FFANY; however, for several
years, the center was not a recipient.
“We invited representatives from QVC
and FFANY to visit us and witness our
passion and relentless pursuit in the cure of
cancer,” said Rachelle Sanders, executive
director for the institute’s foundation. That
meeting included many of the researchers
and heavy hitters in the breast cancer
fight including Drs. Rhonda Henry-Tillman,
Thomas Kieber Emmons and Suzanne
Klimberg.
Klimberg is just one of the doctors
whose projects have used funds from
FFANY. “She’s a true warrior,” Sanders said.
“She always says ‘there’s got to be a better
way.’”
Klimberg’s outside-of-the-box thinking
has lead her to pioneer several projects,
such as Spit for the Cure; Tears for Life; and
her ground-breaking ARM (Axillary Reverse
Mapping) procedure, which prevents
lymphedema (swelling of the arms due to STOP FIGHTING OVER
faulty drainage of the lymph nodes); and THE LAST ISSUE OF AY!
eRFA, “a procedure that gives patients a
cancer-free area around the site where
their cancerous tumor was removed, so a
second surgery in the area is unnecessary.”
This year’s celebrity spokesperson for
the FFANY Shoes on Sale event is Jessica
Simpson. Her line of shoes is just one of
those that will be featured. For more info
tune into QVC on Oct. 13. AYMAG.COM/GO/SUBSCRIBE
AY M A G . C O M . 4 9
Resource Guide
O
FEINSTEIN’S
Jill Ricciardone, owner
Our models' fashions include some of this fall's hottest styles. Here's how you 5600 Kavanaugh Blvd.
Little Rock, AR 72207
can get their look from head to toe ... bling included. Thank you, retailers, for (501) 664-7330
helping our models feel like the glamorous superstars they are! Deco geometric print blazer with coordinating tank and pant by Basler, exclusively at Feinstein’s, onyx
and rings necklace by Lordane; provided by Feinstein’s.
B. BARNETT
VESTA’S Marisa Ensiminger, owner
Melissa Tanner, Owner 8201 Cantrell Road
11525 Cantrell Road Suite 280
Suite 610 Little Rock, AR 72227
Little Rock, AR 72212 (501) 223-2514
(501) 375-7820 bbarnett.com
vestasboutique.com
Royal blue scrunch tee, $99, royal blue and grey stripe skirt, $160, menswear button blazer, $206, all by Pintuck cotton jersey turtleneck, $105, by Gerard Darel, Lombard pant with side zip in black, $498,
Dick & Jayne, provided by Vesta’s. 4.44ct oval tanzanite and 1.21 ct diamond pendant with three natural birdseye tweed jacket with detachable fox shawl collar, $1,698, both by Ralph Lauren Black Label, graphite
black pearls, 16-inch Omega choker; 2.75 ct diamond, 18kt white gold ring and “Marquis Line” 14.31 shoe boot, $375, by Donald Pliner, provided by B. Barnett. 18k yellow gold onyx dragonball earrings with
ct diamond, 18kt white gold bracelet, both by Roberto Coin; Lady Rolex stainless-steel watch with 18kt tassels, 18k yellow gold multi-dragonball necklace, 18k yellow gold dragonball necklace, 18K yellow gold
white gold bezel, mother-of-pear diamond dial, Jubilee bracelet; 2.50 ct diamond dangle earrings, by jade ring accented with diamonds and sapphires, all by Lagos; provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin.
Simon G, provided by Newton’s Jewelers.
PROPOSALS
Dawne Vandiver, Shannon Aston, owners
5913 Kavanaugh Blvd.
FLETCHER & BENSKY FURS
Little Rock, AR 72207
11401 Rodney Parham Road
(501) 661-4696
Little Rock, AR 72212
proposalsboutique.com
(501) 225-9000
fletcherandbenskyfurs.com
Wool ottoman suit with ruffled, beaded jacket and neckline in black, $820, by Teri Jon, black evening bag,
Ranch-sheared mink coat with a natural chinchilla collar, $10,000, provided by Fletcher-Bensky Furs. $170, provided by Proposals. 1.67 tcw diamond pendant, on black diamond necklaces, 2.5 ctw diamond
18k white gold, 3.52 ct tw bezel set diamond earrings, 14k white gold ring with 1.95 tw center diamond pave set dinner ring, platinum and diamond 1.25 cushion-cut diamond ring with diamond pave accents,
accented with pave diamonds, provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin. by Henry Daussi; provided by Lauray’s The Diamond Center.
Purple check jumper dress, $398, cashmere ruffle-sleeve turtleneck, $428, both by Burberry, over-the-knee Stretch, ruched taffeta blouse with brooch, $99, and trumpet skirt, $99, both by KM Collections Woman,
zip-up boot, $598, by Stuart Weitzman; provided by Barbara Jean. Rose gold and bronze ring with pear- rhinestone evening sandal, “Midnight,” $79, by Gianni Bini; provided by Dillard’s. Jewelry: 6.50 cts
shaped citrine, rose gold, bronze and steel earrings with citrine, rose gold and bronze cuff bracelet, rose diamond 18kt white gold bangle bracelet, by Odelia, 1.66 ct diamond and 1.85 ct sapphire 18kt white
gold, bronze and steel necklace, all by Rebecca; provided by Cecil’s Fine Jewelry. gold ring; provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers.
BARBARA GRAVES
INTIMATE FASHIONS NEW TRADITIONS
Barbara Graves,owner Gayle Rule, owner
10301 Rodney Parham Road 1920 N. Grant St.
Little Rock, AR 72227 Little Rock, AR 72204
(501) 227-5537 (501) 663-2388
barbaragraves.com
Zip-front, animal-print lounge caftan, $165, by Diamond Tea, black gown, $99, by Carlton Hall, marabou Pebble-print bracelet-sleeve swing jacket, $178, by Anthracite, sleeveless black turtleneck, $35, by
slippers, $42, by Jacques Levine, provided by Barbara Graves Intimate Fashions. 2.30 ct black and white Sisters, black gabardine pant, $138, by Elliott Lauren, black fabric boot shoe, $95, by Vaneli, provided by
diamond bangle bracelet, 1.25 ct black and white diamond dangle fashion earrings, onyx, diamond and New Traditions. 18kt white gold south sea pearl and diamond ring, south sea 14mm pearls with diamond
pink sapphire 18kt white gold fashion ring, provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers. clasp, south sea pearl earrings with diamond accents in 18kt white gold; provided by Wilkerson’s Jewelers.
COMPANIONS
BEYOND COTTON
Pamela Rees, owner
Nancy Schuster & Mandy
14810 Cantrell Road
Schuster, owners
Little Rock, AR 72223
10700 N. Rodney Parham Road
(501) 868-8484
Little Rock, AR 72212
companionsboutique.com
(501) 221-9195
Grey pants, $85, coordinating jacket, $99, magenta shirt, $69, all by Tribal Sportswear, provided by Distressed skinny jeans, $178, by Joes, hot pink turtleneck, $118, polka dot jacket, $162, both by Sao
Beyond Cotton. 52-inch lampwork beads by Kathy Drake, 6.60 ct tw diamond, 14k white gold earrings, Paulo, silver earrings, $66, by Marcia Moran, provided by Companions.
provided by Sissy’s Log Cabin.
5 0 . O C TOBER 2009
close to home
KORTO MOMOLU created this beautiful necklace, titled
“Sharon Renee,” for Runway for a Cause. It is fashioned
of pink turquoise stone and African wood. Momolu, who
lives in Mabelvale, Ark., came to national attention after her
NEWTON’S JEWELERS
701 Garrison Ave. appearances on “Project Runway.” She wore the signature
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 782-9123 piece at this year’s styleshow and dedicated it to her sister-in-
newtons-jewelers.com law Sharon Gaines, who is currently undergoing treatment for
breast cancer.
“I’ve participated in the Race for the Cure every year since I
moved to Arkansas. However, my husband has several family
members who’ve had breast cancer, so it’s definitely become
a more personal cause,” Momolu said.
She plans to duplicate “Sharon Renee” and sell the
necklace on her Web site, kortomomolu.com, to assist
SISSY’S LOG CABIN
2319 Camden Road Gaines in paying for medical expenses. “I am hopeful that
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
(870) 879-3040
a cure for breast cancer will soon be found. It affects so
sissyslogcabin.com many women, especially African Americans.”
Starting next February, you can obtain a bit of this
fashionista’s runway style. Her line of handbags —
including the popular “horn” handbag — and necklaces,
aptly named Korto Momolu will debut and be carried
exclusively by Dillard’s nationwide. You can purchase
Momolu’s jewelry and find more information about her
fashions and her busy schedule at kortomomolu.com.
AY M A G . C O M . 5 1
in the
Pink
Chocolate-covered graham cracker
cookies, $20, 25 percent of sales
benefit NBCF; ladyfortunes.com.
Casua
Each year, thousands of manufacturers join in the fight against l, com
fo
and, o rtable
breast cancer by donating proceeds from product sales to pink, t f c ourse,
organizations, such as the Susan G. Komen for the Cure edition his limited-
tan
(komen.org), which was founded in 1982 and has raised Moss, k, by Ella
look
more than $1 billion; the National Breast Cancer Foundation on any s great
benefi wo
ts BCR man,
(nationalbreastcancer.org), founded in 1991 and has raised Nords F; $50;
$7.1 million; and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation trom.c
om.
(bcrfcure.org), which was founded nearly 20 years ago by
Evelyn Lauder and has raised more than $250 million thus far.
Here are a few of this year's great products.
5 2 . O C TOBER 2009
AY M A G . C O M . 5 3
This North Little Rock resident
found a combination of traditional
medicine and Mother Nature's remedies
to be just what the doctor ordered.
A
APRIL MILLER, 38, HAS GONE
HEAD-TO-HEAD WITH CANCER
MULTIPLE TIMES SINCE HER FIRST
DIAGNOSIS IN 2002. It has been a tumul-
tuous experience with many ups and downs.
She has put her trust in God, learned to stay
informed, be involved with the selection of her
doctors and, most importantly, to stay on her
No Match for Miller
BY AMY BOWERS • PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMIE FENDER
toes.
Her first run-in with cancer began by
chance. She found a lump in her left breast “I was so very sick from the chemotherapy,” treatment she found another mass on her
while showering one evening and visited Miller said. “I could barely get out of bed. I chest. She had researched natural healing
her doctor within a week to have it checked. don’t know why some people get sick from it, methods and decided to raise the money
The results came back that the lump was, in and some don’t. They treated my cancer very she needed to attend the Oasis of Hope
fact, malignant and in a very-advanced stage. aggressively. I prayed to God one night and Hospital in Mexico, a hospital that focused
Her physicians recommended a bilateral told him I didn’t know how much longer I on natural healing methods, such as: detox
mastectomy along with the removal of lymph could hold on. I didn’t know how much more and cleansing; learning new eating habits and
nodes to be examined for more extensive of it I could handle.” exercises; sunbathing; and the use of apricot
testing. After her surgery, Miller began Miller felt that her prayers were answered kernels, which, according to Miller, is a natural
chemotherapy treatment only to find that her the very next day. Her physician called her chemotherapy. Miller was in Mexico for 31
lymph nodes had somehow been lost; then, to family in to announce that he wasn’t sure days and came back feeling fantastic. She
add to her frustration, her lung was punctured whether the chemo or the cancer was going waited three months and went in for a body
in the process of installing her port, which to kill her faster. She was given three to six scan to see how the cancer was doing. “When
increased her hospital stay. An LPN for more months to live and released from her chemo I left for Mexico, the cancer was attached to
than a decade, Miller reached out to some of treatments. “I walked out of the hospital that my ribs and chest wall, when I came back it
her colleagues to find a new team of doctors day feeling like a weight had been lifted,” was gone,” she said.
that she could trust. she said. Miller went on with her life and This experience inspired her to become
Though Miller finally felt she had found returned to work, only to be diagnosed again a certified natural health practitioner. She
the best doctors available, her battle with with cancer 18 months later, this time it was speaks to groups about her experience and
cancer was about to become exponentially a mass on her uterus and another one in her the benefits of natural healing and conducts
more trying. She had a very adverse reaction chest wall. workshops from her home. Miller continues
to chemotherapy that left her feeling worse Miller underwent more chemo for the to stay on her toes with her battle against
than ever. new masses. One day, while receiving a chemo cancer and overcome great odds.
5 4 . O C TOBER 2009
All of the proceeds from the book go back to support
Runway for a Cause and Susan G. Komen for the Cure
STATEWIDE
Look Good … Feel Better
Locations throughout Arkansas
(800) 395-LOOK
lookgoodfeelbetter.org
Reach to Recovery
Call (800) ACS-2345 for a Reach Visitor in your area and
for additional program information.
BENTON
Ladies’ Cancer Support Group
First Baptist Church
211 S. Market St.
Benton, AR 72015
(501) 315-2270
BENTONVILLE
Together Let’s Cope
Mercy Health Center
3101 SE 14th St.
Bentonville, AR 72712
(479) 986-6040
FAYETTEVILLE
Been There Inc.
2949 Point Circle
Fayetteville, AR 72704
(479) 571-4673
CHEF
Contest: David Bennett of Vieux Carre, Rob Best of Best Impressions, Donnie Ferneau of Ferneau Restaurant, Cancer Support Home
Timothy Morton of 1620, André Poirot executive chef of Peabody Little Rock and Lee Richardson of Capital 1101 N. Woolsey Ave.
COOK-0FF Hotel. Event judges will be Mark Abernathy of Loca Luna, Faith Anaya of KidsCook Arkansas, Peter Brave of Fayetteville, AR 72703
(479) 521-8024
Brave New Restaurant, Todd Gold of Purple Cow and Mary Twedt of KUAR’s “Arkansas Cooks.”
Thursday, October 8
Pulaski Technical College FORT SMITH
aymag.com/go/cookoff Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House
Offers multiple group sessions and classes
5 6 . O C TOBER 2009
3324 S. M St.
Fort Smith, AR 72903
(479) 782-6302
HARRISON
Dialogue Support Group
First Christian Church
915 Maple St.
Harrison, AR 72601
(870) 741-9560
Fresh! Casual! Delicious!
HOT SPRINGS
Cancer Support Group The Keet family invites
St. Joseph’s Mercy Cancer Center you to help us support
1455 Higdon Ferry Road
Daffodil Room Susan G. Komen for
Hot Springs, AR 71913 the Cure. Bring this ad
(501) 622-4730
to Taziki’s during the
Genesis Cancer Center month of October and
133 Harmony Park Circle
Hot Springs, AR 71913 we will donate $1 for
(501) 624-7700 every entree purchased.
genesiscancercenter.com
Sisters in Survival
Mount Carmel Methodist Church 11600 Mara Lynn • Little Rock
4000 Southwest Drive 501.224.3075
Jonesboro, AR 72404
(870) 919-2851
LITTLE ROCK
American Cancer Society
Little Rock Office
901 N. University Ave.
Little Rock, AR 72207
(501) 664-3480
cancer.org
Bosom Buddies
Baptist Health
9500 Kanis Road
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 202-7386
BreastCare
4815 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(877) 670-CARE
arbreastcare.com
Faithful Friends
Christ the King Catholic Church
4000 N. Rodney Parham Road
no drama, just great hair!
AY M A G . C O M . 5 7
lungs. Radiation and more chemotherapy
followed. With mounting respiratory
complications, Suzanne was admitted to
UAMS where she died on April 12, 2005, at
2:20 a.m., with Barker by her side.
The aftermath of Suzanne’s death is still a
blur to him. On the day of his wife’s funeral,
Barker was hospitalized for meningitis. He
spent nine days in the hospital, and the ordeal
destroyed some of his short-term memory.
What he knows for certain is this: “Life is
fragile, and it can change in a heartbeat,” he
said. “One second, everything is wonderful,
and the next day, it’s caving in around you.”
Within two months of Suzanne’s death,
Barker found a way to honor his wife’s memory
E
Breast Oncology Fellowship Fund at the
EVERY YEAR, ON THE EVE OF THE Suzanne, who worked 30 years as director UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer
SUSAN G. KOMEN ARKANSAS RACE of computer services for the Medical College Institute. The fund’s purpose is to help
FOR THE CURE, two dozen women from Physicians Group at the University of improve the quality of care given to breast
cities across the country gather at Little Rock Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), was cancer patients by providing continued
architect Steve Barker’s home for what has be- always hopeful she would survive cancer. training to doctors in breast oncology. Income
come an annual tradition. “She was never one to let things get her from the fund provides financial support for
Between the three bedrooms, four sofas down,” Barker said. “She always wanted to be selected fellows to attend medical conferences
and numerous airbeds, the women make the one leading the parade.” and to spend time on research, education and
themselves at home and settle in for what Suzanne was diagnosed with breast clinical activities.
Barker describes as a weekend of “eating, cancer in 1998 after a routine mammogram Dr. Anjali Sibley, who works in the
gossiping and catching up.” when she was 50 years old. The following Division of Hematology/Oncology at UAMS,
They rise early the next morning to join year, she had a double mastectomy followed is the current fellow.
the thousands of other women on race day by chemotherapy. The Barkers thought the Through an annual campaign, the
while Barker prepares a post-race champagne cancer was gone. Suzanne survived nearly five fellowship fund has grown to more than
brunch for them back at his house. years when a general malaise prompted her to $300,000. “It keeps growing and growing,”
What really brings them to central see her doctor. Barker said. He hopes the fund will someday
Arkansas each fall, though, is their love for “She just wasn’t feeling 100 percent,” provide for an endowed chair.
Suzanne, Barker’s wife of 34 years, who lost Barker, 60, recalled. “At one point, she had a The fellowship is directed by Dr. Laura
her battle with breast cancer in April 2005. cough that wouldn’t go away. She went to her Hutchins, director of the UAMS Division
The women have become Barker’s extended doctor and had X-rays, and they found that of Hematology/Oncology, and Dr. Suzanne
family, and their annual visit is now a festive she had pneumonia.” Klimberg, director of the Breast Cancer
time to honor Suzanne’s memory and her love The doctor discovered that Suzanne’s Program at the UAMS Winthrop P.
for life. cancer had returned and spread to her Rockefeller Cancer Institute. Both doctors
helped treat Suzanne.
The fund also provides support for a guest
Witness Project
Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute
4301 W. Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
(501) 686-6000
MOUNTAIN HOME
Peitz Cancer Support House
Offers multiple group sessions and classes
315 Powers St.
Mountain Home, AR 72653 Breckenridge Village • Little Rock
(870) 508-2273
501-227-5537 • barbaragraves.com
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
Bosom Buddies
Baptist Health Medical Center
3333 Springhill Drive
North Little Rock, AR 72116
(501) 202-6888
PINE BLUFF
Caring Bosom Friends
303 N. Maple St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71601
(870) 534-5852
Friends
Cook’s Kitchen
3700 Olive St.
Pine Bluff, AR 71603
(870) 879-2813
SHERWOOD
New Outlook: The Women’s Cancer
Recovery Support Group
St. Vincent Rehabilitation Hospital
2201 Wildwood Ave.
Sherwood, AR 72120
(501) 552-3900
SPRINGDALE
Cancer Support Group
First Baptist Church of Springdale
1709 Johnson Road
Springdale, AR 72762
(479) 751-4523
TEXARKANA
Susan G. Komen for the Cure Texarkana Affiliate
P.O. Box 6085
Texarkana, TX 75505
(903) 791-9585
komentexarkana.org
AY M A G . C O M . 5 9
PHOTO: UAMS
(From left) Alan and Boots Barnett Warrick; Karen and John Carroll; Sandra and Charles McFadden; Dr. Karen Kozlowski; Dwayne and Shana Wilson; and Dr. Al and Cathy Alexander.
W
WHEN BOOTS BARNETT WARRICK
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST
CANCER, she worried not only about her
health, but also about the effect it would have
supportive role in their partner’s treatment,”
said Elise Siegler, director of annual and major
gifts at the Baptist Health Foundation. “The
couples discuss their fears, what they would
a difficult challenge,” he said. “I knew we could
do it together.”
Shana and Dwayne Wilson also speak
candidly about how breast cancer challenged
have done or said differently … what inspired
on her new marriage to husband Alan. their relationship. “I knew it would be a
“My biggest fear was that he would them the most. The discussions are intimate, turbulent time,” Dwayne said. “I needed to
withdraw from me,” she said, “but he gave me and [the couples are] very real about their own hear from her what was going on in her mind,
complete support.” personal situations.” what was going on in her heart.”
Not all women get the support they need, The video was produced last year through Shana describes how she needed her
and not all marriages survive as the Warrick’s the Boots Barnett Warrick Breast Cancer husband to listen.
has. The stress of dealing with breast cancer — Support Program, which Alan established in “I needed to feel secure intimately with
or any kind of cancer — can be overwhelming, his wife’s honor. Baptist Health will distribute him. I needed to know that though my
and even the strongest marriages can become about 250 copies of the DVD this year. The body was changing, he was not going to feel
strained. Ideally, couples learn to communicate Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. Komen for the differently about me.”
their fears and needs so that their relationship Cure will distribute 1,000 copies of the videos Karen and John Carroll also prepared for
not only endures, but also grows stronger as through the breast cancer survivor kits given the ups and downs.
a result. to new patients at breast centers, doctors’ “We reassured ourselves and again
The Warricks joined several central offices, hospitals and clinics around the state, maintained the focus that we are going to
Arkansas couples and individuals to discuss according to Sherrye McBryde, executive communicate through this whole process,”
their experiences with breast cancer on a video director of the Arkansas Affiliate Susan G. John said. “There’s going to be good days, we
that Baptist Health gives newly-diagnosed Komen for the Cure. know, and there’s going to be bad days, we
breast cancer patients. The video is simply On the video, Alan says he learned to know.”
titled, “An Intimate Conversation with accept his wife’s diagnosis as one of life’s Dr. Karen Kozlowski, a gynecologist and
Survivors of Breast Cancer and their Loved challenges. “I said to myself this is part of my a two-time breast cancer survivor, dealt with
Ones.” commitment; this is part of my vows, but most her disease by working. After being treated in
“Alan [Warrick] saw a real need for importantly, it was my deep, abiding love for 1997, she returned to work within two weeks.
husbands and partners to take a more active and her, to stand next to her and help her navigate “That was part of what I needed to do to heal
6 4 . O C TOBER 2009
myself,” she recalled.
The second time, though, she faced a more
aggressive cancer, and her doctor forced her
to take time off. Kozlowski also speaks of her
decision to delay breast reconstruction surgery
until she was certain her body was cancer-free.
For Dr. Al and Cathy Alexander, surviving
cancer required teamwork.
“You have to lean on each other and
depend on each other, but you also have to
lean on your family, your friends and most
importantly, your faith,” said Al Alexander, a
radiologist, who discovered his wife’s cancer
while looking at an X-ray.
11525 Cantrell Rd. Ste. 610 • Next to FRESH MARKET • Little Rock, AR 72212 • 501.375.7820
Faces of
hope Magic Eight Ball
Sophisticated Survivors:
REAL FASHION FOR
REAL WOMEN We don’t have to rely on luck — breast cancer will be defeated! Since
Charming Accessories 2002, AY staff, a dedicated team of volunteers and an assembly of
Keep You
PRETTY IN PINK brave breast cancer survivors have joined forces to bring Arkansas’
largest, most successful fundraising luncheon/fashion show. This year,
we’re pulling out all the stops to raise $140,000 to aid four worthy
organizations to “shake up” cancer, so the answer to “Will we find a
S u r v i v o r S a n d t h e C ity 2 0 0 6
2002 2003
Runway to the Cure Runway to the Cure
Chair: Shirley Davis Co-chairs: Evelyn Menz and Becky Bien
Amount raised: $37,531 Amount raised: $64,863
Survivors and the City 2003 1 SUR VIVORS AND THE CITY 2 0 0 7
S U R V I V O R S A N D T H E C I T Y 2 0 0 5 1
AY M A G . C O M . 6 7