Connecting women to life after breast cancer

The Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund has raised more than $400,000 to purchase the latest technologies and services to treat this scourge. But it all began with one courageous woman and a “fun night” fashion show.

Twenty-five years ago, breast cancer struck Barbara Chiangi. The diagnosis didn’t defeat her; it energized her. That same year, she organized a fashion show to raise funds and awareness about the disease—and collected $1,000. It was just meant to be a lighthearted evening for a good cause, but that little event blossomed into an extravaganza: the Survivors in Fashion Show, which filled the Fox Theatre at Foxwoods, raising more than $70,000 to establish the Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund.

Today, the Fund has brought in more than $400,000 in gifts to help Backus Hospital upgrade to digital mammography; launch a breast health patient navigator program; create the lymphedema early detection program; introduce complementary therapies such as Reiki, massage and healing touch; and open the Boutique at Backus, a community cancer resource center.

Even after a second battle with breast cancer, Barbara continues to work tirelessly on her mission. “The Survivors in Fashion Show is designed to send a powerful statement to survivors everywhere: There is life after cancer,” says Barbara. “If we can lift the heart of one individual undergoing treatment, if we can get one cancer detected earlier, we have achieved our goal.”

It all began with a “fun night” fashion show and one courageous woman who wanted to make a difference.

Connecting women to a new generation of cancer screenings and therapies … just another example of the power of Hartford HealthCare Giving.

Generosity is always in style—and helps so much.

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Connecting children at risk with peace-of-mind
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Connecting more women to life-saving technology
People who knew Harry E. Goldfarb remember his integrity and generosity. Now, years after his passing, even more people will remember him for helping save the lives of their loved ones.
Connecting cancer patients with TLC
Angie Levy was an upbeat, positive woman who devoted her life to others, even during her nine-year battle with breast cancer. When she finally succumbed at age 36, her friends and loved ones created the Angie’s Spa Cancer Foundation, providing special comforts for patients undergoing chemotherapy: massage therapy, acupuncture, yoga and even manicures and haircuts.
Connecting the frailest patients with 24/7 care
In a crisis, people often don’t know where to turn—or how much help is out there. When your loved one needs special attention—when you can’t be there 24/7—it’s a blessing to discover programs like Hartford Hospital’s COIN: Continuous Observation and Intervention by Nursing.
Connecting dying people to loving hearts
Perhaps the family is too far away. Perhaps they’ve already said their goodbyes and gone home. Or perhaps there’s no one at all in the life of a dying patient. That’s when a volunteer from No One Dies Alone (NODA) steps in.
Connecting caring employees to Hartford Hospital’s big picture
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Connecting first responders to critical training
After the shootings in Sandy Hook, America looked for answers: better ways to respond to unimaginable tragedies. Hartford Hospital led the way in many areas—advocating for improved mental health programs, gun violence prevention and public safety. A $143,000 grant from the Connecticut Health and Education Facilities Authority (CHEFA) zeroed in on one of the hospital’s front-line solutions: training first responders in critical medical techniques.
Connecting Connecticut children with great nutrition
Childhood obesity: It’s a problem that starts early and can lead to a lifetime of problems. All too often, the root causes are lack of knowledge about proper nutrition and lack of access to healthy alternatives. Backus Hospital’s Rx for Health program is changing that equation.
Connecting the community to enhance long-term care
Kunal Kataria may be young in years but he is wise in the ways we can all connect to healthier through good works. The high school graduate started the Kataria Classic Tennis Tournament at Southington High School to raise money for the Southington Care Center—a Hartford HealthCare partner that provides short-term rehabilitation and long-term care.
Connecting a family tradition to preventive medicine
A farming family has planted a seed that will transform preventive care from Backus Hospital. In 2014, Eugene Wisneske of Norwich donated a mature life insurance policy worth $1.26 million to the new Preventive Medicine Initiative.
Connecting women to life after breast cancer
The Backus Breast Cancer Survivors Fund has raised more than $400,000 to purchase the latest technologies and services to treat this scourge. But it all began with one courageous woman and a “fun night” fashion show.
Connecting a love of music to comfort for patients
A passion for music and a desire to help comfort hospital patients, staff and visitors inspired former patient Joe Cadena and his fellow musicians to hold the first Music from the Heart fundraising event. This past Valentine’s Day, it brought out more than 70 guests who braved a snowy night to support MidState Medical Center’s Music Program—and raised more than $3,500.
Connecting nurses to higher education
One nurse’s dedication to her field will help inspire new generations of nurses at The Hospital of Central Connecticut (HOCC). Diane Ramy Faulconer’s $50,000 donation created the Diane Ramy Faulconer Scholars Program, providing scholarships so that HOCC nurses can pursue advanced degrees. To reinforce that goal, she has also made a planned gift to the hospital in her estate.
Connecting women at risk to heart wellness
In April 2013, Karen Pfaffenbach died of heart disease. To her childhood friends, her sudden passing was a shock. They felt that, had she known the signs, she would have sought treatment. It galvanized them to create the Running with Scissors annual 5K run/walk in East Hampton. Their message is simple: Running with Scissors Is Dangerous … “So Is Heart Disease.”