AFTER THIS YEAR’S FASHION SHOW: A

CELEBRATION OF SURVIVORS, I RECEIVED

MANY ENTHUSIASTIC MESSAGES FROM

ATTENDEES AND PARTICIPANTS—ONE OF

WHICH PARTICULARLY RESONATED WITH

SHOP WELL WITH YOU (SWY):

“I am still OVER THE MOON about last night. Itwas incredible: warm, upbeat, down-to-earth,lively, heartwarming, and meaningful! The modelswere beautiful examples of the power ofsurvivorship and self-confidence.”

These words more or less embody the vision onwhich I founded SWY four years ago: to helpwomen surviving all types of cancer improvetheir body-image and quality of life by usingclothing as a means towards wellness. Today,SWY researches and analyzes current products,articles, and services relating to body-imageand cancer, which are then organized anddistributed to the cancer community throughseveral user-friendly formats, including SWY’swebsite, printed materials, one-on-one service,and outreach program.

When a woman contacts SWY forindividual assistance, our mainobjective is to find comfortablegarments that accommodate theside effects of her cancertreatment. We also aim to touchthe woman on a personal level, toincorporate her unique style intoour suggestions and encouragecreativity, by mixing and matchingpieces or adding a fun, newaccessory. Above all, we strive tofoster the celebration of

survivorship, and to help a client radiate the sameconfidence as our fashion show models. To readabout one woman’s journey towards regaining her

confidence and style during the healing process,see Julia Alamo’s story inside.

This year, we’ve worked tirelessly to expand ourservices (see inside for an overview), and havesucceeded with the December 2004 launch of theShop Well with You Guide to Body-Image andCancer, also detailed inside. This free,comprehensive booklet includes garmentsuggestions to accommodate cancer-related sideeffects as well as encouraging body-image tips.From my experience, a woman seekinginformation on clothing and self-image may feelhesitant to approach the topic, because she eitherdoesn’t know that there are resources available, orafter battling a life-threatening disease like cancer,she may feel ashamed that she’s now strugglingwith body-image issues. We’ve addressed thisproblem by making the Guide to Body-Image andCancer available to healthcare providers andsupport groups nationwide.

However, in our efforts to continue offering ourprograms free of charge, SWY faces thechallenging task of funding such services. Whilewe pursue funds from numerous sources, such asfoundations, corporations, and individual donors,we continually strive to make our resources morewidely available. Thus, we are extremelyappreciative of any donations that will help us doso. For creative ideas on how to raise funds forSWY in your community, see “Ways to Give” inside.I offer my endless thanks to those of you whocontinue to lend your support to this great cause.

Take care and be well.

Warm Regards,

Emily SpivackFounder and Executive Director

Hello Everyone!

U S I N G C L O T H I N G A S A M E A N S T O W A R D S W E L L N E S S

SUMMER 2005

CONTACT: info@shopwellwithyou.org www.shopwellwithyou.org 800.799.6790 38 Greene Street, 4th Floor New York, NY 10013

SHOP WELL WITH YOUBOARD OF DIRECTORS

Meredith BarnettLucky Breaks Editor,

Lucky Magazine—

Steve Massarsky—

Lisa RaiolaVice-President of Alumni Relations,

Brown University—

John P. SgangaPresident and Chief Executive Officer,

Innovatix—

Emily Spivack Founder and Executive Director,

Shop Well with You—

Elizabeth StellatoCorporate Giving Analyst,

Goldman, Sachs & Co.—

Doug UlmanDirector of Survivorship,

Lance Armstrong FoundationFounder, Ulman Cancer Fund for

Young Adults—

Executive Director Emily Spivack (far left) with FashionShow Models (L-R): Marcy Spivack, Wendy Brantley, Ann Nolet, Erin Zammett, Geralyn Lucas, Ginny Goldberg,Pam Fuller, Julia Alamo, Pia Awal, and Jean Ward.

™

Every day, thousands of women affected by cancer look in the mirror and may not recognize their reflections.While the side effects of cancer treatment may not always be noticeable to others, the experience can greatly alter a woman’s body image, or how she perceives her appearance.

By making this one-of-a-kind Guide to Body-Image and Canceravailable to wellness providers nationwide, SWY has provided along-sought-after solution for women struggling with cancer-relatedbody-image issues. More importantly, this 16-page booklet isdesigned to accompany its user not only to the mall, but to her owncloset, allowing her to find clothing in her own wardrobe that willimprove her quality of life during and after treatment.

Since December 2004, over 70,000 guides have been ordered from48 states! Moreover, the personal reactions of clients sum up ourultimate goal: “This is exactly what I was looking for…I had lots ofquestions about clothing and what to wear, and no one was able toanswer them. This booklet is wonderful.”

With the support of the LanceArmstrong Foundation, SWY hasprovided women with the SWYGuide to Body-Image and Cancer,a free, educational pamphletoffering helpful tips for womenseeking garments that are:

— Comfortable after surgery aswell as years after treatment

— Accommodating for ports,drains, & prostheses

— Safe to wear with an ostomy

— Accommodating forlymphedema

— Helpful when dealing withhair loss

— Flattering, functional, & fun.

N E W G U I D E H E L P S W O M E N

Shop in Their Own Closets

ALL DRESSED UP & SO MANY PLACES TO GO…Since our last update, SWY has traveled across the country toeducate women and healthcare providers about body-image andcancer at the following events:

Revlon Run/Walk Volunteers (L-R): Beth Stellato, Mitul Foster, Xoli Hlatshwayo,Meredith Barnett, Jessica Kriynovich, and Lee Ann Gullie distributed materialsto thousands of participants.

FASHION SHOW: A CELEBRATION OF SURVIVORSOn June 7, 2005, at New York Citylounge Taj, ten models displayedfashions loaned by Betsey Johnson,Donna Karan, Nanette Lepore, Chaiken,Nicole Miller, and Eileen Fisher (also anevent sponsor). Although the modelswere of various ages, sizes, andbackgrounds, they had one thing incommon: they are all cancer survivors.With the help of event co-chairsMeredith Barnett and Elizabeth Stellato,the show was a great success, pulling inover 300 attendees. Event sponsor andCBS news correspondent Rita Braveremceed the show, encouraging theaudience to celebrate the survivorshipof the models, whose spirit andconfidence inspired powerful reactionsin all who were present.

— AMERICAN FEDERATION OF

TEACHERS (AFT)PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

CONFERENCE: NEW YORK, NY;11/04

— AMERICAN PSYCHOSOCIAL

ONCOLOGY SOCIETY

CONFERENCE (APOS):PHOENIX, AZ; 01/05

— LIVING BEYOND BREAST

CANCER/YOUNG SURVIVAL

COALITION CONFERENCE:PHILADELPHIA, PA; 02/05

— GILDA’S CLUB ANNUAL

CONFERENCE: NEW YORK, NY;03/05

— ONCOLOGY NURSING SOCIETY:ORLANDO, FL; 03/05

— REVLON RUN/WALK: NEW

YORK, NY; 03/05

— “FOCUS ON THE FUTURE”ESSENTIALLY WOMEN’SANNUAL EDUCATIONAL

CONFERENCE AND TRADE

SHOW: LEXINGTON, KY; 05/05

— ASSOCIATION OF ONCOLOGY

SOCIAL WORK (AOSW)CONFERENCE: AUSTIN, TX;05/05

— INNOVATIX 2005 CONFERENCE:NEWPORT, RI; 06/05

— LIVING WITH CANCER:CONFRONTING THE CHALLENGE:NEW YORK, NY; 06/05

— YOUNGSTOWN CANCER

SURVIVOR FASHION SHOW:YOUNGSTOWN, OH; 08/05

In addition, SWY was given theopportunity to present at four ofthe conferences listed:

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICALONCOLOGY SOCIETY (APOS)AND THE ASSOCIATION OFONCOLOGY SOCIAL WORK(AOSW) CONFERENCESSWY teamed up with LookGood…Feel Better to submit anabstract called “Helping CancerSurvivors Improve Their Qualityof Life During and AfterTreatment: Two Unique ProgramsShow How a Positive Body Image Makes a Difference.” Theabstract was accepted andpresented at both the APOS andAOSW conferences, giving SWYnationwide exposure fromArizona to Texas.

LIVING WITH CANCER:CONFRONTING THECHALLENGEAt the 15th annual conferencehosted by Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center,Executive Director Emily Spivackand Program Coordinator LeeAnn Gullie conducted aworkshop on the positive impactof a garment’s color, cut, andfabric on women undergoingcancer treatments.

YOUNGSTOWN CANCERSURVIVOR FASHION SHOWLee Ann Gullie emceed a fashionshow inspired by the SWY Guideto Body Image and Cancer, andhosted by the Humility of MaryHealth Partners Cancer Center.

See the back page for some sample tips from the SWY Guide to Body-Image and Cancer.To place an order free of charge, visit www.shopwellwithyou.org/order_resources.cfm, orcall 800.799.6790.

Meredith Barnett, Rita Braver, Emily Spivack, and BethStellato at this year’s fashion show.

SUMMER 2005 WWW.SHOPWELLWITHYOU.ORGTHANKS TO: Rebecca Krause, our summer intern, for developing this newsletter.

WAYS TO GIVEIn our continuing efforts to expandour services, SWY is always lookingfor help. Here are some suggestionson creative ways to support ourmission:

— Buy a ticket to one of our fundraisingevents and indulge in a fun night out whilecontributing to a great cause. Take an activepart by volunteering at an event.

— Honor a special occasion—such as abirthday or anniversary—with a donation toSWY in the name of that person. We willsend him/her a letter acknowledging yourdonation.

— Make an in-kind service donation; SWY isalways in need of printing, design, and ITassistance.

— Pursue matching charitable donations fromyour workplace.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ADONATION, PLEASE VISITHTTP://WWW.SHOPWELLWITHYOU.ORG/HOW_TO_DONATE.CFM

Client PerspectiveO N E W O M A N ’ S J O U R N E Y D O W N T H E R U N W A Y

ONE-ON-ONE SERVICE: Adjustingto life during and after cancertreatment can be overwhelming, andeven if a woman is eager to findgarments that will help her look andfeel her best, she may not have thetime and energy to do so. With theconvenience of a phone call or theclick of a mouse, SWY’s free one-on-one service shapes a client’sindividual needs and unique styleinto a packet of clothing options,complete with pictures, purchasinginformation, and tips on how to

create an outfit from pieces that shealready owns.

INFORMATION RESOURCEPROGRAM: In addition to SWY’sprinted material (see “NewGuide…”), an all-inclusive website(www.shopwellwithyou.org) isbrimming with frequently-updatedresources, allowing visitors tosearch for specific garments,request one-on-one service, andread related body-image articles.

FASHION YOUR OWN SENSE OFSELF (FOSS): With the guidanceof the SWY staff and their travelingwardrobe, these small, interactiveseminars promote the use of styleto boost the self-image of femalecancer survivors. FOSS participantsare educated about the flatteringproperties of the color, cut, and fitof certain garments, whilediscovering the fun, refreshingpossibilities in their own closets.(Currently NY-specific.)

HOLIDAY ACCESSORY SALE BENEFITLast fall, dozens of well-knowndesigners kicked off the holiday seasonby celebrating the gift of giving. Indonating an assortment of accessoriesto SWY’s Holiday Accessory SaleBenefit, these designers helped toraise funds in support of the self-imageboosting effects of a fun, newaccessory. On November 17, 2004,250 attendees filled the SoHo ArtistsSpace in New York City to purchasedesigns from big names such asNicole Miller, BCBG, Christian Dior,and many more. The benefit alsoincluded a silent auction, featuringitems from Diane von Furstenberg, theLance Armstrong Foundation, andothers. Ultimately, the spirit andgenerosity of all involved showed inthe event’s tremendous success.

After my mastectomy andreconstruction, I no longerliked getting dressed in themorning. I was disappointedwith the way that my clothesfit, and shopping trips alwaysleft me frustrated anddiscouraged.

I heard about Shop Well withYou (SWY) through CancerCare, and was encouraged by the fresh perspectivepresented at my first FOSSOutreach. With their stylishassortment of clothes, theSWY staff showed us not only specific ways toaccommodate cancer-relatedimage problems, but to havefun with the garments bymixing pieces and addingaccessories. I was so inspiredthat they addressed us aswomen beyond cancerpatients, with unique stylesand needs. Both of theoutreaches I attended mademe want to look and feel likemyself again, to get up in themorning and look forward togetting dressed.

Afterwards, I filled out a requestform for SWY’s One-on-OneService and was thrilled with thepacket of information they sentme. Not only did they providedetailed options for softmaterials and necklines toaccommodate the effects ofmy surgery, but they also knewmy style and went all out toinfuse that into the garmentsthat I needed. When I showed

the pictures of bright summerdresses and cute t-shirts to mydaughter, she said, “That’syou!” I especially enjoyed thetips that supplemented eachitem, explaining how I couldbutton a blouse over asundress, or accent it with acolorful scarf for an entirely newlook. Beyond inspiring me tofind the garments that I neededto feel comfortable, SWY taughtme to have fun with them.

Before, I would often flipthrough a fashion magazine ora sales rack in a store, and sigh,“Oh, I can’t wear that.” Now, Ilove putting together outfits!

With my newfound confidence,I have started helping otherwomen who are beginningtreatment by showing themmy reconstruction at SHARE. Ilove showcasing the extent towhich confidence and self-esteem can further the journeytowards wellness. Even moregratifying was the opportunityto model in SWY’s fashionshow this June. When I wasdiagnosed with breast cancerthree years ago, I never wouldhave imagined that I’d beparading down the runway inthese beautiful clothes. Myentire family was there tocheer me on and make mefeel special, not only as acancer survivor, but as amother, sister, and wife.“Mommy, I’m so proud ofyou,” my son Joshua told me.With the help of SWY, I’m alsoproud to be a survivor, and somuch more.

By Julia Alamo, as told to Rebecca Krause

PROGRAM OVERVIEWSWY has had another successful year as the following programs continue to buildconfidence and cultivate personal expression in female cancer survivors:

Accessory Sale Events Committee (Clockwise, L-R): Ellen Snyder, Emily Cohen, Jennifer Kim, Mari Fujiuchi,Elizabeth Stellato, Lee Ann Gullie, Emily Spivack, JessicaKriynovich, Nicole Chiacchiero, Hillary Berliner, RachelGoldstein, Adrienne Mercante, and Jackie Fitzgerald.

WWW.SHOPWELLWITHYOU.ORG SUMMER 2005

“WHEN I SHOWED THE PICTURES

OF BRIGHT SUMMER DRESSES AND

CUTE T-SHIRTS TO MY DAUGHTER,

SHE SAID, ‘THAT’S YOU!’”

THANKS TO: Lynne Allard, for lending her design skills.

38 Greene Street, 4th FloorNew York, NY 10013—

WWW.SHOPWELLWITHYOU.ORG

—SWY’SMISSIONSTATEMENTSHOPWELLWITHYOUISTHEONLYNATIONALNOT-FOR-PROFIT

ORGANIZATIONTHATHELPSWOMENSURVIVINGALLTYPESOFCANCER

IMPROVETHEIRBODY-IMAGEANDQUALITYOFLIFEBYUSING

CLOTHINGASAMEANSTOWARDSWELLNESS. THROUGHEDUCATION,OUTREACH, ANDPERSONALIZEDSERVICES, SHOPWELLWITHYOU

FOCUSESONTHEWOMAN, NOTTHECANCER, TOPROVIDESUPPORT

ANDPROMOTESURVIVORSHIP. ALLPROGRAMSANDMATERIALSARE

PROVIDEDFREEOFCHARGE.

—Shop Well with You is a 501(c)3 organization.

PRESSSWY CONTINUES TO GAIN NATIONWIDE

EXPOSURE WITH THE HELP OF THE

FOLLOWING PUBLICATIONS:

— Lucky magazine: As mentionedon June 2005’s “Shop WhileYou Contribute” page, a portionof the proceeds from five itemswas donated to SWY.

— The New York Sun: ExecutiveDirector Emily Spivack andSWY were profiled in theOctober 26, 2004 issue in anarticle titled “Dressing forWellness: Unique Service HelpsWomen With Cancer To Lookand Feel Their Best.”

— Delaware News Journal: EmilySpivack, SWY, and the Junefashion show were discussed in a front-page article in theJune 13, 2005 issue ofDelaware’s largest newspaper.

LINKS TO THESE, AS WELL AS PAST

ARTICLES, ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE.

T I P S F R O M T H E S H O P W E L L W I T H Y O U

Guide to Body-Image and CancerSHIRTS— A patterned shirt draws attention to the pattern and away from the body shape.— A dolman sleeve provides additional room to accommodate lymphedema, or

swelling in the arm due to lymph node removal.

PANTS/SKIRTS— If you are looking for pants with a comfortable waist and flattering fit, avoid

bunching waistbands. Instead, try flat-front pants with a wide, elasticized band (alsocalled a yoke).

— If you are concerned about weight gain or loss around your waist, awraparound skirt is easily adjustable.

ACCESSORIES— Use a scarf to draw attention to certain areas of your body and away from others.— Wear a pin or brooch to add an interesting detail to your outfit.

GENERAL— Sometimes a woman’s skin tone changes during treatment. Warm

colors such as red, cranberry, or rose can flatter a woman’s complexion.— Wear what works for your lifestyle. Don’t focus on the newest fashion

trends; create your own unique look!

For additional information on or to order the SWY Guide toBody-Image and Cancer, see inside or log on to our website.

TO ACCOMMODATE

YOUR BODY-IMAGE

CONCERNS WHILE

ALLOWING YOUR

UNIQUE STYLE TO

FLOURISH!

SUGGESTIONS