On my way into Riverpark for the fashion show marking the annual “Collaborating for a Cure Ladies Lunch” to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, I ran into the legendary Dr. Waxman making his way out ‘round the revolving door.
“I’m here to see you,” I said, always reminding the esteemed cancer specialist that my mother died in his care. He replied, “But did we do the best we could for her?”
“Yes,” I said. ” And I thank you for that.”
My mother died in 1996, and since that time I come to see the doctor at these special events, to learn how much more has been done by his researchers to combat a disease that affects just about every family.
While Dr. Waxman had to be elsewhere, he was there at Riverpark to support his wife, Marion Waxman, and the women who help this annual event such a huge success. This year designer Josie Natori, who I knew for her lingerie created for Lord & Taylor back in the day, presented gorgeous embroidered caftans. Models worked the spacious, elegant room as the ladies lunched on burrata and branzino. One stopped at every table to show off a stunning necklace from Mikimoto to be auctioned. The opulence was palpable at a time when most of us worry about the future of the planet. But that was not the point. The point is cancer, and it is still killing us.
Dr. Waxman often explains the latest accomplishments of his research foundation, reminding everyone, while we are all ageing beautifully, the older we get, the more vulnerable we are to the disease. I am sure no one wants to hear that news, but it feels worse because as life is extended, that means the greater possibility of illness for our kids. That hits home.
Aging beautifully represents hope. Guests included Jean Shafiroff, Regina Kravitz, Cristina Cuomo, and women who teeter on high chunky heels wearing pastel and floral ensembles that travel well, north from Palm Beach. The name Meredith was called for the Mikimoto, and two women got up to claim their prize. The pearls are not the point either. Funding cancer research is money spent wisely and for the good of all.
Meanwhile, Hamptonites are already salivating for July 6th in Bridgehampton for the annual Hamptons Happening. This is when dozens and dozens of the best restaurants, bakeries, wineries create a five star food court to raise money for cancer research. Click here for more info.
