Giuliana Rancic hosts Bright Pink’s Fab-Fest — a day of fitness, spa treatments and personal development workshops — on April 15.
FAB-FEST 2012
When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 15
Where: Four Seasons Hotel, 120 E. Delaware
Tickets: Free with fund-raising commitment — $500 individual, $1,800 group of four
Info: www.fabfest2012.org
A festival for fabulousness? Count us in!
On April 15, women around Chicago will be grabbing their workout gear and their closest friends to participate in Bright Pink’s Fab-Fest for a day of fitness, spa treatments and personal development workshops.
The all-day event, hosted by E! News personality Giuliana Rancic, whose own life was touched by breast cancer in 2011, will support Bright Pink’s efforts to empower young women to become proactive advocates for their health.
Bright Pink, the only national nonprofit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, was founded in 2007 by Lindsay Avner, the youngest woman in America to opt for a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy after testing positive for the BRCA1 gene, an incredibly difficult decision for any young woman. Bright Pink leads women through educational workshops and events.
Rancic tells Cause & Event about the importance of this event, beyond the VIP goody bags and spa treatments!
Q. What is Bright Pink Fab-Fest about?
A. Fab-Fest is a really fun and uplifting day. We have some of the city’s best fitness instructors and spa technicians on hand, teaching fitness classes and giving beauty tips. There will also be goal-setting workshops, food, drinks and DJ Niena Drake, so it should be a lot of fun!
Q. Bright Pink focuses on a generation that may not yet be thinking about cancer risks. Why is Bright Pink so critical in creating awareness?
A. Bright Pink is doing something different from everyone else; it helps young women understand their personal risk for breast and ovarian cancer and actually develops strategies to minimize their risk early on. Bright Pink not only empowers women to live proactive, healthy lifestyles, but it teaches them how to do it.
Q. Sharing your personal experience with breast cancer has inspired countless women to take control of their health at a younger age. You have a very special relationship with Bright Pink founder Lindsay Avner. What does she mean to you?
A. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Lindsay and Bright Pink. One of the deciding factors in my decision to undergo a double mastectomy was a visit from Lindsay back in October. As someone who had herself undergone a double mastectomy, I knew she would be a great source of information and support. I had seen all these images on the Internet — a lot of them are really scary and terrifying. Lindsay showed me her breasts and that really brought it home. I was like, “OK, I’m doing it, because she looks amazing.”
Q.What inspires you about Bright Pink?
A. I think Bright Pink serves as an inspiration to all women. To have an organization that empowers young women to take control of their health, and in turn grant them the freedom and peace of mind to live a fulfilling life, is remarkable.
Alisa M. Alexander directs the Sun-Times Foundation, the philanthropy arm of the Chicago Sun-Times.
