'Flash Freeze' For Breast Cancer Awareness Takes Over Oxbow

Napa Women's Club members and friends dressed undercover in pink to surprise patrons at Napa's Oxbow Public Market Friday evening.

The so-called 'flash freeze' when the women revealed their true colors -- and displayed signs about breast cancer awareness -- lasted about a minute but drew cheers from the crowd.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

"It's a meaningful event -- and it's especially meaningful to me, since I'm a breast cancer survivor," said Women's Club member Roberta Goodwin, who had in situ ductal carcinoma (non-spreading cancer in the milk ducts) that was successfully treated with a lumpectomy and radiation.

"It was 10 years ago, and I've had nothing since," said Goodwin, 70. "So I want to create solidarity with those who have it npw and with those who might have it in the future."

The idea for the "flash freeze" came from club President Dina Greenberg. The club is also observing "Day of the Girl" to focus on junior high girls who may have self-esteem and body-image issues.

"I don't know about you, but I felt pretty bad about myself in junior high," said Nancy Lewis, a club past president. "We just want to say to them, 'You're OK, whoever you are.'"

Napans Patty Friesen and Kerry Ehlow said they were friends of women in the club and decided to particpate in the freeze.

"We wanted to offer support in general," Ehlow said. "It's a great cause and a and a fun thing to do."

Friesen said her sister had breast cancer five years ago and is now OK.

"Everyone I know has had some interaction with cancer," she said.

Ehlow said she is a 20-year survivor of Hodgkins disease -- a form of cancer -- that she contracted at age 35.

Jenn Carvalho and Michelle Jordan, both of Yountville, said they came to support the Napa Women's Club and the cause.

Yountville businesses are planning a "Crush Breast Cancer" event next Saturday at Sisters Boutique and Lucy Restaurant & Bar. Lucy's mixologists have created the 'CBC' - Crush Breast Cancer - cocktail.  The CBC is made with Chopin Vodka, Raspberry liqueur, pineapple guava syrup, grapefruit juice and cherry bitter cocktail, and can be ordered at the bar and from the regular cocktail menu

Throughout the month of October all proceeds from this drink will go to supporting the fundraising efforts of three breast cancer organizations:

 

• Breast Cancer Emergency Fund
• Guardians of the Pink-Ribbon Heals Napa Valley
• Caringbridge.com

 Also, 1313 Main St. bar and restaurant in Napa has been offering a monthlong series of events and programs for Breast Cancer Awareness.