Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center raises $8,000

July 15, 2010 – Romancing Mother Nature with lifestyle expert, author and celebrity host Mar Jennings benefited the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center. The event, which featured Jennings’ nature-inspired ideas for the home, gifts and the garden, raised $8,000 to provide comprehensive breast cancer screening and diagnostic breast care services to uninsured and underinsured women.

“Many people came together to make this special night happen,” said Donna Twist, executive director of the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center. The event was held at a private home in Greenfield Hill/Easton. The event was chaired by President Council Members Linda Blackwell, Amy Desel and Robin Righter, all of Fairfield.

Jennings, the in-house lifestyle expert and correspondent for Better TV, as well as the home expert for the Fine Living Network, signed copies of his award-winning book Life on Mar’s: A Four Season Garden and donated 100% of the evening’s proceeds from the sales of his book to the Breast Care Center. Jennings answered gardening questions, stood for photos and spoke to the group. “In all, I was honored and proud that I could be part of such a selfless philanthropic organization that helps so many women,” he said.

Jennings’ family has been touched by cancer, and he feels strongly about getting involved. “It’s about giving of yourself that matters. When it’s all for a good cause, every contribution counts.”

Part of the Norma F. Pfriem Cancer Institute at Bridgeport Hospital, the Norma F. Pfriem Breast Care Center has served more than 18,000 women and their families since it was established in 1999. A member of the prestigious National Consortium of Breast Care Centers, the Center provides a wide range of diagnostic care and treatment at its Bridgeport Hospital and Fairfield locations, including medical oncology, surgical and chemotherapy services, plastic surgery, mammography and radiation therapy, and genetic risk assessment as well as opportunities to participate in clinical trials. The Breast Care Center office at 111 Beach Road in Fairfield also provides nutrition counseling, massage and Reiki therapy, wig and prosthesis fitting, counseling, naturopathic medicine, and other patient support activities. For more information call (203) 255-5300 or visit the Center on the web at http://www2.bridgeporthospital.com/cancer/breast/default.aspx.

Photo: Donna J. Twist, PhDandMar Jennings