Breast Cancer Survivors and Thrivers Enjoy a “Day of Beauty”

When Annemarie Burns was getting her hair done at the Garden City Hotel, she almost forgot the joy of getting pampered after undergoing chemotherapy in her battle with breast cancer.

Now cancer-free since January, she feels lucky to have grown her hair back and be on the other side of it.

“When I was asked about how I wanted my hair done, I couldn’t believe that I had enough hair for them to do something with,” Burns said. “You take little things for granted, but look at me, I can have a hairstyle now… I feel very inspired by that, it feels like a new beginning.”

Burns is one of 10 breast cancer survivors and thrivers who were pampered with luxurious spa treatments for a Day of Beauty on Thursday, supported by the New York Islanders in partnership with Northwell Health. The women celebrated their shared strength and resilience alongside the emotional support and camaraderie of Islanders wives and girlfriends.

“Being here today, meeting these amazing women and getting to know them on a deeper level, it was amazing to hear their stories and just have fun,” said Alexa Serowik, Noah Dobson’s fiancé. “They’re getting their smiles, confidence and excitement back here in this beautiful spa and feeling great in their skin again.”

The Day of Beauty recipients were treated with facials and massages before they got their hair and makeup done, bonding with each other between treatments. They shared laughs and created inside jokes, enjoying each other’s company for a day of luxury.

It was Katherine Hahn Schomberg’s birthday on Thursday, and recipients and Isles wives and girlfriends sang Happy Birthday to her to celebrate. Although the women had met for the first time earlier that day, the shared love and connection felt instantaneous.

“As soon as we walked into the lobby this morning, we all locked eyes and knew that we’d all been through something intense, either recently or in the last few years, and we connected instantly,” said Hahn Schomberg. “It was special. We had such a wonderful day.”

The special day was centered around the importance of self-care and wellness. Burns is an example of how important preventative care is, as she was diagnosed with cancer after she went in for a routine screening, advocating for all women to do the same.

“I realized it was time to get my mammogram, so I went and that’s how they found it,” Burns said. “Nothing’s more important to get your yearly screenings. It saved my life, it saves lives, it’s so important to make the time.”

Lauren Doda, who works as a nurse at Northwell, had the two-fold experience of being a caretaker and a patient. She leaned on her immediate family and children in her toughest times. She hadn't been part of any outside support groups during her battle, but the community she stepped into on Thursday felt especially empowering.

“It’s such a loving, welcoming community,” Doda said. “The group of us are superheroes, all walks of life and going through the same thing at different stages. You find your strength at your weakest times, and you can feel the energy and strength in that room.”

The Day of Beauty recipients have been invited to Hockey Fights Cancer Night on Nov. 23rd where the Islanders will host the St. Louis Blues on the special evening. The American Cancer Society is one of the Hockey with a Heart Charities for the special evening and Blake Nelson, a Development Manager at ACS, emphasizes the night’s significance in raising awareness for cancer.

“The Islanders always go above and beyond for the community, we’re honored to participate at Hockey Fights Cancer Night where the fans will come out, all the survivors, thrivers and those still in the battle,” Nelson said. “it’s incredible for us and the community.”

The friendships forged at the Day of Beauty recipients will flourish at Islanders Hockey Fights Cancer Night and beyond as the women embrace their shared strength, beauty and resilience.

“We all wanted to hold each other and celebrate life because we were all given a second chance,” Hahn Schomberg said. “We’re so lucky to be here and it’s so worth celebrating.”