Project for Breast Cancer Survivors Gains Naming Sponsor

The Pink-Ribbon Boudoir project for breast cancer survivors gained a new top-tier naming sponsor from Tucson Plastic Surgery and a new spectacular venue to match. Thanks in large part to Silvia Kurtovic, M.D., and Raman Mahabir, M.D., FACS, seven survivors will win a free half-weekend boudoir photo retreat in Tucson on Aug. 19 and 20, now also hosted in a 4,000-square foot desert home donated for the event by Kimberly Maisto of Keller Williams Southern Arizona.

“I’m thrilled with this double windfall,” says boudoir photographer Jana M. Suchy of Way Out West Creative, spearheading the project partnered with the nonprofit Nadia Strong Foundation.

“Tucson Plastic Surgery came onboard excited that we also help breast cancer survivors heal emotionally and that we’re keeping it local. The doctors are top in their field, and I’m honored they would support us at this level. Kimberly also could not have been lovelier to offer her splendid home where her daughter Jillian Ortiz has a beauty studio out back for survivors to get salon services before their photo shoots. You can’t get a more amazing setup than that.”

A public photo exhibit featuring the survivors will follow in December to raise breast cancer awareness. Although the fundraising goal has been met for the photo retreat, the foundation welcomes tax-deductible donations for the exhibit.

In addition to Tucson Plastic Surgery, the project has gained generous support from other area businesses, including Trader Joe’s and members of the Oro Valley Chamber of Commerce where Suchy is an ambassador, including Debra Anne Melkun’s pledge to her personal Facebook friends that she will walk one mile for every dollar donated—totaling 385 miles.

Contact Suchy at 406-431-1596 or [email protected] to learn more, to nominate a survivor, or to sponsor the exhibit. More information and photos are at pinkribbonboudoir.com and tucsonplasticsurgery.com.