Tag Archives: breast cancer

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL!

Thursday, April 14th finally came around and the Stay Strong and Mahj On benefit took place at Sarabeth’s for a yummy lunch, an afternoon of Mah Jongg, lots of candy for snacking during game play, and a welcome gift of a fabulous Baggu with the SSAMO logo proudly printed on the front. There were also great prizes handed out during the day for special winning hands.  I think it is fair to say that we all had such a great time! Enjoy the photos of a very memorable day…IMG_0001The much-loved Linda Feinstein, our honorary chair of the event. IMG_0004 IMG_0005 IMG_0006Barney G. was – as always – the life of the party. We were all so happy that he was there!IMG_1521IMG_0007Here is Alexis with her inspiration, her wonderful mother, Blair. IMG_0040Three of the OMs and my cousin Linda. 

Here are photos of most of the raffle winners. First, the most sought-after prize: the For the Collector package with a fabulous vintage Mah Jongg set along with one of my vintage-style Mah Jongg table covers.IMG_0064The beautiful Breast Cancer Awareness Set donated by our dear friend Lynn, the owner of www.wherethewindsblow.com. IMG_0015The Coffee, Coffee, Coffee package winner with a $50 Starbucks gift certificate, a Chambord Press Pot, 3 lbs. of coffee, 2 vintage-inspired Mah Jongg mugs, and an assortment of milk chocolate and dark chocolate-covered coffee beans:IMG_0065The Vino Veritas package containing a case of fabulous wine plus 4 Reidel wine tumblers, a Corkcicle, and a wine stopper. IMG_0066The Let Me Entertain You package containing a set of SmorgasBorges CDs, a beautiful scented candle, a bottle of wine and 2 Reidel wine glasses, a ceramic bowl by J. Warner, and a signed copy of Lior Lev Sercarz’s book, The Art of Blending + 5 jars of his amazing spice blends; all packed in a beautiful and eco-friendly basket.IMG_0067The Read and Write to your Heart’s Content package with a $50 gift certificate to the Corner Bookstore, a Moleskine notebook and accessories, a hand-crafted wooden pen, and lastly, a signed copy of Mah Jongg: The Art of the Game!IMG_0068How lucky is this winner? A gift certificate for one of Tracie Martyn‘s famous Red Carpet Facial plus some of her products.IMG_0069For the Little Loves in Our Lives package – won by a new dog owner! The package contains a $100 gift certificate to Canine Styles, a chock-full of great goodies gift basket (tied with pink ribbon!) from Unleashed, and a bully stick and an antler. This is one lucky puppy!IMG_0070YUM!!! A signed copy of Lior Lev Sercarz’s book, The Art of Blending + 5 jars of his amazing spice blends, Gracious Gourmet‘s chutneys and tea towels, and a huge basket filled to over-flowing with goodies from Grace’s Marketplace. IMG_0071We Love Sarabeth’s! Need I say more?! Many thanks to Sarabeth’s for a wonderful day!IMG_0072Feeling Good! $125 gift card to the Equinox Spa, Haircut with Paul Labrecque, Caviar Luxe Pedicure at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel’s La Prairie spa, and to finish it all off, a manicure!IMG_00736 friends will enjoy an exclusive party at bluemercury, including a makeup artist, goodie bags, refreshments, and after-hours scheduling!IMG_0074Looking Fabulous! A tote bag and $100 gift certificate from J McLaughlin, a beautiful necklace by Luanne Vrattos, and a personal styling consultation with Susan Lawrence, Stylist/Personal Shopper. IMG_0075Dine Like Royalty! And she will with her $250 gift certificate for dinner for 2 at The Mark Restaurant by Jean-Georges.IMG_0076The Melissa Joy Manning $600 necklace and the Mah Jongg at Home and On the Road package were also won but we weren’t able to get the winner’s photographs. I do know that they were thrilled with their great wins.  And once the day was over, Alexis, Blair, Caroline, and I had Mimosa’s and Dirty Martinis – definitely needed when the day ended!Screen Shot 2016-04-15 at 10.28.48 PM

Here are some more photos for you to enjoy…IMG_0011IMG_0024 IMG_0025IMG_0029IMG_0031IMG_0032IMG_0034IMG_0035

THE POWER OF MAH JONGG

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Yesterday I had lunch with Alexis, the founder of Stay Strong and Mahj On, and her mother, Blair, who happens to be her inspiration. The three of us hit it off immediately and the conversation never stopped for a moment. After meeting Blair I definitely now understand why Alexis has been so inspired by her. What a great lady! While we were chatting away Alexis received a message that an article she had written had just been published on Kveller.com. It’s a beautiful article – sincere, poignant, and articulate…and, of course, about Mah Jongg. I thought you might like to read it…

The Surprising Thing That Brought My Mom and I Closer When She Had Breast Cancer      By Alexis Miller

What was supposed to be an incredible summer in Israel took a turn for the worst when my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was going into my senior year of college, and was abroad in Israel when I received the news. Not knowing what to do, I confided in family and friends to get me through this tumultuous time.

Fast forward to being back in the United States. I was at a coffee shop with Jordyn and Moriah, my friends I had met the previous summer through an internship program. I told them about my mom’s diagnosis and solicited their empathy, as they both are daughters of breast cancer survivors themselves. While my other friends did not understand the impact of changing my mom’s drains, watching her go through chemotherapy, and taking her to and from doctor appointments, Jordyn and Moriah just got it. They were there to support me as I took three weeks off of my senior year to care for my mom.

Taking care of my mom was not only rewarding, but brought the two of us closer together, which I did not think was possible. There is now no conversation that is off-limits, and I can honestly say she is my best friend. But beyond talking and spending more time with her, there was another surprising way my mom and I were able to connect during the time I was home: through the game of Mah Jongg.

My mom has been playing Mah Jongg for years, as my grandma and great-grandma played as well. She uses their Mah Jongg sets, which makes the game extra special. Within the past few years, my mom has become an avid Mah Jongg player. Every week, she gathers with her friends, always over a meal, and they play for a few hours.

While I was in high school and home for college breaks, I would always look forward to those few hours with my mom, her friends, and hearing the clacking of their Mah Jongg tiles. It was a few years ago that they taught me to play the game one winter afternoon. Every time I am home now, we set up a game with her friends so that I am able to play. I am their token millennial, and they take pride in having taught me the game.

Mah Jongg bridges the gap between generations, and includes everyone. I feel as though this game is in my blood, since it has been played for many generations in my family. It connects me with my relatives who are no longer living, and nurtures my relationship with my female role models. Learning how to play was just a given for me, something that was necessary to learn as a Jewish woman. It is now a newfound hobby for me, and I am teaching my friends, all in our early 20s, how to play.

It was during the time I took care of my mom that my friends and I decided to plan an event to honor our mothers and raise money for breast cancer awareness. The three of us are all in the “helping profession,” so it seemed fitting to pursue such an event. After much brainstorming, we decided to host a Mah Jongg fundraiser, because all of our moms are passionate players. Thus, Stay Strong and Mahj On came to fruition.

Our first event occurred last May and included over 155 guests. We raised $15,000 for the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois and helped bring a nutritionist on board to their team. We worked for months on developing the event, so it was an incredible sight to see all of our hard work paid off. My proudest moment from the event was the speech that Jordyn, Moriah, and I gave. We each talked about our moms’ experiences with breast cancer, and how it affected us—myself as a 20-something, Jordyn as a teenager, and Moriah in first grade. After each speech, we presented our moms with a bouquet of flowers. There was not a dry eye in the room. Stay Strong and Mahj On is now planning a New York event, and our second annual Chicago event.

I cannot count the number of women—and Mah Jongg players—I have met who have been affected by breast cancer, either themselves or through a family member’s battle. Although breast cancer and Mah Jongg may seem disconnected, the two have more parallels than one could imagine. Many people have approached me saying that Mah Jongg has helped them to relax during their treatment, or that they continue their weekly Mahj groups because it helps them socialize and take their mind off of their struggle. Mah Jongg is not only a social game, but also helps invigorate the mind. There is research on Mah Jongg and cognitive stimulation, which is beneficial for those of all ages. I want to assist breast cancer survivors in finding an outlet such as Mah Jongg that will help to make their fight easier.

My mom’s battle helped me turn a negative situation into a positive one through the creation of Stay Strong and Mahj On. And after a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, my mom is now cancer free. I’m so grateful that due to this unfortunate situation, I am now able to help those who are affected by breast cancer, all while playing my favorite game.

For more information, please visit our website at: www.staystrongandmahjon.org

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

I am so excited about this Stay Strong and Mahj On upcoming event including lunch and Mah Jongg on April 14 at the beautiful – and delicious – Sarabeth’s!  Linda Feinstein is the honorary chair plus we have the best benefit committee! I hope all of you in the tri-state area will attend what promises to be a fun and memorable afternoon.

Please go here to register: www.staystrongandmahjon.org/events – we are limited to 100 attendees and you won’t want to miss out.  Great prizes and raffle items along with knowing that your donation is benefitting a wonderful breast cancer charity!

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And much thanks to our dear friend, Lynn Chorn of www.wherethewindsblow.com, for all of her very generous support and caring.

STAY STRONG AND MAHJ ON…

THREE INTERNS, BREAST CANCER AND MAH JONGG.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller 

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller

There are certain experiences that bond people for life. For us, it was being daughters of breast cancer warriors. We met during the summer of 2013 when we interned through an internship program and became fast friends. Throughout the school year, the three of us made sure to get together every break when we were home to catch up and reminisce. Our friendship grew. We were there for each other through break-ups, graduations, and even cancer. While other friends might not have understood the impact of watching your mother lose her hair, changing drains, and having to hold a mother’s hand through surgery, we all just got it.

Over Thanksgiving break 2014, we had an idea. Why not plan an event dedicated to our moms, who all have survived breast cancer, and raise awareness? We were all inspired by the shear strength and courage our mothers displayed, and wanted to do something to honor them and all they have done for us. That is how Stay Strong and Mahj On came to fruition. Our mothers are all avid Mah Jongg players, as are we. We could not think of a better way to celebrate our mothers, while working towards a good cause.

The money raised from the event will benefit the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois. This Center has helped our families as well as thousands of others dealing with cancer. We are honored and excited to plan this event, and it is providing a fun diversion to our full-time schoolwork. With your help, we hope to raise enough money to help support a nutritionist for the Cancer Wellness Center and help spread awareness about breast cancer, especially through our personal narratives.

STAY STRONG AND MAHJ ON…

THREE INTERNS, BREAST CANCER AND MAH JONGG.

WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller 

               Pictured from left to right: Moriah Berry, Jordyn Fishman, and Alexis Miller

There are certain experiences that bond people for life. For us, it was being daughters of breast cancer warriors. We met during the summer of 2013 when we interned through an internship program and became fast friends. Throughout the school year, the three of us made sure to get together every break when we were home to catch up and reminisce. Our friendship grew. We were there for each other through break-ups, graduations, and even cancer. While other friends might not have understood the impact of watching your mother lose her hair, changing drains, and having to hold a mother’s hand through surgery, we all just got it.

Over Thanksgiving break 2014, we had an idea. Why not plan an event dedicated to our moms, who all have survived breast cancer, and raise awareness? We were all inspired by the shear strength and courage our mothers displayed, and wanted to do something to honor them and all they have done for us. That is how Stay Strong and Mahj On came to fruition. Our mothers are all avid Mah Jongg players, as are we. We could not think of a better way to celebrate our mothers, while working towards a good cause.

The money raised from the event will benefit the Cancer Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois. This Center has helped our families as well as thousands of others dealing with cancer. We are honored and excited to plan this event, and it is providing a fun diversion to our full-time schoolwork. With your help, we hope to raise enough money to help support a nutritionist for the Cancer Wellness Center and help spread awareness about breast cancer, especially through our personal narratives.