Kibbitzing with Caplan: Stories of Hope, ovarian cancer awareness and new art exhibit

THE STORIES OF HOPE GALA is the annual signature fundraiser of Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis (CSC). CSC is making every effort to produce an entertaining and exciting evening, starting with Dan Duffy, award-winning film, television and video producer and radio personality, as master of ceremonies. The program’s producer is my daughter Lisa Caplan, president of Touchwood Creative. 

This year’s theme was inspired by CSC’s writing classes, which, through the creative process of writing, helps provide comfort, control and the power of finding one’s voice again. Sharing one’s story provides hope for others in the community.

The Stories of Hope Gala will take place Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Ritz-Carlton in Clayton. The evening starts at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and silent auction. Dinner, live auction, award ceremony and entertainment follow at 7:30. All funds raised from the gala remain in the St. Louis area for the benefit of people living with cancer. 

Stories of Hope is the result of efforts by the Wise Women’s Writing Workshop, part of stress management for cancer patients. What else can I tell you? Oh, yes, cocktail attire and complimentary valet parking. Tickets start at $225. For reservations and information call Angie Wiseman 314-238-2000, ext. 235.

Three special honorees will be recognized during the evening. Each has an imposing bio that, if reproduced here, would consume the rest of this issue of the Light.  

But let me introduce you to this year’s individual honoree, Lillian Bolozky, known to many as “Bubbles.” A lung cancer survivor and successful business woman, Lillian has been a devoted volunteer at CSC since 2006. I am told that there are not enough good things to say about her. 

The physician honoree is retired Dr. Burton Needles, a medical oncologist-hematologist for more than 30 years. He, too, is a cancer survivor.  

The corporate honoree is the Moneta Group Charitable Foundation, a top supporter of CSC’s Steps for Hope Walk for seven years.

After some interviewing about CSC for this column, I realized that I had written the first story about the Wellness Community (its original name) to appear in the Light about 1990. All programs are still offered at no charge in a comfortable, homelike environment. CSC offers professionally led support groups, educational workshops, nutrition and exercise programs, and stress reduction classes to empower and educate people affected by cancer.

ST. LOUIS OVARIAN CANCER AWARENESS (SLOCA) has a calendar full of activities in observation of Cancer Awareness Month in September. Starting Friday, Sept. 4, SLOCA will light up the James S. McDonnell Planetarium in teal, the signature color of ovarian cancer awareness. On the same night, the organization will be recognized at Busch Stadium before the Cardinals’ 7:15 p.m. Game with the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

On Saturday, Sept. 5, Rise ’n Shine Yoga will be led by 20 area yoga instructors from 9 a.m. to noon at the World’s Fair Pavilion in Forest Park. 

Other upcoming events inlude Cookie Baking for Survivors on Tuesday, Sept. 8 at the Dierbergs Cooking School kitchen in Des Peres; Trivia Night to benefit SLOCA on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Von Gontard Center at Mercy Hospital; and Teal Toes for SLOCA on Tuesday, Sept. 15, at Beautiful Nails, 8721 Manchester Road. 

To participate in any of the events, call 314-966-7562 or visit sloca.org.

SLOCA is a nonprofit organization committed to increasing ovarian cancer survivorship, promoting awareness of early signs and standards of care, funding ovarian cancer research and supporting survivors.

THE ST. LOUIS ART MUSEUM has an exhibit called “The Artist and the Modern Studio,” which explores how artists turned to their own studio spaces as a subject for exploration. The show features more than 30 American and European artists, with a concentration of works drawn from the museum’s collection produced from 1960 to 1990. The museum is looking to connect artists with a virtual community of fellow artists. The exhibit is on display through Jan. 3.