It was a day to remember for eight women who are going through a battle.
On Wednesday, the Islanders and Belmont Park Village partnered with Northwell for a special “Retail & Restore” day of wellness and pampering for breast cancer survivors and those who are still undergoing treatment. The eight women, who are all in different stages of breast cancer, were all selected by Northwell.
Some are newly diagnosed, some are going through remission, some are going through treatment.
“It’s just a wonderful day to just celebrate them,” said Holly Horvat, the wife of Islanders captain Bo Horvat.
“I honestly think it’s one of the most wonderful events just seeing these women and how strong they are…listening to their personal stories and just really making that connection with them and just seeing them have a great day.”
New York Islanders host event for breast cancer survivorsNew York Islanders
The event provided the participants with a day that was dedicated to beauty, shopping and self-care with New York Islanders players’ and hockey operation wives on hand throughout the day to support and assist. Ambiance Salon & Spa delivered beauty services at The Apartment located Belmont Park Village and each woman received a $750 gift card to shop across the Village's boutiques.
Islanders fan and season ticket holder Phyllis Gill was one of the eight women selected by Northwell for the event. In 2009, she was diagnosed with stage two breast cancer and then ten years later, she was told the breast cancer had reached stage four.
“It meant a lot to me because being a die-hard Islanders fan and having the whole cancer situation,” said Gill.
“You put the two together and it was a no-brainer for me to say yes…I will be here. I tell people I don’t even have it. I don’t feel like I have it. Being a season ticket holder for the Islanders is what keeps me going.”
It was a day that Gill and the other seven participants will not soon forget.
