At Astera Cancer Care, we’re proud to be involved with Glamming the Warrior, a nonprofit organization dedicated to boosting confidence and self-esteem for cancer patients and survivors. Glamming the Warrior is rooted in community and dedicated to brightening the spirits of cancer patients through a campaign that provides glamming, styling, wellness, and spa services to selected “warriors.” In order to become a warrior, patients must be nominated by another person via video, sharing information about the nominee’s fight against cancer. Glamming the Warrior is committed to empowering cancer patients to embrace their self- image regardless of what stage of their cancer journey they’re in.
Astera’s involvement with the organization began two years ago when Medical Oncologist Dr. Amit Patel’s patient was selected as a warrior. When Glamming the Warrior’s founder and president, Rochelle–R.E. Magno, discovered Dr. Patel was this patient’s oncologist, she was eager to get him more involved with the organization.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Patel at the launch of Astera’s new office location in Jersey City and it was immediately clear that collaborating with someone who shares the same passion for honoring our patients was the right choice,” says Rochelle. “He is a powerful and compassionate force, and I am thrilled that we share the same vision of making our honorees feel special. Clyda Limbaga was the first patient of his that I had the honor of recognizing last year. This year, I was delighted to continue this tradition with Melissa King, another one of his remarkable patients.”
Magno saw how dedicated Dr. Patel was to his patients, who often start to experience cosmetic changes after receiving chemotherapy, which is why she thought there was a strong alignment between Glamming the Warrior and Dr. Patel’s collaboration.
“The body image that becomes altered for patients can affect them permanently, but more so at the time of treatment in terms of their spirit and emotional stability,” says Dr. Patel. It was very important for me to get involved in an organization that celebrates these changes and shows patients that they are temporary.” Glamming the Warrior offers glam sessions to uplift patients’ spirits and emotional well-being.
In April 2023, Dr. Patel’s patient Melissa, age 46, was diagnosed with stage I breast cancer. Melissa, a mother of three boys, served in the army for 15 years and considers herself very resilient. Almost 25 years ago, she had a benign cyst removed from her left breast, but didn’t present with any symptoms when the cancer was found in her left breast last year. She underwent oncoplastic breast reduction surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to treat her breast cancer, and is now in remission.
Melissa’s care team consisted of Dr. Patel, who referred her to Breast Surgeon Dr. Darren Sachs, and Advanced Practice Provider Dr. Joshua Oderanti.
“Dr. Patel is amazing. You see him and know everything is going to be ok. The staff at Astera has always been great.” Melissa says. “Dr. Patel, Dr. Sachs, and Dr. Oderanti are rockstars. They saved my life.”
Dr. Patel was passionate about getting Melissa involved with Glamming the Warrior. “I was nominated and then chosen. From there, it was a whirlwind. It was amazing. They scheduled a spa day, beautification day, massage, facial, manicure, and pedicure,” Melissa says.
Melissa and Dr. Patel both attended the Glamming the Warrior Gala in February 2024. When reflecting on attending the Glamming the Warrior gala, Dr. Patel says, “It was very emotional because I was able to see my patient being honored in such a great way.”
Prior to the gala, the six VIP Honorees had a glamming session, followed by a professional photoshoot. These portraits were then revealed for the VIP Honorees and gala attendees to see for the first time during the gala, which was an emotional experience.
“Everything has been so uplifting,” Melissa says about her experience with Glamming the
Warrior. It’s been so much fun. I definitely recommend others get involved.”