STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Sometimes, in endless months of suffering, a day’s respite from the pain is all you need. For scores of Staten Island women battling cancer, Diva for Day has been exactly what the doctor ordered.
Founded by two women in New Jersey following their experience with breast cancer, the non-profit 501c3 organization arranges this day of pampering and relaxation at a local spa for women dealing with cancer diagnosis, treatment or recovery.
The nationwide program, now in 26 states, as far as Hawaii and California, is now 5 years old and was brought to Staten Island by Cathy Tantillo of Huguenot, who met the founders and was able to bring the vendors on board.
Soon she recruited the help of her lifelong friend, Great Kills resident, Christina Swiderski, to help run this incredible program on Staten Island.
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Christina Swiderski (Staten Island coordinator), Peggy Matzen (co-founder)Cathy Tantillo (SI coordinator) Deb Sestokas (co-founder) make up the team behind Staten Island’s Diva for a Day.
Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com
“I have been salon coordinator for Staten Island since May 2013 and so far we have hosted 49 happy divas and am amazed at the strength and beauty of each and every one of them,” said Christina. “I am encouraged to keep this going on Staten Island by the results of one day at the spa after months of suffering through surgery and treatments.
“The ladies are all so grateful but also are moved, some to tears, because it’s the first time they actually saw ‘themselves’ in the mirror, when they see the strong, beautiful, and unbreakable women they have always been.
“This is not about lipstick. Diva for a Day is an emotional re-connection for women. It helps them to reconnect their mind, body and spirit. I cannot think of a better way for them to step toward recovery. They take the time to forget, if only for that day, what they have endured for months and experience pain-free, gentle human touch.”
On Staten Island, there are two participating spas: AF Bennett on New Dorp Lane and Mancini-Giuffre on Page Avenue. Each month Christine arranges for two women to go to these salons and enjoy treatments, including facials, massages, manicures, pedicures, shampoos and stylings of hair or wigs. They can also indulge in full makeup application.
“I recently met with a Diva on her day at Mancini-Giuffre who was a bundle of nerves when she arrived because she’d had some tests a few days before and was waiting for the results,” Christina shared. “I left her in the kind and capable hands of the salon staff and she was put totally at ease as her day progressed.
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Diva for a Day for women battling cancer helps restore women’s feeling good about themselves as they fight for their lives.
Dr. Gracelyn Santos | gsantos@siadvance.com
“A few days later I was thrilled to receive her simple text, ‘In remission!’ I broke down and cried with relief for her. In her moment of private joy, she had taken the time and thought to tell me, of all people! That meant so much to me and reinforced the reason I am involved with this organization.”
Not only does Diva for a Day pamper these brave women, but the program also treats them to lunch brought into the salon from a local restaurant. Currently, Zio Toto provides lunch at Mancini-Giuffre and Brioso’s at AF Bennett, after which the women are presented with beautiful bouquets donated by Carroll’s Florist and Forever Yours of Annadale.
“All services, lunches and flowers are provided at no cost,” Christina added. “The salon staff members are all very kind and considerate. They go out of their way to accommodate the schedule and needs of each woman they host.”
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