For most, surviving the battle against breast cancer would be accomplishment enough. But for some, personal adversity becomes a call to action, an opportunity to rally to the support of others who may face similar adversity.

Neapolitan Joetta Abbazio is just that sort of person. Her personal experience with breast cancer became a catalyst for helping others and for giving years of dedicated service to Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support.

On Feb. 27, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, will play host to the Caring Women Bond to Beat Breast Cancer luncheon, "Puttin' On The Ritz-An Elegant Celebration of Survival." As many as 600 guests will come together in support of the efforts of Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer and Lymphedema Support Group, the only group in Naples specifically focused on breast cancer and lymphedema, an accumulation of lymphatic fluid that causes swelling, most often in the arms or legs. In only its second year, the luncheon has already become a signature event for Bosom Buddies.

In April, the group will celebrate a decade of service. It's an anniversary of special meaning to Abbazio, Bosom Buddies' president and founding member, because it coincides with her own 10-year breast cancer survival anniversary.

In the United States, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every three minutes. To find oneself on the receiving end of that diagnosis is a frightening experience. But when Abbazio got the news, she faced the ordeal with her characteristically positive, take-charge attitude. "I knew I was going to have a tremendous fight on my hands and then I would go on with my life," she recalls. Abbazio wants to use what she has learned in order to help others.

That's where Bosom Buddies came in. The group provided a way for Abbazio to offer insight, encouragement and support to the countless women whose challenges she knew firsthand.

Abbazio and her husband, Fred, moved to Naples shortly after her medical battle with breast cancer was coming to an end. "My husband decided to retire early, so I did, too," says Abbazio. She had worked in a demanding, fast-paced Manhattan law office and was used to being organized and busy-two skills that would serve her well in her work with Bosom Buddies.

When Abbazio arrived in Naples, Anne Schuch, also a breast-cancer survivor, was in search of other women who were struggling with the aftermath of breast-cancer treatments. She advertised a get-together. Abbazio showed up for the first meeting and has been involved since.

Shared experiences, growing friendships and the desire to help other women formed the foundation on which Bosom Buddies was built. "For me," Abbazio says, "it is a passion. It is a big part of what I do everyday. I know there are so many people that we help and touch."

Abbazio's sincerity is apparent. And not just to those she directly helps, but also to people like local surgeon Dr. Mark Prysi, one of a number of doctors she has recruited as volunteers. Several years ago, Abbazio told Prysi about the plight of women who could not afford reconstructive surgery. "I do several reconstructive surgeries a year, and it has been a tremendous experience," Prysi says. "Joetta seems to have unlimited energy in support of the women-she is a constant inspiration."

Besides recruiting health-care volunteers, the organization provides financial, educational and emotional support for women fighting breast cancer. And, as a not-for-profit corporation, it can raise money for those who fall between the medical system's widening cracks. Even for those with insurance, there are many added expenses in the course of treatment.

"We tell the women to focus on getting well," says Abbazio. "We will support them in any way they need. Sometimes that means paying their rent or going to initial treatments with them."

Dedicated volunteers from the area and support from organizations like Trinity-by-the-Cove Episcopal Church, Pelican Bay Country Club, Bonita Fairways Country Club and others continue to be the cornerstone of Bosom Buddies. Abbazio is happy to count herself among those volunteers. From that very first meeting, she has enthusiastically used the skills she acquired in the workplace, and her heartfelt, can-do attitude, to help others.

"Women should not be fearful," Abbazio says. "There are many people willing to help." Obviously, it is helpers like Abbazio who make the best friends of all.

Bond to Beat Breast Cancer

Puttin On The Ritz-An Elegant Celebration of Survival

Friday, February 27, 2004

The Ritz Carlton Naples

11:00 a.m. Arrival

"Sip-n-See" - "Browse-n-Bid" Silent Auction

12:00 Luncheon

Fashions and Musical Accompaniment

1:00 p.m. Live auction.

For information, call 417-4600