
06 Oct #IBWSUPPORTS: BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
At the Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we value the health, safety, and support of our students, staff, and guests. During October, people and organizations all over the world come together to fundraise and show their support to continue the fight against breast cancer.
Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime. This not only impacts her, but also her family, friends, and loved ones. Many people know someone who has been directly affected by this diagnosis and the emotional impact that it creates. Breast cancer has become the most common cancer in the world and has the highest cancer death rate in women aside from lung cancer.
Our mission as an institute is to provide support during breast cancer awareness month in any way that we can to those who have been directly impacted. For years, we have teamed up with ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) to assist them in their mission to assist those who have been given the heartbreaking news of their diagnosis.
About ABCD’s Mission:
ABCD was founded in 1999 by Milwaukee Journalist, Melodie Wilson Oldenburg. When Melodie developed breast cancer in 1992, she was very public about her diagnosis and journey on television. During this time, she received an outpouring of support from people all over the city and state supporting her along her journey and sharing with her about their diagnosis as well. The foundation of ABCD was built on the idea of providing support and care to those who need it most.
ABCD is Milwaukee operated, however it is known internationally for the services they provide. With a team of mentors, physicians, and clinicians on staff—there are people available to assist patients undergoing treatment as well as survivors in any way they can. ABCD is extremely unique in that they work directly with the mental and emotional tole that breast cancer has on patients.
Their services are free to patients or their family members to use. When you reach out to ABCD for support, you will be paired with a mentor that is similar to you. This includes not only their diagnosis and treatment plan, but also family background, interests, age, and personality. Throughout your journey, your mentor will assist you in providing you with guidance, support, motivation, a helping-hand, and someone you can talk to who understands your struggle and journey.
At the Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we are not only inspired by ABCD’s mission, but also how impactful they have been throughout the decades around the world. We encourage any of our students, faculty, guests, or those related to utilize ABCD’s resources if impacted.


How You Can Help:
There are many ways to get involved to help the fight against breast cancer. Support, in any form, is appreciated and encouraged. At the Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we have ways for you to show your support for ABCD’s mission. During you visit:
- Round-Up: You can choose to round up on all of your purchases during the month of October. Any dollar amount is appreciated and 100% of donations will be given to ABCD for their efforts.
- Spin the Wheel: In our retail store, where you check out, we have a spin the wheel option that houses some great prizes. For just a $5 donation, you can spin the wheel for the chance to win. Every $5 donation is eligible for 1 spin. 100% of donations will be given to ABCD.
Move Through Beauty Fashion Show:
Every year the Institute of Beauty and Wellness Milwaukee and Madison team up to host a fashion show that is run by the students. All proceeds of this fashion show are donated to ABCD for their efforts, and we encourage everyone to attend. Each year uses a new theme, and the hair, makeup, and nails are designed by students currently enrolled at the Institute. In previous years, we have invited breast cancer survivors to attend the show, and the outpouring of support that we have received is incredibly touching. This year, due to health and safety protocols, we will be creating a virtual event in which everyone can live stream the show at home.

2021 Fashion Show Details:
Between the two Institutes, there are 12 teams of students from each program who are working on various hair, makeup, and nail looks for their specific theme. The themes this year are Woodland, Green Foliage, and Garden Floral. During the show, you will be able to see each of the group’s looks and hear the student’s explain their theme’s concept and how they made their creative vision come to life.
The virtual show will be held on October 27, 2021 at 7:00p.m. (CST) Tickets are available now online to purchase.
Ticket prices will vary as each ticket serves as a donation to ABCD. You are open to choose your donation amount when you purchase a ticket to the fashion show. When you purchase your ticket, you will be immediately entered into a raffle to win a basket prize from the Institute of Beauty and Wellness. Each basket raffle will be based on your ticket price. (Example: $20 ticket is an automatic drawing into the $20 raffle basket.)
During the show, we will announce the winners of the raffle baskets, so stay tuned. There will be 1 winner per raffle. We will also share more about ABCD and talk with their representatives about the difference your contribution will make and how it will be used.
Our students are working incredibly hard to create some beautiful looks and we are excited to share with you their finished product during the fashion show!
Join the Cause:
At the Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we not only emphasize the importance of professionalism, training, and education—but also giving back to the community. We encourage our students to take part in organizations and missions that are important to them and help raise awareness and support to those who need it most.
Our education is founded on helping and supporting others in any way that we can. In the wellness industry, we are providers of services that comfort, relax, and nurture our guests. Regardless of where your future takes you, we are hopeful and confident that our students will use their education to provide the best possible experience for their guests, regardless of circumstance.
Learn More about the Institute of Beauty and Wellness and how you can get involved as a future student.