At The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, the health, safety, and well-being of our students, staff, and guests are at the heart of what we do. Every October, organizations worldwide unite to raise funds and awareness in the fight against breast cancer—and we proudly join the cause.
Breast Cancer Awareness: Important Facts
Breast cancer is a serious global health issue. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop invasive breast cancer in their lifetime, impacting not just the individual, but also their families, friends, and communities. It is the most common cancer worldwide and remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women, following lung cancer.
At The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we are committed to supporting breast cancer awareness and those directly affected by this disease. For many years, we have partnered with ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis) to assist in their mission to provide care and support for individuals receiving this life-changing diagnosis
About ABCD’s Mission
ABCD was founded in 1999 by Milwaukee journalist Melodie Wilson Oldenburg, who publicly shared her breast cancer journey starting in 1992. Inspired by the support she received, Melodie established ABCD to offer personalized mentorship and emotional support to individuals facing breast cancer.
Though headquartered in Milwaukee, ABCD’s work reaches people globally. They provide free, one-on-one support to patients, survivors, and their families through a network of mentors who have experienced breast cancer themselves. These mentors are carefully matched based on diagnosis, treatment plans, family background, and even personal interests, ensuring that patients receive emotional support from someone who truly understands their journey.
The unique focus of ABCD on the mental and emotional toll of breast cancer makes it an invaluable resource for those navigating this difficult experience. We at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness are continually inspired by the impact ABCD has made around the world and encourage our students, faculty, and guests to utilize their resources if needed.
How You Can Help
Supporting the fight against breast cancer takes many forms, and at The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we offer several ways to contribute to ABCD’s mission during Breast Cancer Awareness Month:
- Round-Up for ABCD: During your visit to our institute in October, you can choose to round up your purchase to the nearest dollar. Every contribution, no matter the amount, goes directly to ABCD to support their programs.
- Spin the Wheel for Prizes: Visit our retail store and donate $10 to spin our prize wheel! You’ll have the chance to win great prizes, and all proceeds from the game will be donated to ABCD.
Catwalk for a Cause: Our Annual Charity Beauty Show
Each year, our Milwaukee and Madison campuses come together to host the “Catwalk for a Cause,” a student-led beauty and fashion show dedicated to supporting ABCD. Students from all programs collaborate to design stunning hair, makeup, and nail looks, while breast cancer survivors are invited to walk the runway. The evening is a powerful celebration of beauty, resilience, and community.
2nd Place, Izabel, Corrin, Ella, Eva 
1st place, Jess, Alicia, Emily 
1st Place, Albert, Amber, Ariana 
2nd Place, Izabel, Corrin, Ella, Eva 
3rd Place, Mckayla Gilberston Shannon Duncan 
Cosmetology Instructor Eric with his model 
3rd Place, Mckayla, Shannon 
1st place, Jess, Alicia, Emily 
3rd Place, Pader, Seth, Melissa, Raigen 
2nd Place, Talia, Olivia, Macaria, Myia 
2024 Catwalk for a Cause: Event Details
Join us for an unforgettable evening of beauty, fun, and philanthropy as we raise awareness and funds for breast cancer. All proceeds from ticket sales will go directly to ABCD, helping them continue their vital work.
Our Commitment to Giving Back
At The Institute of Beauty and Wellness, we emphasize not only professionalism, training, and education but also the importance of giving back to the community. We encourage our students to get involved with organizations and causes that resonate with them, helping raise awareness and offering support to those who need it most.
Our educational mission is built on the foundation of helping and supporting others. As future professionals in the wellness industry, our students are trained to provide services that comfort, relax, and nurture their guests. Wherever their careers may lead, we are confident that the education they receive here will empower them to offer the best possible experience to their guests, no matter the circumstances.
Want to learn more about The Institute of Beauty and Wellness? Contact our admissions team or schedule a tour! Click the button below to book your tour today.
