Michele Ortiz

Several years ago, my friend went back to school to be a prosthetic fitter. While interning at a plastic surgeon’s office, she saw a need for women with breast cancer in their after-surgery stage. From that experience was born her vision of A World of Pink.

I will never forget the day she walked into the dance studio and announced that she was starting a business to help women with breast surgery aftercare. I had to chuckle thinking only Christine would take on more than she was already doing — a mother of three, a dental hygienist and now starting a company!

With her company and foundation, Christine has changed the lives of countless women in New York and across the country. She designed the first breast prosthetics for women of color, fashionable but comfortable bras for post-mastectomy surgery and so much more. Her foundation’s fundraisers (galas, golf outings and more) raise money to give to patients who can’t afford the aftercare they need and deserve. Christine makes sure they know they can get their bras for free through their insurance.

From left: CHRISTINE GUARINO, RDH, CMF, CFM, and MICHELE ORTIZ.

The annual gala is a big production. Christine involves the whole community. From local college dance teams and aspiring musicians to retired football players and other professional athletes, everyone is involved in the evening’s events. Patients are invited to model, wear a pretty gown, get their hair and makeup done. They are escorted down the runway by either their surgeon or by one of the athletes in attendance. At the end of the night, all survivors are invited onto the runway.

Christine Guarino is always on the go, finding ways to help women feel beautiful and good about themselves after surgery. She is an inspiration and beyond generous with her time and contributions. She cannot help people enough. I am honored to be her friend.

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