By Drew Gieseke | Photos courtesy of Shero Imaging
New, state-of-the-art technology is changing the way doctors treat breast cancer.
Based in St. Louis, Shero Imaging recently became the first clinic in Missouri to offer ProSense® Cryoablation for eligible breast cancer patients. The treatment marks an important shift toward less invasive, office-based treatment options for women aged 70 and above with low-risk disease. “Cryoablation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to treat breast cancer by freezing and effectively killing the cancer,” fellowship-trained breast radiologist Dr. Tish M. Singer says. “It is a great way to treat small early breast cancers and is FDA-approved for the treatment of breast cancer in select populations.”
Developed by IceCure Medical, an Israelbased medical device company founded in 2006, ProSense® cryoablation is a minimally invasive system that uses liquid nitrogen to freeze tumors. Treatment takes about one to two hours, and patients can go home as soon as they’re finished. Crucially, it offers an alternative to surgery that can be performed in an office-based setting, accelerating recovery, reducing pain, and lowering surgical risks and complications. “It’s hard for our elderly population to recover from surgery, and a percentage of this population cannot undergo surgery due to other medical conditions,” Dr. Singer says. “Cryoablation is a perfect way to treat small breast cancers without surgery.”
Because cryoablation is still fairly new, most breast centers in the St. Louis area don’t offer it. Shero Imaging is a freestanding concierge
practice rather than part of a larger hospital system – an approach Dr. Singer says allows the team to provide the personalized care patients deserve. “I have a 79-year-old mom, and I help her get medical care,” she explains. “My mom is afraid of hospitals and frankly will not go to large health care systems. I think a lot of people are scared of walking into a large building with the word ‘cancer’ written on the side of [it].”
deserve. “I have a 79-year-old mom, and I help her get medical care,” she explains. “My mom is afraid of hospitals and frankly will not go to large health care systems. I think a lot of people are scared of walking into a large building with the word ‘cancer’ written on the side of [it].”
In contrast, the comfortable environment at Shero serves as an alternative that Dr. Singer says “helps patients overcome their fears of the health care system” while giving them cuttingedge technology and excellent breast care. Dr. Singer also notes that, since Shero Imaging is an outpatient facility, it can keep health care costs within reason and pass savings along to patients.
outpatient facility, it can keep health care costs within reason and pass savings along to patients.
As of this writing, more than 380,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026, according to the National Breast Cancer
to treat smaller tumors and less-aggressive cancers. “My colleagues who have been doing cryoablation for a decade use it for larger cancers in patients who are not good surgical candidates,” Dr. Singer says. “I am hopeful that we can eventually expand the FDA approval to younger patient populations.”
As of this writing, more than 380,000 women are expected to be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2026, according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. As Dr. Singer and her team continue to expand their cryoablation services, the hope is that this treatment will soon be authorized for younger populations, especially to treat smaller tumors and less-aggressive cancers. “My colleagues who have been doing cryoablation for a decade use it for larger cancers in patients who are not good surgical candidates,” Dr. Singer says. “I am hopeful that we can eventually expand the FDA approval to younger patient populations.”
Shero Imaging, 227 N. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, sheroimaging.com
Cryoablation is a minimally invasive, non-surgical way to treat breast cancer by freezing and effectively killing the cancer.
Seasonal Allergies on the Rise
By Connie Mitchell | photo supplied
It seems to be happening earlier and becoming worse each year. Some call it “The Pollening.”
Spring allergies have people sniffling their way around St. Louis, and Dr. Joseph Brunworth – an otolaryngologist with SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group – has some advice if you suffer from seasonal allergies.
First, Dr. Brunworth notes that we’re not just imagining worsening allergies. “A big part of that is environmental,” he says. “We’re seeing longer stretches of warm weather and earlier springs, which means plants are producing pollen for a longer period each year. Higher temperatures and rising carbon dioxide levels tend to make certain plants like ragweed produce more pollen, and sometimes more potent pollen.” Air pollution, early-life exposure to potential allergens, and changes in the gut and airway microbiome may also play a role.
To calm respiratory symptoms, Dr. Brunworth recommends intranasal steroid sprays like Flonase or Nasacort, which calm inflammation
and help reduce congestion, drainage, sneezing, and itching. “The key is using them consistently,” he says. “Ideally, patients should start about a week or two before their typical allergy season and continue daily use throughout that period. It can take several days to notice improvement and a couple of weeks for full effect.”
Decongestants can help in the short term but aren’t advised for long-term use because they can cause increased blood pressure or insomnia. Topical nasal sprays like Afrin should be used for no more than three days to avoid rebound congestion. “These medications are quite safe when used correctly,” Dr. Brunworth says. “The most common issue with nasal sprays is mild irritation or nosebleeds, which can be minimized with proper technique.”
If symptoms persist or disrupt your life, it’s time to see a doctor – especially since new allergy treatments are being developed. “One area getting attention is mRNA-based allergy vaccines, similar in concept to the platform used for COVID-19 vaccines,” Dr.
Plants are producing pollen for a longer period each year.
–Dr.
JOSEpH BrUNWOrTH
Brunworth says. “The idea is to train the immune system more precisely to tolerate specific allergens. That’s still in early stages … but it’s promising.”
Another therapy, known as a biologic, targets specific parts of the immune system. One option, Xolair, is prescribed for patients with more severe diseases or those with asthma or nasal polyps. While effective, these injectable medications can be costly. “The newer therapies are exciting, especially because they aim to shorten treatment time or more precisely target the immune response,” Dr. Brunworth says. “[However,] the main considerations are cost, access, and the fact that we don’t yet have the same long-term data that we do with established treatments.”
Patients often ask Dr. Brunworth about natural remedies like supplements or honey. While options such as quercetin, stinging nettle, and bromelain may help some, evidence is inconsistent, so he recommends them only as additions to primary treatment. Local honey is thought to provide mild immunotherapy, but it contains heavier, insect-carried pollen – not the airborne pollen that typically drives seasonal allergies.
Overall, Dr. Brunworth emphasizes that consistency is key to managing seasonal allergies – but if adjusting your approach doesn’t help, it may be time to see a specialist.
SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group, ssmhealth.com/slucare
Striking faux wood designs imbue interiors with a bold masculine vibe.
ListedbyBillKeefer
it takes a skilled artisan more than a week to bend and intertwine the dozens of rattan poles on Century Furniture’s Knot dining table. reinforced with hidden metal rods, this dynamic, organic design is topped with bevelededge glass, making it well suited for many placements and uses inside your home. (kdrshowrooms.com)
Currey and Company’s Dunmore chandelier features a gnarled ring made of concrete in the tradition of faux bois (false wood). The harbon de bois finish gives it the look of natural, dark brown timber. Eight bulbs, set along the circular frame, highlight the design’s sculptural texture. Using a combination of organic form and durable materials, this statement fixture lends a powerful natural ambiance. (brodylamp.com)
The mighty yet whimsical Oak leaf wing chair is part of the McAlpine House Collection, for which architect and furniture designer Bobby McAlpine incorporates elements from many countries and cultures to set a stage for unique interior design. Available in a wide range of finishes, the chair is shown here in weathered oak. (mcalpinehome.com)
Bright Lights in the Shade
By Pat Raven, Ph.D. | photos supplied
The shade gardener knows the sweet wild alum root and rosy coral bells (Heuchera) and the more delicate foam flower (Tiarella) as complementary sisters in the Saxifrage family. These plants all add character to the darker corners of the landscape. In the hands of modern plant breeders though, many variations and hybrids have been created, and one would scarcely recognize the cultivars now available in a rainbow of hues, flower habits, and forms. These saxifrages have moved out of the shadows and into brilliant mass plantings, containers, and the front border.
Contemporary Heucheras of the Dolce, Primo, and Dressed Up hybrid series offer vibrant foliage from amber and chartreuse through peach, cherry, red, and grape purple to nearly black. Grown primarily for the colorful dissected leaves, many have insignificant flowers. They make intensely colorful clumps for mass planting and borders.
Tiarellas have been selected for heavy flowering and ground cover performance, though clump forming varieties exist. ‘Oconee Spreader’ and the more diminutive ‘Slickrock’ are popular nativars found wild in the southern Appalachians. ‘Running Tapestry’ has vibrant leaf color and makes an excellent textured ground cover.
Selections and hybrids of both perform best in well-draining rich soil with at least a half-day or more of shade. They also perform well as fillers and spillers in container gardens. Clump formers benefit from being divided every three or four years, while spreaders simply expand their horizons.
However, their love child, the bi-generic
hybrid group called x Heucherella, magnificently expresses the best characteristics of both Heuchera and Tiarella.
The newest generation of x Heucherella includes the series called Fun and Games. ‘Eye Spy,’ new this year, has striking chartreuse dissected leaves with vivid scarlet spidery feathered veins, topped by airy rich pink flowers on wiry, deep red stems. ‘Capture The Flag’ is chartreuse and maroon with white flowers. ‘Shadow Tag’ has rich green leaves overlaid with
a generous silver dappling. The central veins are subtly outlined with deep red feathers, topped by delicate, pale pink flowers.
‘Hopscotch’ is as warm as ‘Shadow Tag’ is cool. Deeply cut leaves first emerge a vibrant orangey-red then mellow to rich butterscotch marked heavily with chestnut and bronze, then fade into a warm olive green by midsummer. Flowers are a soft cream that complements the warm hue of the leaves.
Up your shade garden game with some of these new, extremely colorful varieties. Just remember, repetition can be key to a beautiful landscape, as is color harmony. You will be rewarded with great seasonal change as the Heucherellas emerge brilliantly, colorfully and mellow to gentler tones over time before sending up graceful flower spires later in the season.
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Sustainable Self-Care
By Andrea Smith |
When seeking sustainably made, low-waste products, there are a few local shops and brands to know in the St. Louis area that go above and beyond to care for the planet and help customers do the same.
Inside cozy Webster Groves shop Dharma + Dwell (dharmaanddwell.com), you can give your self-care routine its own makeover. Replace single-use items like cotton swabs and makeup wipes, stock up on clean beauty basics, and try body and hair care that leaves no trace once the product runs out.
The business commits to practices that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, which include responsible consumption and production of goods among other environmental and social values. Products are sourced from small businesses – some local and some not, and all are packaged in reusable, recyclable, compostable, or biodegradable materials. No plastic allowed! Unless it’s your own container that you’ve cleaned and repurposed at Dharma + Dwell’s refill and bulk bar, which offers a pay-by-the-ounce shopping experience.
“Dharma + Dwell takes sustainable selfcare to the next level, beyond products,” says customer Alyssa Barber, a St. Louis-based content creator known as “your thrifty, sustainable bestie” to her 800,000-plus followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. “Yes, they have some great refillable and plastic-free personal care products – such as my favorite NOTICE hair care bars and shower steamers – but they also center community care by hosting various community events throughout the year.”
A business with similar vibes and values, KIND Apothecary – also in Webster Groves – has a robust self-care shop and refill station, with details on its sustainability initiatives posted at
kindapoth.com/kind-to-the-earth.
For those interested in a complete skin-care line, look for Blissoma Botanical Beauty (blissoma.com) products at Forest & Meadow Herbal Shop and Clinic (forestandmeadow.com) and at select spas and wellness shops around town. Blissoma prioritizes organic plant ingredients and strives to honor the environment from which those ingredients are derived. Solar panels at the brand’s St. Louis headquarters provide for at least 75% of its electricity needs, and small batches of biodegradable or compostable products minimize waste from the inside out.
“Much like healthy skin care isn’t just about steering clear of irritating ingredients, the best farming is not just about avoiding pesticides,” founder Julie Longyear says. “Much like we always seek to do the most we can for our clients’ skin, we are always seeking to create the best possible environmental impact. Supporting farms that employ regenerative agricultural practices helps us achieve both goals. Plants grown in healthy soil and planted together in a symbiotic relationship with one another are more robust and vibrant and deliver more healing compounds into our products.”
Photo courtesy of Dharma + Dwell, product images courtesy of Blissoma
DOUBLE THE LUXURY,
By Brittany Na
Get ready to enter the world of Retta Jane.
Launched in 2018 by St. Louis designer and award-winning fashionista Retta Tussey, the sophisticated clothing brand will offer its collection for “modern teen and tween girls” – plus unveil a new womenswear line – at its first-ever brick-and-mortar store, slated to open in late summer at 8109 Maryland Ave. in Clayton. The flagship location has tentative plans to soft launch in August, with a grand opening set for September.
And, recalling her interior design roots, Tussey also will open a design firm next door: Retta Jane Interiors. The full-scale childrenswear, womenswear, lifestyle, and design project will encompass the 8107 to 8111 Maryland Ave. addresses at the heart of downtown Clayton’s premier business and shopping district.
An ambitious venture years in the making, the designer says the store will be a physical reflection of her brand’s philosophy – a space for clothing, storytelling, and gathering, inspired by vintage pieces that have held stories from three generations of women named Retta Jane.
“It’s deeply personal,” Tussey notes. “I’m Retta Jane. My mother is Retta Jane. My grandmother was Retta Jane. Three generations of women with the exact same name, and I wanted the brand to reflect that heritage and continuity. It’s not borrowed from family – it is family. Every piece carries that legacy forward.”
With a focus on an immersive customer experience, the Retta Jane shop will carry its
Double the Design
timeless – not trendy – tween fashion, aimed at “making your daughter feel seen,” along with a chic womenswear collection set to debut this fall, Tussey says.
Retta Jane’s childrenswear line features both quality basics and statement pieces, including classically beautiful silhouettes – from pleated skirts with signature red ribbon details to structured dresses and layers in a curated color palette. “I wanted to create pieces that would make girls in those in-between years – ages 8 to 16 – feel like themselves,” Tussey shares. “[That’s] when style starts to matter, but girls shouldn’t have to choose between looking grown up and actually being a kid. Everything is made to last, to be loved ... to be passed down.”
The luxe brand’s bestselling Fritz Dress
and Cricket Pants are made to mix-and-match or wear as a set to “take the guesswork out of getting dressed,” and the Towner Cape is a signature item “girls actually want to wear because it makes them feel like themselves, but better,” Tussey says. “All three pieces make getting dressed easy and joyful.”
The forthcoming Retta Jane womenswear line will echo the brand’s philosophy, with an homage to the art of getting dressed. “There was a time when getting dressed meant something. When women stepped outside feeling put together – not to impress anyone, but as an act of self-respect,” Tussey muses. “That quiet confidence has been lost somewhere in the rush of modern life.”
With the same luxury-ready-to-wear style as its children’s line, the women’s collection will “balance dresses, separates, and signature pieces that feel effortless, enduring, and entirely yours,” according to Tussey. The concept store will extend beyond clothing into a thoughtfully curated lifestyle experience, complete with unique homewares, jewelry, and accessories from independent artists “who share our belief in timeless craftsmanship ... [to] complement the Retta Jane aesthetic.”
Tussey looks forward to families stepping into the space for fashion, shared experiences, and storytelling: “Because getting dressed was never just about clothes,” she says. “It was always about intention.”
Retta Jane, rettajane.com
y | photos courtesy of retta Jane
Unbridled INTUITION
By
Soon after beginning her career in architecture, St. Louis-based artist Stephanie K. Halpin found a new sense of creative freedom through painting.
Although architecture relies on structure and problem solving, Halpin’s abstract works embrace intuition – using color, line, and movement to convey a more fluid artistic vision. “My love for architectural design, painting, and fashion are all closely related,” she says. “However, architectural design is very calculated and influenced by problem solving and practicality. Painting, for me, is a way to express my artistic drive without constraints.”
In this way, Halpin has found that her best work comes from instinct rather than careful planning. “When I am using the acrylic medium, as opposed to watercolor or oils, the process becomes more intuitive and expressive,” she explains. “I find it more of a therapeutic process: The less I think about a specific plan for a canvas, the better the work is for me.”
Travel also plays a significant role in shaping Halpin’s work, with many of her paintings reflecting her most recent destinations. However, that inspiration extends beyond physical landscapes to the energy of the places as well. “I am very sensitive to the ‘soul’ of my
surroundings. Not only visual cues but different climates and even scents of a place influence my impressions of the energy of the site,” she says. “For example, my paintings in Florida naturally take on a calming sea influence, while my paintings influenced by Paris display kinetic energy and vibrancy. I enjoy doing custom commissions for people who have a particular reference place, such as a mountain home, so that I can capture what they love about it.”
Halpin also draws inspiration from the creative energy of her longtime home. “I have lived in St. Louis for 29 years now, and it has a vibrant art community,” she notes. “The Saint Louis Art Fair and the St. Louis Artists’ Guild have both inspired me to stay the course.”
especially enjoy providing clients with a piece that is custom to their needs and the energy of their space.”
In her work, Halpin strives to marry compositional balance together with emotional resonance. “I hope that there is an appreciation for the abstract principles and visual harmony,” she says. “My goal is that my work provides a sense of peace and joy for pure color dancing across the canvas. I hope to inspire happiness and
Halpin’s Ladue gallery previously operated as a temporary pop-up, so now the artist works from her home studio, focusing on original pieces and custom commissions for clients.
She invites those interested in commissions to contact her at skhdesignstl@gmail.com.
Stephanie K. Halpin, instagram.com/skhgallery
Lauren Leady | Art by Stephanie K. Halpin
photo of Stephanie K. Halpin by Judd Demaline
The London Tea Room
Story and photos by Mabel Suen
For bonafide British-style tea service, look no further than The London Tea Room.
For nearly 20 years, the locally grown brand has made a name for itself with exceptional small-batch, loose-leaf teas that pair perfectly with delicate small bites and pastries. Last December, the family-owned concept debuted in DeBaliviere Place, inviting guests to sip and savor refined prix-fixe menus with their choice of brewed tea and tiered trays of treats.
The latest evolution of the business comes from Nathan (Nate) Richardson and Joshua Richardson, who proudly usher in a new era of their family’s high tea traditions. The brothers are the third generation of Richardsons to operate The London Tea Room, which was originally established by their grandparents Pat and Alan Richardson in 2007. The shop opened in Tower Grove South in 2014.
The Richardsons’ aunt, Jackie James, later took over ownership of the tea room, relocating
to Downtown West in 2022 until serving its last cuppa in 2024. During this period, James pivoted to focus on the retail side of the business – The London Tea Merchant – making the most of her many years of experience as a certified tea sommelier.
Today, the Richardson brothers work with James to bring her premium tea blends back to the city in style. “We saw bringing the tea room back as a fantastic opportunity. It’s something we both loved growing up,” Nate says. The renovated 8,500-square-foot tea room features 140 seats across a classically designed dining area filled with elegant pillars, chandeliers, and damask-patterned walls.
While reservations are recommended for weekend bookings, the space has plenty of room for weekday walk-ins. The tea room offers three distinct styles of service. Afternoon Tea – a British tradition created in the 19th century to bridge the gap between lunch and dinner – features an
assortment of desserts, sandwiches, and scones. High Tea provides a hearty selection of savory items for a filling meal. Wee Tea offers a lighter serving of refreshments for guests 12 and under.
The siblings work with chef Dominic Flores to execute the array of European-inspired fare. The items served vary and include familiar favorites such as coronation chicken salad, sausage rolls, and freshly baked scones with cream and jam. Choose from a selection of around 50 teas such as the best-selling Naughty Vicar – a blend of black tea with blackcurrants and vanilla – to round out a relaxing dining experience that’s sure to delight longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The London Tea Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The London Tea Room, 255 Union Blvd., DeBaliviere Place, St. Louis, 314-333-3319, thelondontearoom.com
Heavenly
Spaces
By
If Kansas City is the City of Fountains, St. Louis might very well be the City of Churches – all kinds of churches, on every corner, and representing all denominations.
In fact, according to the nonprofit research tool Cause IQ, there are 3,657 religious organizations across the metro area including St. Charles. Although much of the population identifies as Christian, its religious makeup of Jewish, Buddhist, Islamic, Hindu, and other backgrounds mean it’s as diverse as the city itself.
With so many different faiths in play, it’s natural to wonder about the spaces of worship
where people gather for prayer and community. One such place – marked by its shimmering, deep green dome – comes to mind: the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis.
Construction on the Basilica began in 1907 and cost $1 million, though its website notes that “this monumental sum in the currency of the time … is by no means reflective of the actual cost of the completed building.” George Barnett was chosen as architect, and in October 1914, the Basilica celebrated its first Mass. It was consecrated in 1926 and designated a basilica by Pope John Paul II in 1997.
Today, rising into the sky at 4431 Lindell Blvd., the massive landmark is visible from miles away, thanks to its signature dome, whose green glazed ceramic tiles shift with the light. The Basilica blends Byzantine and Romanesque styles – with thick walls, arches, and a symmetrical layout anchored by towers – plus its famed collection of mosaics, one of the largest in the Western
Hemisphere. The sturdy exterior juxtaposes the glittering interior: a study in light and dark, form and function, peace and protection.
Inside, gold-toned ceilings in the vestibule give way to a vast, soaring worship space, with galleries stretching into each wing, rows of pews, and in the distance, a raised pulpit, altar, and pipe organ. Above in all directions are mosaics so flawless, they resemble paintings.
“These intricate mosaics, installed in waves between 1912 and 1988, comprised an estimated 40 million individual stones,” writes Jackie Dana in her blog, Unseen St. Louis. “To create the mosaics, over 30 different artists … arranged the tiles upside down on brown paper, later adhering this assemblage to the cathedral walls and removing the paper to reveal the artwork.” Clusters of stone and glass tiles in varied styles depict scenes from biblical events to angels, saints, apostles, and even notable St. Louis residents.
It’s a transcendental, one-of-a-kind space open to all, regardless of faith or lack thereof. Public tours follow most Sunday noon Masses and require no reservation; the same goes for self-guided tours. Weekday guided tours can be arranged by calling 314-373-8241.
The Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis, 4431 Lindell Blvd., Central West End, St. Louis, cathedralstl.org
Youth in Need hosted their 39th Annual “Celebration of Youth” Event in the Brilliance Ballroom at Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa St. Charles on March 7. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails while browsing various fundraising displays like the Raisethe-Bar Raffle and an array of auction items. Following cocktails and dinner, the live auction segment provided further donating opportunities ahead of the after-party. The honorees this year were Bruce Sowatsky and ATB Technologies as represented by CEO, Ramon Bahl for their tireless efforts in supporting the organization. Youth in Need provides essential services such as youth counseling and early-learning childhood development, as well as providing emergency housing, safe shelters and a street outreach program, amongst additional services.
“’Celebration of Youth’ is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community stands beside its young people. We are especially proud to honor Bruce Sowatsky and ATB Technologies—two extraordinary partners whose leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment have made a lasting di erence for children and families.”
– PAT HOLTERMAN-HOMMES, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF YOUTH IN NEED
Jerry and Janet Lewien, Bruce Sowatsky
Heidi Sowatsky, Landon Porter Jonah and Tyra Hunter
Nick Prebianca, Christine McClellan
Derrick Johnson, Tashe Beach
Story and photos by James J. Anderson
Kelly Cissell, Karen Collins, Kim Teixeira, Whitney Hatfield, Michele Spillenkothen
Nick and Erin Hugeback, Victoria and loren Babb
Mary McClellan, Caleb and Maddie Gibbs
ramon Bahl, Ben and Elinor Van Noord
Brenda and Ed Harris
Tricia and Nathan Vineyard
Scott and Shelley Hamilton
Armenia Fifer, Beau richmond
rick and Kaylin leach, Gina Stulce, Kate leach, Sarah Worth, Stew Stulce
Suleanne Melandez, Humberto luis
MIGHTY OAKES HEART FOUNDATION
A Mighty Night Gala
Mighty Oakes Heart Foundation marked its 15th anniversary with an elegant celebration at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis. Guests enjoyed cocktails followed by a seated dinner, along with both silent and live auctions. After dinner, the atmosphere shifted to celebration as attendees filled the dance floor to live music by St. Louis legend Charles Glenn. The evening was hosted by Tom Ackerman, Sports Director at KMOX and co-host of Total Information A.M., the station’s top-rated program.
“What began as a passion project mission rooted in deep love for one boy, Oakes, has grown into a powerful community dedicated to supporting children and families facing congenital heart defects. Over the past 15 years, this foundation has brought hope, resources, and strength to families when they needed it most—and we cannot wait to see what the next 15 years bring!”
– BECKY ORTYL, FOUNDER OF MIGHTY OAKES HEART FOUNDATION
Nikki and Charles Glenn, Steve Schankman, Tom Ackerman
Lynn and Brian Spellecy
Jennifer and Trevor Olwig
BRAIN INJURY FOUNDATION OF ST. LOUIS
10 Year Anniversary Gala
The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis celebrated their 10th anniversary at the Westborough Country Club and it was a banner event. For 10 years the foundation has been helping those with brain injuries return to work and independence. Celebrations included food and drinks as well as an inspiring guest speaker, St. Louis’ own John O’Leary. Proceeds raised at the event went towards clubhouse support and work readiness programing.
“Twenty years ago, when my husband experienced a brain injury, it became part of our family’s story in ways we never expected. We are incredibly lucky to be where we are today, but an organization like The Brain Injury Foundation of St. Louis would have been an incredible resource for us. Being part of the BIFSTL board, and chairing this Gala, is my way of giving back and supporting others on this journey and turning our experience into something meaningful, hopeful, and impactful.”
– LYNN HUGHES, BRAIN INJURY FOUNDATION OF
ST. LOUIS BOARD MEMBER
Story and Photos by Bryan Schraier
Aimee and Derek Johnson
Joe and Christy Rintoul
John and Kay Strebeck
Liz Burke, Beth Dauber, Beth O’Leary
Paula Carney, Vanessa Reed, Kelly Pelton, Andrew Wunderlich, Marlon Clay
Johannaisalicensedtraveladvisorandservesastheclub’sbespoke traveldesigner,curatingtravelexperiencesaroundmembers’interests. “Whattrulysetsusapartisourfocuson who istravelingjustasmuch as where they’regoing,”shesays.“Ratherthansellingpre-packaged itineraries,wedesignexperiencesrootedinsharedvalues,lifestages, andasenseofcuriosity.”
