Stoosh Boutique’s Recovery to Runway Brunch Champions Breast Cancer Awareness and Support for Jamaica

By Lyndon Taylor

JERICHO, New York – Fashion met philanthropy at the third annual Recovery to Runway Brunch, hosted by Stoosh Boutique in collaboration with the Organization for International Development (OID). Held at The Cottage at Milleridge Inn in Jericho, Long Island, the event brought together women and supportive men for an afternoon of fashion, fellowship, breast cancer awareness, and community fundraising, with the mission of strengthening cancer screening and healthcare resources in Jamaica.

Now in its third year, the Recovery to Runway Brunch is demonstrating how fashion and community engagement can make a meaningful contribution to breast cancer advocacy. Through its partnership with OID International, the initiative connects fundraising and awareness efforts in the diaspora with the ongoing need for improved cancer screening services in Jamaica.

Fashion with a Purpose: Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness

Guests arrived dressed for the occasion, creating a vibrant showcase of style and solidarity. The venue featured elegant décor in shades of pink, complemented by floral arrangements reflecting the event’s breast cancer awareness theme.

Attendees enjoyed a four-course brunch, entertainment and opportunities to connect through conversations about cancer survivorship, advocacy and the importance of early detection.

A mini fashion show was among the afternoon’s highlights, featuring a selection of designs from Long Island-based Stoosh Boutique. The showcase allowed guests to explore the boutique’s fashion offerings while reinforcing the event’s central message: style can be more than a statement; it can also support a worthy cause.

The event’s broader mission is to channel community support toward initiatives that strengthen breast cancer screening and healthcare resources in Jamaica, where improved access to early detection services remains an important priority.

Recovery to Runway Honors Breast Cancer Advocates

A major highlight of the brunch was recognizing two honorees whose contributions reflect the importance of personal testimony, advocacy, and sustained community service: Esther Smith-Jones and Dr. Sydney McCalla.

Esther Smith-Jones Shares a Message of Hope and Healing

Smith-Jones was recognized for her inspiring personal journey and her commitment to encouraging others facing health challenges. By sharing her experience, she continues to offer hope and reassurance to individuals navigating their own cancer journeys.

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Smith-Jones welcomed the opportunity to use her story to uplift others.

“I thank Stoosh Boutique for recognizing me with this award and affording me this platform to let women and men know that God is still able to do, to heal and meet you where you are. I am so happy I could be here and be a blessing to speak to others who have gone through or are going through their own journey,” Smith-Jones said.

Her remarks reflected the importance of creating supportive spaces where survivors and those currently facing health challenges can share their experiences, encourage one another and remind others that they are not alone.

Dr. Sydney McCalla Recognized for Cancer Screening Advocacy

Also honored was Dr. Sydney McCalla, a lifelong member and director of OID’s Jamaica Cancer Screening Project.

His recognition highlighted the value of sustained community involvement in advancing cancer awareness and expanding access to screening services. Through initiatives such as the Jamaica Cancer Screening Project, OID International works to connect community support with practical healthcare needs.

The partnership between Stoosh Boutique and OID International underscores the role that grassroots fundraising, diaspora engagement and collaboration can play in supporting cancer screening initiatives and improving health outcomes.

Entertainment, Networking and Community Partnerships

The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by Road International, featuring DJ Stretch and DJ Roy, who helped create a lively atmosphere throughout the event.

Emcee Lady Vee kept the program engaging with her signature energy and style, guiding guests through the afternoon’s activities and celebrations.

The brunch also featured vendors showcasing their products and services, giving attendees an opportunity to support small businesses, connect with entrepreneurs and strengthen community relationships.

Organizers acknowledged the support of the Jamaica Tourist Board and VM Group, whose partnership contributed to the staging of the event.

Turning Community Support into a Lasting Impact in Jamaica

The third annual Recovery to Runway Brunch illustrates how cultural connections, fashion, philanthropy and community partnerships can be brought together to support a cause that affects women, men and families worldwide.

For the Jamaican diaspora, initiatives that support cancer awareness and screening in Jamaica provide an opportunity to turn community involvement abroad into meaningful support for healthcare at home.

Beyond the fashion showcase and elegant dining experience, the event carried an important message: breast cancer awareness, early detection, access to screening and support for those affected by cancer must remain priorities.

As Stoosh Boutique and OID International continue their collaboration, Recovery to Runway offers a reminder that when a community comes together around a shared purpose, fashion can become a powerful platform for advocacy, hope and positive change.

Caribbean Riddims celebrates the people, organizations and initiatives connecting the Caribbean diaspora through culture, community engagement and meaningful contributions to Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.