Marco Island Woman’s Club Paint the Club PINK!

Naples Lakes Country Club took on a whole new hue on October 2, as the Marco Island Woman’s Club (MIWC) presented “Paint the Club Pink”, in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The theme was inspired by Paint the Town Pink, a movement on Marco Island that is promoted during October by the Marco Island Area Chamber of Commerce and the American Cancer Society. The delicious meal was “in the pink,” featuring salmon, artisan greens with raspberry vinaigrette dressing, and pink chocolate mousse. Pink luncheon napkins folded in the shape of the awareness ribbon set the tone amidst handmade pink angels, pink tea lights, and more than fifty pink Luminaria bags requested by club members, named in honor of survivors and in remembrance of loved ones passed. The event was a celebration of life in the spirit of peace, love, and light with a mission to raise awareness not only of breast cancer but of all forms of this terrible disease. 

MIWC President Maureen Chodaba welcomed members and guests as Shirley Thayer led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance and musical rendition of God Bless America. Chodaba presented a check from the MIWC Charitable Foundation to Sue Purvis of Meals of Hope/Marco Island. These funds will contribute to the purchase of raw food materials for the Meals of Hope Food Packaging Event, November 9 at the MI Charter Middle School. 

MIWC Membership Chair Joyce Frame introduced four new members to the club – Cyndi Varner-Bixler, Susanne Grossman, Cathy Mendygraw, and Bonita Schwan. 

MIWC President Maureen Chodaba, a 29-year breast cancer survivor, was the keynote speaker, sharing her story of three generations of breast cancer in her family. Her grandmother was diagnosed in 1967 and passed away from the disease less than a year later. It was a time when the word “cancer” was only spoken in hushed tones. Awareness of the disease was almost non-existent. Chodaba’s mother was diagnosed in 1978 and again in 1984 but was blessed to be a survivor all through her life. She passed away in 2013, but her cancer never returned. 

Chodaba herself was diagnosed in 1995 at the age of 38. Her diagnosis of “double negative” breast cancer included not one, but two distinct types of the disease – a rare form called Paget’s disease of the nipple, and invasive ductal carcinoma as well. Chodaba explained that she may have had what is now known as “triple negative” breast cancer, but in 1995, the third component, HER2/neu was not yet being tested or identified. Based on her family history and her love and concern for the next generation of her family, Chodaba recently underwent genetic testing for twenty-five gene mutations and variants associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and other forms of the disease. Despite her high familial incidence of cancer, the results were NEGATIVE for every single gene tested. Chodaba remarked, “That is very good news, especially for the next generation of my family…. but on the other hand, I am still left with questions. In the course of just 27 years, all three generations of females in my family – my grandmother, my mother, and myself – would be diagnosed with breast cancer. Yet, there appears to be no genetic link. What was the cause?” Acknowledging that she will probably never know the answer to that question, she went on to say, “We may have come a long way in the fight against cancer, but we still need to raise awareness! It would appear that no one is immune to this deadly disease that comes out of nowhere like a thief in the night, stealing our loved ones and friends. I continue to pray for a world without cancer.”

Her story continues, filled with hope. Chodaba, who was single at the time of her diagnosis, told the story of dating her future husband after her mastectomy and six months of aggressive chemotherapy, including their first date when he told her that his goals for the future included life in a place called Marco Island! The couple recently celebrated their 23-year wedding anniversary. Phil Chodaba surprised his wife with his appearance for her presentation at the luncheon, proving that real men wear pink! 

The October luncheon kicked off a busy season for MIWC. Plans for future gatherings include speakers from the National Audubon Society/Burrowing Owls, Marco Island Shell Club, Habitat for Humanity, SW FL Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and even a holiday luncheon with music by Marco Island’s very own Rosetta Stone. MIWC special interest groups include Book Clubs, a Theater Group, a Card Group, and more. The MIWC Travel Club is currently planning a trip to see Beautiful at the Wick Theatre in February. For years, the Stitchers Group has blanketed the little ones of Golisano Children’s Hospital with love, hope, and healing. The group has created and donated thousands of items, including blankets, hats, sweater sets, and booties. 

The MIWC annual Fashion Show with a theme to celebrate Mardi Gras will be held on President’s Day, February 17, 2025, at Naples Lakes. This phenomenal event will raise funds to provide scholarships for students living on Marco Island and support other charitable causes. For information on sponsorship opportunities, please contact miwcel@gmail.com. 

MIWC invites all women who live on Marco Island, full-time or seasonal, whether you own or rent, to join and embark on a new year of volunteerism, friendship, and fun in the spirit of goodwill for our community. Now is the time to join so you can take part in all the upcoming events! For more information, please visit https://marcowomansclub.com or contact miwcel@gmail.com.