Peer Support: Mestiza
Sami Leonard was having a terrible day on July 26.
A 30-year-old ovarian cancer survivor from Ohio and a client of Pink Ribbon Girls Columbus, Leonard was battling more than just cancer that day. Her water heater had just broken, and her old Jeep needed new parts for repair — none of which was going to be cheap.
“It’s just things like that where it just feels like everything is raining down on you, and of course a cancer diagnosis on top of it all,” Leonard said. “It was one of those days where you feel like the weight of the world is on you.”
Then, Leonard got an email that lifted her spirits — and a little bit of that weight off of her shoulders. The message began, “Congratulations! You have been selected to receive a Mestiza dress.” Leonard had applied for a chance to win one from the New York fashion company a week prior as part of a giveaway for PRG clients who are currently undergoing cancer treatment.
“I saw that email that I was selected, and it made me so happy that I started crying,” Leonard said. “It just made my day.”
The event was the second of its kind held by PRG. After its first giveaway in March, Mestiza owners Alessandra Perez-Rubio and Louisa Rechter Takacs had a second batch of dresses to distribute on July 28 to 12 cancer survivors, including Leonard, who were selected by PRG based on stories they submitted of their cancer journeys.
The event kicked off with a one-hour Zoom call in which survivors got to virtually meet each other as well as Perez-Rubio and Rechter Takacsthe — the designers behind the stylish gowns.
Clients shared feedback such as, “This dress is a silver lining in my cancer journey,” and, “I don't want to let cancer define me, and this dress will help me like myself again.”
Leonard chimed in as well, telling Perez-Rubio and Rechter Takacs, “Cancer is so lonely, and now you are a part of the Pink Ribbon Girls family.”
“Pink Ribbon Girls has just been a great organization to help me and other women network to not feel alone,” Leonard said. “(It’s great) to have the healthy, delicious meals sent to us when we may not feel like cooking like we used to, or take us to appointments when we're too tired. I'm so thankful — not only for that but for providing me the opportunity to win a very nice dress that I can’t wait to wear.”
After the call, survivors received a special link to Mestiza’s website, where they scrolled through the unique pieces until making their choice. Perez-Rubio and Rechter Takacs’ designs are inspired by their Filipino roots, as both share nostalgic memories of their mother’s and grandmother’s timeless style.
The event could not have been any more suited for Leonard, who often dons a beautiful dress when she’s feeling down. Her excitement and gratitude — even over Zoom — were palpable.
“I love wearing dresses when I feel bad, and all I could think was how wonderful they were for doing this for us,” Leonard said of Mestiza. “I fight back the depression and anxiety, and I put on that damn dress when I don't want to, and I feel pretty when all I feel is ugly and full of cancer. …
“(Receiving a free dress) is a silver lining, but it also helps us embody our femininity — go out and be a woman, live it up.”
Leonard selected a coconut white dress with ruffles, fitted in the midline before flaring out. She is still looking for a pair of gold heels to pair with it like the model had on in the photo.
“Man, gold heels are hard to find, but I'm looking!” Leonard said. “I can’t wait to wear the dress out and tell everyone about it.”