Usually Fusion Solutions echoes with the clang of surgical equipment, but on Friday, Jan. 23, its conference room bustled with the clinking of wine glasses and the enthusiastic hum of conversation as A World of Pink marked its official launch. A World of Pink is the first business of its kind on Long Island: it provides custom-made prosthetics and undergarments for women who have survived breast cancer.
Christine A. Guarino, the founder of A World of Pink, says that the idea came to her in a dream. Less than a year later, her dream has become a reality.
“A World of Pink is a dream come true, literally,” she explained in her opening address to the room overflowing with cancer survivors, oncologists, plastic surgeons and supporters of A World in Pink. “There is a need and there are people that want to help.”
Guarino, a dental hygienist for 20 years, had heard the most recent statistics of breast cancer on Long Island and decided that she wanted to get involved. “I want to create a bridge between these women and their doctors. It’s about making them feel beautiful.”
Lisa Marks, one of Guarino’s first customers and a close friend, spoke about how A World of Pink’s products changed her life. Marks is a 10 year cancer survivor who underwent a mastectomy as part of her cancer treatment. She and Guarino met in a nail salon, where Guarino noticed that Marks wore white gloves. When asked why, Marks explained that she was a cancer survivor who wanted to avoid the UV light of the nail dryer. This led to a two-hour conversation in the nail salon and a lifelong friendship. Marks now uses Guarino’s products and is absolutely thrilled with the results.
“It is the best thing that has ever happened to me,” Marks proclaimed. She explained that she can wear whatever she wishes and she doesn’t feel restricted by the effects of her life-saving surgery. She feels “sexy and whole” because of Guarino’s work.
Guarino has gathered together a passionate and skilled team of people to bring to life A World of Pink. Fusion Solutions, who hosted the event and funds A World of Pink, serves to educate and train future surgeons. “We’re all about helping people,” their representative explained. They provide prosthetics of all kinds, serving their patients on location and at their homes. Their facility in Hicksville boasts a fully functional, state-of-the-art lab where medical students can watch their mentors demonstrate and also practice for themselves.
At last week’s event, Guarino gave a full product demonstration, explaining the different types of prosthetics she builds and their various uses. Her beautifully designed undergarments are outfitted with special pockets for Guarino’s custom prosthetics.
She closed the night by thanking everyone who supported her and her vision for A World of Pink. “I will change breast cancer aftercare on Long Island,” she promised. “Even if I have to knock on every door and tell people about it, I will do it.”
Find more information about A World of Pink at www.aiopny.com/a-world-of-pink
