Michelle Gamache’s fiancé, Joe; Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III; and Michelle. Photo courtesy Michelle Gamache
Springfield — Michelle Gamache, the Communications Manager at Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, recently participated in the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation’s eighth annual All-Star Survivors Celebration. Gamache was one of 31 women battling breast cancer to be honored at the event.
Just three weeks after Gamache became engaged to her fiancé, Joe, on New Year’s Day this year, she was diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Following her diagnosis, she underwent eight rounds of chemotherapy and a bilateral mastectomy. Gamache has been a Redskins fan since she moved to the D.C. area about seven years ago, but her selection for the All-Star Survivors Celebration was completely by chance. “I was randomly handed an application at a workout class I attend through the Life with Cancer program,” she said.
First, the women were honored at the annual Redskins Breast Cancer Awareness Game on Sunday, Oct. 4. Gamache was able to enjoy the game with her fiancé and his two sons. “Joe is by far their biggest fan. It was so great to see him enjoying those two days so much with me. He’s been right by my side every step of the way.”
On Oct. 5, the 31 women were invited to Redskins Park and while there, were joined by 10 Redskins players. Throughout the day, the women tried on wigs, received hand massages from the players, got makeovers, toured the team’s headquarters, and were pampered with gifts.
A few days later on Oct. 8, Gamache also participated in the “Couture for a Cure” fashion show, which is dedicated to breast cancer awareness. The show, presented by the Association of Alexandria Radiologists and Jack Taylor’s Toyota, helps to raise money to provide free mammograms for women without insurance.