Orange Appeal September/October 2023

Flip this over to enjoy the Fall issue of Interior Appeal!

56

Fabulous Fall Fashions

The recently renovated Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando provided an artful backdrop for this season’s ensembles curated by The Mall at Millenia stylists Chrissy Godwin and Laila Maali, to cover a range of occasions, from afternoons al fresco and fashionable ladies’ luncheons to glam evenings out. Model Mary styled by Chrissy and model Brooke styled by Laila in fashions from stores in The Mall at Millenia such as Bloomingdale’s, Neiman Marcus, Versace, Giuseppe Zanotti and J. Crew.

63

Empower Yourself: 2023 Orlando Women’s Conference Preview & Program

The September 14 event at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts will feature more than 40 well-respected community leaders sharing thoughts, experiences and ideas on everything from taking care of your wealth, health and prepping for life’s stages to empowering yourself personally and professionally, plus more. Karen Keene, Angela Cusack and Shannon Gravitte will present the keynote addresses and the day will end with SHETalks: 10 Vital Voices Leading with Passion. Opera Orlando, Orlando Ballet, Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and Central Florida Vocal Arts will also take the stage.

on the cover: Model Brooke, styled by Laila Maali in fashions from The Mall at Millenia, photographed by Victoria Angela at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando. Details on page 56

10 THE LIST

People, places and things: Kendra Scott is just the latest addition to the magical makeover of Winter Park Village; Autumn accessories from Monkee’s, The Grove, Coco Indigo, Tuni, Arabella, Frank and The House on Lang; Cultivate your inner designer at Dora Mae Creativity Workshops; Women to Watch: Diesta Gundacker: a Canine Companions puppy raiser extraordinaire; Hot Tickets: A roundup of fall fundraisers and charity galas that benefit community causes.

28 BEAUTY, BODY & SPIRIT

Think Pink… Estee Lauder continues to offer products supporting a cure; Orlando Health Cancer Institute shares exciting news for early-stage breast cancer patients; Is semaglutide the miracle drug for weight loss?; Women Are Incredible series highlights journalist and breast cancer survivor Nancy Alvarez.

40 TASTES & EXPERIENCES

Tropical cocktail enthusiasts can join the immersive experience at Permanent Vacation tiki bar in Maitland; Dining Hot Spots: Russell's on Lake Ivanhoe, Otto's High Dive, SoDough Square, Pigzza, and the return of Visit Orlando's Magical Dining; A Marriott mainstay, Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, offers excellent service and amenities on a stretch of white sand beach in Ft. Lauderdale.

48 AGENDA

Event recaps include: Orange Appeal’s 15th anniversary celebration; Orlando City Foundation’s playful Play Bingo event; Downtown Orlando Partnership’s Golden Brick Awards; Workscapes new showroom reception; and more in Interior Appeal.

A Day Designed for You!

Ibegin most days — to beat the heat, it was 6:28am today — with a quiet two-mile walk. It’s when I acknowledge all I am grateful for, ponder any problems, and listen to a few songs that lift my spirit. As we creep into autumn, I am most appreciative of the women and companies who allow us to present the Orlando Women’s Conference. Without a doubt, it takes a village and the support is incredible.

September 14 will mark the 13th annual event at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. We have planned a full day of programming with breaks for connecting and catching up. But it’s the session conversations that seem to have the biggest impact revealing common concerns, shared solutions and uplifting inspirations. Our 37 speakers and panelists represent community and business leaders who speak from their experiences and hearts.

Performing arts groups — Opera Orlando, Orlando Philharmonic, Orlando Ballet and Central Florida Vocal Arts — will take the stage showcasing the beauty and innovation of Steinmetz Hall. And exhibiting companies and organizations will provide informational and shopping opportunities. It all culminates with an end-of-day reception where attendees enjoy light fare and final exchanges.

The program, beginning on page 63, includes more details. We hope to see you there!

Representatives with longtime presenting sponsor AdventHealth for Women.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Christi Ashby christi@orangeappeal.com

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EVENTS

The 13th annual ORLANDO WOMEN’S CONFERENCE will be held September 14, 2023.

For updates and details, visit orlandowomensconference.com For sponsorship information email kate@orangeappeal.com

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the list

magical makeover

Lifestyle and jewelry company Kendra Scott is among the latest openings at Winter Park Village as part of the massive makeover scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The brand celebrated with a weekend of philanthropic activities supporting local nonprofits. The 1,900-square-foot store features all the latest collections plus the Color Bar where guests can design their own pieces. Other WPV additions include Free People, SkinCeuticals, Bar Italia, Flûtes Champagne Bar, Ashley Snell Collection, and a renovated Loft. Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar is currently under construction and furniture companies Arhaus and Lovesac are also joining the mix of shopping, dining and entertainment. shopwinterparkvillage.com

(clockwise from top left) Echo leopard print scarf/wrap, $79, COCO Indigo (Winter Park); Oasis Society suede fringed boot, $86, The House on Lang (Mills 50); Sunshine Tienda Rosita palm hat, $129, Arabella (Winter Park); Poppy Snake Bene adjustable bag, $425, Frank (Winter Park); Lauren croc belt Dark Rum, $145, COCO Indigo; Krewe Adele Hibiscus sunglasses, $255, Frank; Bibi Lou Amarie fuzzy loafer, $158, Tuni (Winter Park); Francine Bramli Latte Sophie hoops, $64, COCO Indigo; Mini raffia wing earrings, $30, The Grove (Winter Park); Katerina Vassou Black cuff, $138 and earrings, $118, Tuni; Western style belt, $26, The House on Lang.

(on page 2 clockwise from top left) Vera Pelle leather clutch, $195, COCO Indigo; Round clear bag with strap, $40, Monkee’s; Malibu bracelets with clasp, $75 each, Monkee’s; Tapestry wallet, $22, The House on Lang; B and C Bags clear knot bag, $88, Arabella.

autumn accessories

autumn accessories

(clockwise from top left) Saachi Shimmer Taupe wrap, $45, COCO Indigo; Borge in Pelle bronze leather crossbody, $120, Tuni; Hammitt Dillon leather crossbody, $395, Monkee’s (Winter Park); Dolce Vita Dolen gold knit sneaker, $150, Monkee’s; Jakett Simone vegetable-dyed leather jacket, $650, Tuni; Chan Luu Santa Fe necklace, $195, and Madrid charm necklace, $495, Frank; Beaded bracelets, $40-45 each, Monkee’s; Koke + Palenki fuschia satin mule, $178, Monkee’s; Zeus cuff with apatite accents, $240, The Grove; Holst + Lee braided bracelet, $120, Arabella; Infinity multi bracelet, $88, The Grove; Wipp Wapp wrap $50, and Big Bauble Beads, $44, The Grove.

CULTIVATE YOUR INNER DESIGNER:

Dora Mae Creativity Workshops

What initially began as a conversation about a girls’ night out turned into an evening of creativity and camaraderie that ended with custom jewelry pieces. Dora Mae Jewelry owner and founder Ansley Schrimsher believes in guiding guests through a creative process that is extremely personal through workshops that encourage imagination and playful exploration.

THE EXPERIENCE IS DESIGNED FOR 6-10 PARTICIPANTS, so everyone gets personal attention and assistance. You can bring your own food and drink (even birthday cakes). Once everyone arrives, the process of creating your own piece(s) of jewelry will be explained. Then you will be given an inspiration tray and invited to peruse the hundreds of items — from chains, beads, rhinestones and more — in the back studio, selecting ones that speak to you. You can even incorporate your own items too. Ansley urges everyone to select anything that catches their eye without worrying about the final design.

Our group of five scoured small drawers and bins for about 45 minutes, filling our trays with shiny, sparkling and colorful treasures. Next, we spent a few minutes moving the pieces around to see what was most pleasing. Ansley helped us focus the items that would work best for our final piece, offering her expert advice. A few of

the ladies brought their own special heirlooms to incorporate.

The final step was the actual assembly done by Ansley and a staff member while we watched them solder and connect links. Depending on the intricacies of the designs, some of us were able to take our pieces that evening and others received a call when their order was ready.

Prices vary depending on the final piece but average between $120 and $180, although the starting price is about $60. The idea is to create something special and uniquely you — think statement jewelry. Events can be scheduled during the day on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Evening events are scheduled on Wednesdays and there is limited availability on weekends. You can call or text the studio at 407-615-0186 if you would like more information. doramaejewelry.com

– Christi Ashby

Diesta Gundacker: Puppy Raiser Extraordinaire

IT TAKES A SPECIAL AND DEDICATED PERSON TO SPEND NEARLY 20 MONTHS RAISING AND TRAINING A PUPPY ONLY TO THEN HAND IT BACK OVER TO CANINE COMPANIONS TO BE PLACED WITH A CLIENT WHO NEEDS AN ASSISTANCE DOG. DIESTA GUNDACKER IS ONE OF THOSE PEOPLE.

Ihave been a puppy raiser for more than 24 years. I ran into a friend at the grocery store who was raising a puppy for Canine Companions. I asked her what she was doing, and thought I’d love to do something like that with my children — I had three small children at the time. I thought it would be fun for them to learn how to give back — raise a puppy, take care of a puppy, learn about disabilities, and then be able to turn it over to its new owner,” Diesta explains.

Canine Companions is a national organization — with a Southeast Region chapter — that provides service dogs to adults, children and veterans with disabilities, and facility dogs to professionals working in healthcare, criminal justice and educational settings. Since its founding in 1975, its dogs and all follow-up services are provided at no cost to clients.

The organization relies on volunteers like Diesta. Each Canine Companions service dog spends the first year-and-a-half with a volunteer puppy raiser to learn basic tasks and socialize in public and private settings. Once the puppy raiser returns the puppy to Canine Companions, the dog enters professional training at a regional training center for five to nine months, where they learn the advanced tasks that support the work of a service dog. It is a rigorous program and not all the puppies graduate from the program, but those that don’t are found loving homes.

“We raised one puppy and said we’re not going to stop now, and every time we turned over a puppy, we got another one. Yes, it’s very hard to let them go and everyone cries because you’ve spent 20 months

or so with this dog, but when you see them working and the difference they’re making in someone else’s life, it makes it all worth it,” she says.

Her family is raising its 17th puppy now, a black Lab named Sota. Her husband, Charlie, is also part of the process and although their children are grown, they can share the experience and giving back spirit with their grandchildren.

Diesta is also a volunteer professional photographer for the organization. “I absolutely love it. You take pictures of the moments — like when a puppy is graduating or being paired with their owner — which are a lot of times very emotional, and then you get home and you kind of get to relive the whole thing when you’re editing the photos,” she adds.

She even helps fundraise for the Southeast Region’s annual gala — the 27th Annual Tales & Tails Gala will be held on Saturday, October 21 at Rosen Shingle Creek.

“I’ve grown up here [she’s a longtime Winter Park resident] and I know a lot of people. I want to be supportive of my community and this is the best way for me to do it,” she says.

The Canine Companions national board recognized Diesta’s commitment to the organization by honoring her with the Jack Warnock Award for 2022, along with five other regional winners. The award, named for passionate volunteer Jack Warnock, recognizes outstanding volunteerism.

27th Annual Tales & Tails Gala: SIT. STAY. SPARKLE.

Saturday, October 21 at Rosen Shingle Creek

Enjoy a sparkling night filled with great food, lively entertainment, inspiring stories of independence, and robust and exciting live and silent auctions. Learn more at canine.org/galacelebration

Diesta with Ferro

Sota

HOT TICKETS

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY CATTLE BARON’S BALL ORLANDO

Saturday, September 9 at Rosen Shingle Creek

The Orlando Cattle Baron’s Ball is celebrating 24 years of dazzling guests from the Greater Orlando area. This western-themed fundraising event features a dine-around experience like no other along with entertainment by the Ben Allen Band. Other highlights include silent and live auctions, dancing, games, and a call to the heart to help fund pediatric cancer research.

https://e.givesmart.com/events/upY/

SHEPHERD’S HOPE FAMOUS FACES AT THE OSCARS

Saturday, September 23 at Loews Royal Pacific Resort

Actors and directors from nearly a century of silver screen classics will be celebrating in true Hollywood style at Famous Faces Masquerade Ball, a celebration of Shepherd’s Hope’s inspirations, acts of kindness and community unity to provide free lifesaving healthcare for the uninsured. Experience the hope, health and healing as the organization spotlights amazing volunteers, shares the passion of patient stories, and looks to what its future holds.

shepherdshope.org/famous-faces-at-theoscars/

A ROUNDUP OF FALL FUNDRAISERS AND CHARITY GALAS THAT BENEFIT COMMUNITY CAUSES.

DAVE’S HOUSE PARTY

Saturday, October 7 at Orlando Museum of Art

Celebrate Dave’s House’s past and present while enjoying an evening stroll through the Orlando Museum of Art, drink and eat, and enjoy a special performance by Todd Tilghman, Pastor and Season 18 The Voice winner. Special guest Joel Hunter will appear to receive the first annual Joel Hunter Legacy Award, honoring his endless efforts for many years to end homelessness and suffering in the Central Florida region. The Joel Hunter Legacy Award will be offered annually to significant leaders who have impacted the efforts to end homelessness. davehouseevents.org

SUPPORT OUR SCHOLARS JET-SET-GO!

Wednesday, October 11 at The Alfond Inn & Thursday, October 12 at Isleworth Country Club

Join SOS at one of two Jet-Set-Go dinners to provide a world of opportunity for SOS Scholars. Each Jet-Set-Go dinner will host approximately 200 attendees and will feature exclusive live auction items and the chance to leave with one of multiple exciting prizes. All proceeds and donations will go toward supporting the next class of incredible young women looking to change their lives through education. supportourscholars.org

KIDS BEATING CANCER HATS & HEROES BALL

Saturday, October 14 at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

Voted Best Charity Gala in Orlando for six years in a row, this award-winning gala evening will feature an explosion of nationally acclaimed performances to entertain you. Your evening will include gourmet cuisine with open bar, exquisite silent and live auctions, and the outstanding community and pediatric Healing Heroes of Excellence Awards. Known for an evening that never ends, your night of fun and dancing continues with a unique after party. Through your support of this event, KBC will move new discoveries from the laboratory to the bedside for children worldwide. hatsandheroesball.com

FOUNDATION FOR FOSTER CHILDREN COUNTRY FOR A CAUSE

Friday, October 20 at Cheyenne Saloon In partnership with Nashville Night Orlando, Country for a Cause will bring two of Nashville’s top songwriters — Corey Crowder and Chris DeStefano — to Orlando for an intimate songwriters experience. Held at the iconic Cheyenne Saloon & Opera House on Church Street, the songwriters will perform their own hit songs that have been recorded by charttopping country music artists. Drinks and 4Rivers BBQ will be provided. Enjoy an intimate evening of music in a unique venue while supporting local foster children. foundationforfosterchildren.org/cfac/

THE REED CHARITABLE FOUNDATION 4TH ANNUAL DYSLEXIA EXPERIENCE & GALA: THE SURFERS

Friday, October 20 at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon & Saturday, October 21 at Canvas Event Venue

The Experience at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon will be a family-friendly event that is ALL about the dyslexic strength of surfing. The event includes dinner, drinks, photo opportunities, beach games, open swim in Typhoon

Jet-Set-Go!

Lagoon’s wave pool, access to Misadventure Falls, tie-dye shirt and kukui bracelet-making, and inspiring stories. The adult-only Gala is REED Charitable Foundation’s major fundraiser for the year and will feature an immersive experience along with incredible silent and live auction, 3-course dining experience, appearance and story from pro surfer CJ Hobgood, and dancing the night away at the after-party. reedcharitablefoundation.org

ADULT LITERACY LEAGUE READING BETWEEN THE WINES

Thursday, October 26 at Winter Park Events Center

Presented by Bank of America, Reading

Between the Wines is a night of food, fun and philanthropy benefiting the Adult Literacy League of Central Florida and features a panel discussion with four special guest authors, including Kristen Arnett and Colleen Oakley with emcee Christina Watkins, WESH 2 News. The evening includes food and wine tastings from local restaurants. adultliteracyleague.org

NATIONAL PHILANTHROPY DAY AWARDS BREAKFAST

Friday, November 3 at Rosen Shingle Creek

The Association of Fundraising Professionals

Central Florida Chapter will honor its 2023 National Philanthropy Day award winners and honorees at a fundraising breakfast at Rosen Shingle Creek. The program recognizes individuals, corporations, foundations, civic and service groups, and nonprofit organizations in Central Florida whose efforts change the face of our community. afpcentralflorida.org/national-philanthropy-day

JDRF NORTHERN FLORIDA WINES OF THE WORLD GALA: A WORLD WITHOUT T1D

Saturday, November 4 at Waldorf Astoria Orlando

JDRF Northern Florida welcomes you to experience Wines of the World: A World without T1D (Type 1 Diabetes). The fabulous evening includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, silent and live auctions, and Fund A Cure program, all while experiencing different wines of the world. Join JDRF, families, and the corporate community at the Orlando Gala as they honor The Schultz

National Philanthropy Day

Family for their incredible dedication in supporting JDRF’s mission in Central Florida. jdrf.org/northernflorida

FESTIVAL OF TREES OPENING NIGHT PARTY

Friday, November 10 at Orlando Museum of Art

The Festival of Trees, the annual fundraiser presented by Council of 101, transforms the Orlando Museum of Art into a glittering wonderland filled with sparkling trees, vignettes and stunning décor for visitors of all ages. A glamorous opening night party will be held to kick off the festivities. councilof101.org

ADVENTHEALTH FOUNDATION GOLDEN GALA XLII

Sunday, November 19 at Steinmetz Hall at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

Enjoy a new exclusive, black-tie event filled with networking, fellowship and entertainment complete with a gourmet meal, auction items, and a commitment to extending

hope and healing with you. Composer, singer-songwriter, actor, author, and activist Sting will perform at this year’s Gala in Steinmetz Hall at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. adventhealth.com/foundation/adventhealthfoundation-central-florida/golden-gala

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF CENTRAL FLORIDA 46TH ANNUAL HALL OF FAME

Thursday, November 16 at Full Sail Live

The Junior Achievement of Central Florida 46th Annual Hall of Fame honors and celebrates the induction of forward-thinking entreprenerus and accomplished business leaders. This year’s honorees are: Dr. Debra Pace, School District of Osceola County; Linda Landman-Gonzalez, Orlando, Magic; John Rivers, 4R Restaurant Group & 4Roots Farm; and Michael Brown, Travel + Leisure Co. jacentralfl.org/events/46th-annual-hall-offame

CENTRAL FLORIDA WOMEN’S LEAGUE POWER OF THE PURSE

Friday, December 1 at the Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Guests will enjoy an afternoon of luxury in spectacular surroundings with a gourmet lunch and specialty cocktails. This 8th annual event will bring 200+ attendees to enjoy a celebrity-hosted live and silent auction, raffles and exclusive pop-up shops to benefit local nonprofits and scholarship grants. cfwl.org

Festival of Trees

Clinique Great Skin, Great Cause.

Limited-Edition

Moisture Surge

100-H AutoReplenishing Hydrator

Cosmetics Powerful Pinks

Crushed Oil-Infused Gloss Duo

page 2,

beauty body&spirit

think pink

Each year Pink Ribbon Products (shown here and available October 1) from the Estée Lauder Companies are top-tier musthaves, beautifully crafted in iconic pink packaging and available only for a limited time to help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF). The company has been a corporate leader in the global breast cancer movement since the founding, in 1992, of the Evelyn H. Lauder Campaign established to inspire meaningful action and drive awareness for breast health. esteelauder.com

Aveda Hand Relief Moisturizing Creme with Rosemary Mint Aroma

Bobbi Brown

Estée Lauder Empowered in Pink Pure Color Lipstick Collection

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex

La Mer Crème de la Mer The Moisturizing Cream

(on

Contents) AERIN Purse Spray Duo — featuring Mediterranean Honeysuckle and Amber Musk

Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Indian Rose

Weight Loss Miracle Drug?

The big buzz in 2023 has been all about a wonder drug, semaglutide, marketed as Ozempic, Rybelsus and Wegovy. It mimics the GLP-1 hormone that is released in the gastrointestinal tract in response to eating by increasing insulin production and slowing down stomach emptying. Ozempic and Rybelsus are FDA-approved to treat type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved specifically for weight loss. Although side effects including nausea, vomiting and depression have been reported, the drug can significantly lower blood sugar and weight.

To get more answers about the drug and its effects, we sat down with Dr. George Carroll, whose private practice, BeSlim Florida, is located in Maitland. Dr. Carroll, a Florida licensed and registered physician, has more than 42 years of experience in the weight loss industry, at one point serving as medical director for hundreds of clinics. He joined the American Bariatric Society to learn everything he could about the science behind weight loss.

“This is a major breakthrough. Ozempic was approved by the FDA back in 2017. Many discoveries are serendipitous — they found people on the drug were losing weight. They investigated why it was happening. Then they took the semaglutide, which is a naturally occurring hormone, and increased the dose developing Wegovy, which was approved two years ago for weight loss,” Dr. Carroll says.

Before treating patients with semaglutide, Dr. Carroll studied it for some time and then tried it himself, losing 40 pounds over a few months. He has maintained his lower weight.

“You can lose the same amount of weight as you would from gastric bypass surgery. But most people who have the surgery gain the weight back. There is now a new theory about what actually causes obesity. It is believed that obesity is a disease caused by a lack of the hormone that controls the appetite center. Just like diabetes is a disease caused by the lack of

a hormone that controls sugar in the blood. Semaglutide works in two different ways. It goes to the stomach and delays gastric emptying and increases insulin production — that tells the brain you are not hungry. The way we replace semaglutide is with subcutaneous injections once a week. Then every four weeks we raise the dose,” he explains.

With an obesity epidemic in this country, losing weight can have numerous health benefits. “In addition to losing weight, users can lower their blood pressure, lower their cholesterol and triglycerides, and lower their A1C. About 80% of people who have been labeled prediabetics and take semaglutide do not develop diabetes. It

also helps with PCOS, polycystic ovary syndrome. They are starting to think that it might help with cancer because obese people have a higher instance of the disease. There are all sorts of other offshoots now that are being studied. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and Wegovy, is planning to introduce a third version to address cardiac disease,” he continues.

There is also an interesting side benefit. “It can decrease your desire for alcohol. It doesn’t make you sick — you just have no desire for it. Studies suggest it shuts off the reward center in your brain,” Dr. Carroll shares.

As demand grows, there are some newer versions of semaglutide that are coming out in pill form. “The problem with oral medication is that it has to go through the stomach and be broken down. Then it goes to the liver to be broken down further. So, you have to give a higher dose to wind up with the same effect. There is a new drug that was approved, Mounjaro, and it’s more effective than semaglutide. And there are about 10 more drugs in the early stages of development,” he says.

There are possible side effects from the drug injections. “The most common side effect is nausea. It appears in 1.8% of patients. The second most common side effect is vomiting which occurs in 1.2% of patients, the same patients who were nauseated. The third most common is diarrhea, affecting 0.7%. I tell patients they could get each and every one of those, but the odds are strongly in their favor that the

side effects will be mild. We can prescribe medication that alleviates these symptoms. We also carefully screen patients for other conditions that might be affected, such as gall bladder disease,” he explains.

Dr. Carroll starts his patients with a lower dose so the body can accommodate it, then increases the dose after four weeks. The brand name drugs are quite expensive, upwards of $1,000 a month, and with increased demand both Ozempic and Wegovy are on the official FDA shortage list.

“Once those drugs are on the list, compounding pharmacies can legally make them. We use a pharmacy that is licensed in 17 states. It allows us to offer it for $425 a month. The average woman will lose somewhere between 15 and 20 pounds in about eight weeks. Men will lose 20 to 25 pounds. Once a weight loss goal is attained, the average patient will gain back 5% of the weight they lost. However, should they

start to regain weight — the average person loses the same 30 pounds three times in their life — we can put them on a maintenance dose that’s less than the dose they used to lose the weight. It might only be a once a month or every six weeks injection. Semaglutide is the only drug approved by the FDA for lifetime use,” he adds.

It appears that the use of the drug alters the body’s response to weight loss. “We all have an internal thermostat that regulates our weight. When you lose about 20-25 pounds, the thermostat is turned down and the brain acts like you are starving, slowing down your metabolism to preserve your energy sources. There’s a small study that just came out following people who had been on a maintenance dose for two years. At the end, they had reset the thermostat at a lower level and were able to maintain their new weight. We will have more information in a few years,” he concludes.

It is believed that obesity is a disease caused by a lack of the hormone that controls the appetite center. Just like diabetes is a disease caused by the lack of a hormone that controls sugar in the blood.

Semaglutide works in two different ways. It goes to the stomach and delays gastric emptying and increases insulin production — that tells the brain you are not hungry.

Exciting News for Early Breast Cancer Patients: CLINICAL TRIAL SHOWS PROMISING RESULTS in PREVENTING DISEASE RECURRENCE

Breast cancer specialists at Orlando Health Cancer Institute are very excited about news shared earlier this year on the pivotal Phase III NATALEE trial that could have a significant impact on treatment for patients with early breast cancer (EBC).

TOPLINE DATA ON THE TRIAL SHARED

AT THE 2023 AMERICAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY ANNUAL MEETING indicated that ribociclib (more commonly known as KISQALI) plus endocrine therapy, compared to endocrine therapy alone, reduced the risk of cancer recurrence by 25.2% in patients with stage II and III hormone receptor-positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HR+/HER2-) early breast cancer. Results also showed the drug delivered clinically meaningful benefits for key subgroups of patients in the trial.

The findings have the potential to impact a large number of patients. Ninety percent of all diagnosed breast cancers are considered “early stage,” meaning the cancer is stage I, II, or III and remains localized in the breast.

“Though most patients with early breast cancer can be cured, the looming concern of disease recurrence persists throughout their lives after treatment,” says Nikita Shah, MD, section leader for breast medical oncology at Orlando Health Cancer Institute. “The encouraging outcomes we see in the NATALEE trial are a ray of hope

for these patients. The research underscores the potential for a brighter future where patients can go about their lives knowing there are effective strategies to safeguard against the return of this formidable disease.”

The typical course of treatment for patients diagnosed with early breast cancer includes surgery, followed by radiation and/or chemotherapy. For some patients with HR+/HER2- early breast cancer, endocrine — or hormone-blocking — therapy is also recommended after primary treatment to reduce the risk of the cancer

coming back. Even with these therapies, one-third of patients diagnosed with stage II and more than half of those diagnosed with stage III HR+/HER2- EBC experience recurrence. For patients deemed “high risk,” there is the option to combine the adjuvant endocrine therapy with newer drugs. However, all stage II and III HR+/ HER2- EBC patients are at risk of recur-

rence, including those with node-negative disease. So, there’s a need for tolerable treatment options, like the one explored in the NATALEE trial, to help keep the full at-risk population cancer-free — not just high-risk, node-positive patients.

The NATALEE trial studied a 400-milligram dose of ribociclib, compared to the 600-milligram dose used in cases of meta-

static cancer, and showed fewer side effects and limited need for dose modifications when administered up to three years.

“As a doctor, witnessing the exciting results from this clinical trial, demonstrating significant benefits for patients with early breast cancer, fills me with hope and optimism,” Dr. Shah says. “These findings reaffirm the power of medical research and the potential to transform lives. With this newfound knowledge, we are equipped to provide even more effective and personalized treatments, ultimately improving outcomes and quality of life for countless individuals facing this challenging journey.”

For more information about the NATALEE trial, visit NATALEETrial.com, and to see a directory of clinical trials available at Orlando Health Cancer Institute, visit the research and education page at orlandohealthcancer.com

“

women are incredible!

AN A DVENT H EALTH FOR WOMEN SERIES

NANCY ALVAREZ: Advocate for Access

WESH 2 News Anchor Nancy Alvarez has not been shy about her experience with breast cancer. She was diagnosed with stage I in the beginning of 2021 and underwent a double mastectomy — no further treatment was needed as it was caught early, but she continues to be proactive about her health and wants other women do the same, supporting causes that help women get necessary screenings and treatment.

My experience was swift. I was very lucky because it was caught so early. I did opt for a double mastectomy, and I moved forward, but along the way I have learned so much about this illness and what it looks like for women who were not as fortunate as I was because they have no insurance or because they are underinsured. I will always advocate for them because we should all have options and be able to choose the treatment plan we want to take when we have a diagnosis like this,” she shares.

She was running errands one day and got a reminder notice from her doctor’s office that she needed to schedule a mammogram, so she took the time to schedule it. Later doctors told her that her mammogram saved her life because the cancer was in such an early stage. She did not feel a lump, have any symptoms, or have a family history of the disease.

“We were still in that COVID time. I think that’s why I was so vocal about my experience because I don’t think self-care was on top of anyone’s mind during the pandemic — it was just about getting to the next day. It was about taking care of our families, our kids or our elderly parents. I think that’s what most women were prioritizing — and I think we still do. It is so cliché, but we can’t take care of everyone if we’re not taking care of ourselves. I hate saying that because we hear it, but do we really practice it?” she adds.

Her diagnosis was a shock but she got through the difficult time by leaning on her support system — doctors, family, and a small group of survivors including Angela Jacobs, a former colleague and dear friend, who passed away from breast

cancer that had metastasized. “She was there for me when I was going through it. The fact that she didn’t make it and I did is something I’m going to live with for the rest of my life so I will honor her and speak her name every time I talk about this disease because she fought a hard fight,” Nancy says.

Her advice for newly diagnosed women is to stay off the internet: “I hear from women on a weekly basis who are newly diagnosed and they’re asking, what do I do? The first thing I tell everyone is don’t Google anything. Don’t go down that path where this woman had that result, and this woman had this result. There is only one you and every single case is different and unique. And you cannot base your mental health through this journey on somebody else’s results.”

“Mental health is such a huge component of getting through the experience. Angela was part of my mental health. She was a positive force during recovery. I stuck to my doctors’ advice and a close circle of survivors,” she continues.

She also feels fortunate that she had quality health insurance and could move

Nancy Alvarez and Angela Jacobs

forward with her preferred treatment plan without any hardships. This is not the case for many women — even Angela struggled to get certain treatments covered.

Two years later, Nancy continues to be vocal about breast cancer awareness and is a big supporter of Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation (libbyslegacy.org). Its mission is to is to provide comprehensive services to the underserved through education, mammograms, and patient navigation on the journey from diagnosis to survivorship with the compassion to ensure no one fights alone.

“Every woman should have an option. Every woman should be able to get a cold cap if she wants one to not lose her hair. Every woman should have the option of getting a mastectomy. There are so many women who get the diagnosis and then they must navigate this web of insurance and fighting that while they are fighting their cancer,” Nancy says.

WHAT IS A WOMEN’S HEALTH NAVIGATOR?

A health navigator is a specially trained registered nurse whose job is to make life easier for each and every woman through expert clinical assistance and educational, emotional and spiritual support. All calls are confidential; anyone can self-refer; and insurance is not required to talk or meet.

AdventHealth for Women’s health navigators provide complimentary services that help you coordinate your overall care and answer any questions you may have. These services include:

• Finding a care provider

• Answering your health care questions

• Assistance with scheduling annual office visits and screenings

• Resources and support for you and your family

• Coordination of care among multiple providers and facilities

To contact the Health Navigation Team, call 407-720-5191 or visit HerHealthNavigator.com

Doreen Forsythe, BSN, RN Viviana Diaz, BSN, RN

tastes&experiences

tiki vacay

Calling all tropical cocktail enthusiasts… join the immersive experience at Permanent Vacation where you will enter — through a secret door — a colorful world of kitschy Polynesian culture (skulls, smoke-spewing heads, coconuts, carved heads and bamboo) and retro nautical relics (nets, ropes and glass floats). Flashing lights and secluded hideaways hint at the exotic drinks — from the traditional Mai Tai and Grog to the Predator and Helldiver — that are rated from nonalcoholic to fully fueled (drinker beware). The food menu features flatbreads and assorted appetizers that are shareable. Located inside the Copper Rocket pub in Maitland, it took more than two years to create the fantastical, spooky space that only seats about 40 and requires reservations. permanentvacationfl.com

Dining Hot Spots

Russell’s on Lake Ivanhoe

Russell’s is celebrating its three-year anniversary by offering a special three-course lakeside dining experience through September 30. The local owners will donate part of the proceeds to the Ivanhoe Village (an accredited Main Street District) in support of its community. The restaurant will also introduce lunch service beginning September 5. russellsorlando.com

Otto’s High Dive

The neighborhood rum bar — located in The Milk District of Orlando — has been buzzing since opening in late 2022. Otto’s motto is abundancia, which means abundance, and it delivers in terms of its chic yet casual atmosphere, Instagrammable and sip-worthy Cuban cocktails, flavorful food, and friendly, fun and knowledgeable staff. ottoshd.com

Pigzza

The modern, Italian-ish styled restaurant located in Orlando’s Mills 50 District offers a contemporary twist on classic Italian dishes and cocktails, and pizzas with a barbecue flair. Menu favorites include: Cacio E Pepe Fries, shoestring fries tossed with butter, pecorino Romano and black pepper; and the Meat Me at Floyd’s pizza with braised brisket, grape jelly BBQ, smoked mozzarella and cheddar cheeses, pickled onions, green onions and cilantro. pigzza.com

SoDough Square

With the original location in SODO (on Michigan Street), SoDough has also found success in its new Winter Park location (on Fairbanks Avenue in the former Tin & Taco space). Each pizza features 24+ hour fermented house-made Detroit dough, house-made Detroit red sauce from fresh pack tomatoes, and brick cheese blend shredded in house. They make limited quantities of dough each day, so they do sell out. sodoughsquare.com

Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining

CELEBRATING ITS 18TH YEAR, VISIT ORLANDO’S MAGICAL DINING RETURNS THROUGH OCTOBER

1, serving threecourse, prix-fixe dinners at many of Orlando’s highly acclaimed restaurants — including MICHELIN Guide honorees. And now, the program boasts a wider range of restaurants by introducing new tiered pricing set at $40 or $60 per person plus tax and gratuity, with up to $2 per meal supporting local causes.

In 2023, donated funds will focus on The Lifeboat Project, an organization that raises awareness on the issue of human trafficking, empowering the lives of survivors through short- and long-term aftercare, residential programs and education. Proceeds from this year’s program will provide support for The Lifeboat Project’s mental health counseling and trauma

recovery, as well as assist with human trafficking prevention and education.

To ensure this donation has widespread impact throughout the community, Visit Orlando will also award a $2,000 donation to one local nonprofit in each of Orange County’s six commission districts that also support this cause. They include: Mustard Seed of Central Florida; Nuevo Sendero; One Heart for Women and Children; Salvation Army Orlando; Samaritan Village; and Wake Up Mentoring.

In addition, some of Orlando’s best hotels and resorts — including many with one or more Visit Orlando’s Magical Dining restaurants — are offering special rates via Visit Orlando’s Magical Nights. Visit orlandomagicaldining.com to see all the participating restaurants and hotels, preview menus, and make reservations.

BACÁN

The Pinery Orlando

North Italia Orlando

Marriott’s Mainstay: Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

by Kate Slentz

Clear blue waters, ocean breezes, fine white sand and a quietness we forgot existed — since my husband and I had our two children. It was a much-needed respite and reset for us before this busy fall season at long-time Fort Lauderdale favorite Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.

WE HAD STAYED IN FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH ONCE

BEFORE on the northern end, but Harbor Beach Resort sits on a quarter-mile stretch of pristine private beachfront at the southern end — it was interesting watching the cargo ships enter and exit the Port Everglades Channel — near the public beach, Fort Lauderdale International Airport, and the shops, dining and nightlife of Las Olas Boulevard.

While we drove the three-plus hours down there, most guests opt to fly — or now can take Brightline from Orlando to the Fort Lauderdale station, which is less than five miles from the resort. Its proximity to area attractions and ample amenities makes it a popular place to stay.

The private beachfront was well equipped with towels, chairs, umbrellas, cabanas, and watersports rentals, such as wave runners, paddle boards, kayaks and banana boat rides (all available for an additional fee). Loggerhead Sand Bar served guests cool cocktails, light bites and other refreshments beachside.

Most impressive was the resort’s excellent service — the staff was friendly, accommodating and fun to interact with — as well as all the amenities included with the daily resort package such as welcome beverages, beach chairs, non-motorized water equipment (paddle boards, etc.), daily fitness classes, daily tennis/pickleball court rentals with equipment, spa credits, beach games and daily bicycle rentals.

We also enjoyed our on-site dining experiences — the daily buffet breakfast in Riva was well worth it with delicious pastries, chef-made omelet station, and a large selection of other fresh, quality items including well-seasoned breakfast potatoes, hearty bacon and

sausages, gourmet charcuterie and fluffy pancakes.

The first night we enjoyed live music, tropical cocktails, pimento cheese crab dip with house BBQ chips, key lime pie, and ocean breezes and views at Sea Level Restaurant and Ocean Bar. Our second evening was spent at 3030 Ocean Bar where we shared a locally caught entrée and decadent dessert (peanut butter and chocolate cake), and lively conversation with our bartender Griffin who also entertained locals and regular guests — a sign of a good spot.

We spent our nights relaxing in recently upgraded accommodations that boasted tile flooring, contemporary beach-inspired décor, private ocean-view balcony (select rooms), TV with access to streaming services, mini refrigerator and luxurious bathroom (I’m, admittedly, a hotel shower snob and I highly recommend).

Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa had all the makings of a relaxing getaway, but it’s great for families too with daily family-friendly activities like bingo, trivia and movie nights. And the resort makes accessing rooms and amenities easy with wristband room keys and an app to reserve sporting and leisurely activities.

marriottharborbeach.com

fabulous fall FASHIONS

Location: Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando

Photography: Victoria Angela Photography

Styling: Chrissy Godwin and Laila Maali, The Mall at Millenia

Hair: Michelle Nieves, Salon Dulay

Makeup: Tiffany Dunston, Salon Dulay

Models: Brooke and Mary from Stella Runway, Inc.

The recently renovated Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando provided an artful backdrop for this season’s ensembles curated by The Mall at Millenia stylists Chrissy Godwin and Laila Maali, to cover a range of occasions, from a ernoons al fresco and fashionable ladies’ luncheons to glam evenings out. Model Mary styled by Chrissy and model Brooke styled by Laila in fashions from stores in The Mall at Millenia.

Brooke is wearing an Alice + Olivia cropped denim moto jacket and denim bustier mini dress with Chanel 20C denim black chain CC booties, and a Dolce & Gabbana handbag, all from Neiman Marcus. Mary is wearing a Balmain Jacquard Monogram Mini Dress with Christian Louboutin tall boots, Dolce & Gabbana metallic bag, Alexis Bi ar hinged metal collar necklace, and frontback double drop crystal earrings from Neiman Marcus. Black tank, stylist’s own.

On the Cover: Model Brooke wearing a Versace single breasted blazer, Versace crystal safety pin metallic pumps, with a Versace metallic mini bag; an Herve Leger fringe gown from Bloomingdale’s; and chandelier earrings and green crystal rings from J. Crew.

On Contents, page 1: Model Mary wearing an Alice + Olivia satin blazer and wide-leg pants, Vince satin tank, Valentino caged pumps, Celine bag and Alexis Bittar Solanales front-back double drop crystal earrings, all from Neiman Marcus.

Brooke is wearing a Cinq A Sept Heatset Sparkler Embroidered blazer and skirt, Alice + Olivia bandeau crop top, and lock metallic ankle booties by Tom Ford, all from Neiman Marcus.

The recently reimagined Grand Bohemian Hotel in downtown Orlando set the scene for elegant fall fashions. From the inspired Bosendorfer Lounge and refined restaurant, The Boheme, to the private Peacock Room, luxurious lobby, and welcoming Altira Pool + Lounge, each locale provided a sophisticated backdrop.

Mary is wearing an Hervé Léger puff-sleeve body-con minidress from Bloomingdale’s, Giuseppe Zanotti chain pumps, Versace La Medusa mini bag, J.Crew metallic chain link necklace and gold earrings.

The Mall at Millenia’s Personal Stylist program is a complimentary service that seamlessly blends fashion and luxurious service. Stylists orchestrate personalized styling sessions within the private ambiance of the Personal Styling Suite and access to more than 100 premier brands housed within the mall. For an in-depth look at the world of complimentary personal styling sessions, follow us on Instagram @PSMillenia or visit mallatmillenia. com/with-our-compliments/personal-stylist/

Mary is wearing The Kooples blazer dress from Bloomingdale’s, Giuseppe Zanotti ankle booties, Versace Greca Goddess shoulder bag, and J.Crew necklace and gold hoops.

Brooke is wearing a Victoria Beckham ruched asymmetrical dress, Fendi sunglasses, multicolored Christian Louboutin pumps and Valentino leather hobo bag, all from Neiman Marcus. Mary is wearing a FORE ombré oversized shirt, satin halter top and pants from Bloomingdale’s with Giuseppe Zanotti heels and J.Crew Pavé crystal cocktail rings.

Brook is wearing an AKRIS floral lace longsleeve blouse with tank and pleated pants and multicolored scarf, Valentino multi-woven flat sandal, Dolce & Gabbana metallic bag and crystal gold earrings, all from Neiman Marcus.