Celebration of Global Friendships Gala Raises Critical Funds for Mission Plasticos' Life-Changing Work
More than 350 philanthropists gathered at the Pendry Hotel in Newport Beach on September 14 at the Celebration of Global Friendships Gala to raise critical funds for Mission Plasticos, a nonprofit dedicated to improving lives through reconstructive plastic surgery across the globe and post-mastectomy breast reconstruction for women in the U.S. without adequate access to care.
The gala was co-chaired by Patricia Wilson, EVP for JusticeCentral.tv | Executive Producer (PGA) /Showrunner at Entertainment Studios and Daryl Osby, Los Angeles County Fire Chief (ret.)
Special guest, country music artist Morgan Wade, shared the story of her own mastectomy and breast reconstruction journey along with her gratitude for Mission Plasticos and the exceptional care they provide to women regardless of economic circumstances.
Wade also thanked her friend and long-time supporter of Mission Plasticos – actress, author, and philanthropist Kyle Richards – for introducing her to the organization. Richards’ mother Kathleen Richards passed away from breast cancer in 2002 making this a deeply personal connection with the nonprofit. Richards expressed her admiration at the Gala for Mission Plasticos’ life-changing work providing daily support to women who are navigating the complexities of breast cancer care.
I had the opportunity to sit down with both Richards and Wade before the event began for a quick interview. Richards shared that her mom had been afraid of having a mastectomy and what it would look like and how she would feel. She always revisits her mom’s decision and wonders if her mom had agreed to the mastectomy, would she still be here today.
Wade shared that her family is also affected by cancer as her aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer, underwent chemotherapy, and a double mastectomy. Two years ago, Wade herself was tested for the BRCA gene that a few of her family members have and decided to take action. She underwent a preventive double mastectomy last year before finishing her tour with Joan Jett and Alanis Morisette.
Richards shared that she had listened to Wade’s song “Wilder Days” on a road trip and did a deep dive into her music as well as following her on Instagram. Wade confided that she was touched by the follow, responded, and now they have become fast BFF’s as well as warriors in the fight against cancer.
Mission Plasticos has dedicated the past quarter-century to transforming lives through reconstructive surgery, training medical professionals, and advancing research to improve care standards. To support this worthy cause, visit missionplasticos.org.
