Cancer is the sign of Summer. The July zodiac crab finds comfort at home. Unfortunately, cellular cancer tears apart our bodies faster than a Dungeness crab. Founder, designer and cancer survivor, Iris Dankner has trail-blazed breast cancer research efforts by raising much-needed funds through events like Holiday House Designs. As a former breast cancer researcher, it is with gratitude to experience Holiday House Hamptons. Now in it’s 15th year, the opening night White Party gala was held on July 08, 2023 at an architecturally modern house by Corcoran in Bridgehampton, NY.

Here are a few highlights from the evening and designer showcase.

Holiday House in Bridgehampton, NY is a design showcase that benefits breast cancer research. It can be visited until the end of August. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

What’ll it be?

The bar is traditionally an accommodating space to enjoy a beverage and conversation. Either alcoholic or alcohol-free, sipping while conversing increases a sense of community. Cancer cells also communicate to survive- they “talk” to neighboring cells to fulfill metabolic needs. Fortunately, human interaction helps to alleviate toxic build up that can increase cancer risk.

The lower level of the house has a bar. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Emergency 411

Raising the cuteness bar with this piece. Our society has a connection to drinking and problems (not to be read as “drinking problem”). We love to relax with an EtOH-ic beverage, which activates our hippocampal inhibitory system. The relationship between breast cancer and alcohol consumption has found some causality. Determinants such as genetics, type, frequency and geography also play a role in breast cancer formation in addition to alcohol. Stress is a factor in all types of cancer, so relax with a nip or a nap.

A new meaning to mini bar. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Surfing USA

Stress can be a component to how aggressive breast cancer is, so break waves to take a break from it all. Whether in NY, Hawaii or Fiji, relax through interacting with the ocean. The surfboards in the “Get on Board” garage, by artists like Jeff Muhs, add to the fun of surfing. Activity with nature helps cancer-fighting cellular pathways, such as those regulated by p53. Free radicals increase biological aging in breast cancer. Exercise in addition to nutrition decreases cell-damaging oxidative stress that can add to the this degradation.

This is in one of the garages at Holiday House. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Fingerpaint

“adulthood is a big disruption for an artist”

Artistic channels like painting, sketching and photography can release tension and tap into the imaginative side of our brains that are activated more during childhood. Communicating emotions may be difficult for some who experience life-altering illness. Bottling them up increases the risk of toxic overload from treatment and physiology. Creative expression allows the release of negative thoughts and emotions, thus improving quality of life during disease states like cancer. Participating in arts also decreases anxiety and depression that accompanies cancer diagnosis and disease-span.

Tap into your childhood imagination. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Movie Night

Binge-watching should not be a thing due to the negative associations of sedentary activities on physical and mental health. But, picking one good film like Martin Ritt’s Hud (1963) can do wonders for personal perspective. The summer of Paul Newman releases emotional stressors linked to living with disease. We were delighted to see this photograph of Mr. Newman at the Holiday House showcase.

Bonnie Lautenberg’s Hud. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Call Me

If you don’t have Blondie’s number, then call a friend. Research has shown that anxiety, depression and cognitive dysfunction- all associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment- can decrease with personal communication. No texts or social messaging, pick up the receiver and dial. Talking about illness is not a requirement. Actually, talking about anything other than your personal tribulations can strengthen bonds and deepen familiarity.

Picking up the phone to talk about the White Party is better than not calling. (Image: AKJAM Publishing)

Holiday House Design is open through August 27, 2023 at 279 Mitchell Lane in Bridgehampton, NY. Designers include Christian Siriano and Ashley Stark. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.