Style is often associated with what's hanging in a closet or displayed in a storefront window. But for someone navigating cancer, style takes on an entirely different meaning. It becomes the confidence to look in the mirror and recognize yourself again. It's finding joy in choosing a beautiful dress, enjoying a spa treatment or simply spending one day feeling like more than a patient.
That belief is at the heart of Diva for a Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to giving individuals facing cancer something that medicine alone cannot provide—a chance to simply be themselves.
Founded by cancer survivor Debbie Sestokas and co-founder Peggy Matzen, Diva for a Day was born from personal experience. After walking through their own cancer journey, Debbie and Peggy understood firsthand how meaningful support from the community could be. While family members naturally carry much of the emotional weight, the encouragement of friends, neighbors and even complete strangers offered a different kind of comfort.
Together, the founders asked a simple question: What if someone could forget about appointments, treatments and diagnoses—even if only for a day?
That idea has grown into a nationwide organization that serves women and children facing all types of cancer. Unlike many organizations that focus on funding research or medical care, Diva for a Day centers its mission on restoring confidence, joy and emotional well-being through personalized experiences.
Every Diva experience begins with someone else.
Rather than applying themselves, recipients are nominated by a loved one who recognizes they could use a day focused entirely on them. Each nomination tells a different story. One person may dream of a relaxing massage after months of treatment. Another may long for a new hairstyle or facial.
Once selected, every detail is thoughtfully coordinated through Diva for a Day's network of salons, spas and community partners. From the moment a recipient walks through the door, the day's only responsibility is to relax, breathe and enjoy.
For a few precious hours, cancer no longer leads the conversation.
As the Divas step into elegant gowns, work with designers and attend fittings, something remarkable begins to happen. Conversations shift from treatments and test results to colors, accessories and confidence. Laughter replaces worry.
"They're not cancer patients anymore," says volunteer Maria Cris. "They're simply women enjoying fashion, expressing themselves and feeling beautiful."
It's a reminder that style has never been about clothing alone. At its best, style reflects identity, confidence and self-expression—and those are qualities worth celebrating.
The organization's impact extends well beyond the recipients themselves. Volunteers, local businesses and community members all become part of the experience, donating services, sponsoring events and giving their time simply because they want to help.
Maria has seen firsthand how generous local communities can be. In preparation for a fundraising event, she and a friend visited local businesses seeking silent auction donations. Within a single day, more than a dozen businesses stepped forward without hesitation.
"There are so many people who just want to help," she says. "When they hear someone's story, they immediately want to be part of making a difference."
That spirit of generosity continues to fuel the organization's growth. While donations are always appreciated, Diva for a Day reminds supporters that making an impact isn't limited to writing a check. Volunteers can organize local fundraisers, introduce new community partnerships, nominate someone in need or simply spread awareness.
For Maria, the mission is ultimately about creating moments of hope during life's most difficult chapters.
"When your body and mind are at peace," she says, "you're able to receive healing differently."
In the end, perhaps the most beautiful style statement isn't found in a designer label or perfectly tailored outfit. It's the confidence to smile again, the freedom to feel seen beyond a diagnosis and the reminder that every person deserves to feel beautiful—not because of what they're wearing, but because of who they are.
Learn more, nominate a deserving Diva or support the mission at divaforaday.org.
“They're not cancer patients anymore, they're simply women enjoying fashion, expressing themselves and feeling beautiful."—Maria Cris