A group of Fairfield moms is putting a spooky spin on fundraising, dressing up as zombies and dancing to support metastatic breast cancer research. Known as the “Mombies,” the group has raised about $1.3 million since 2016 to help find a cure.
The Mombies, made up of about 50 mothers from the Fairfield area, perform for the community at venues including Brewport in Bridgeport. Their performances combine elaborate zombie costumes, hair and makeup with a mission to raise money for research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City.
“We’re doing hair and makeup as if we were teenagers again and we’re having so much fun for a common purpose,” Mombies founder Terry Davis said.
That common purpose is finding a cure for metastatic breast cancer, a form of the disease that has spread beyond the breasts and is also known as stage four breast cancer.
“Every dollar is matched and 100% is donated directly to MSK to find a cure for this disease,” Davis said.
For Mombies member Kassandra Savicki, the mission is personal. Savicki is a breast cancer survivor who has been involved with the group as it continues its fundraising efforts.
“In 2015, I was diagnosed with breast cancer so this is the 11th year of Mombies and also the 11th year of my breast cancer survivorship,” Savicki said.
Although Savicki’s cancer is in remission, she remains focused on helping people living with metastatic breast cancer.
“It’s unacceptable that right now, we can barely prolong their lives. It’s time to find drugs that work,” Savicki said.
Beyond raising money, the Mombies have created a way for local mothers to come together, have fun and support a cause that affects so many families.
“When you describe it to people, it sounds crazy, but I think that’s what brings people out,” Savicki said.
With their zombie costumes and choreographed performances, the group has found an unusual way to draw attention to a serious disease.
Savicki said she’s proud of the community support the Mombies have received and hopes their efforts will continue making a difference.
“We don’t ask for donations to fund our project, we ask for donations to find a cure,” Savicki said.
The Mombies will be performing again on Halloween night at Fairfield Town Hall.
