THOMASVILLE — With lights and music pulsating throughout the Thomasville Center for the Arts, the annual Pink Affair took the stage Thursday night.

An annual cancer survivor benefit fashion show, this year’s event helped raise money for the Paxman Scalp Cooling System. The fashion show proceeds, from ticket sales and sponsors, will go to help cover the costs for qualifying patients to use the new technology at the Lewis Hall Singletary Oncology Center. 

The Oncology Center began using the scalp cooling technology at the request of Ann Vann, who become the first patient to use it. 

As it cools the scalp, less chemotherapy reaches the hair follicles so less chemo is absorbed. Some patients may not have the desired hair retention, but the company, which has treated more than 100,000 patients, has observed that patients are getting hair follicle protection. That means their hair is coming back faster and often with its original color and texture.

Vann passed away earlier this year, but in her honor and in her name — she was called Honey by her grandchildren — there are Honey’s Hugs, a warm wrap around each patient while using the very cold process. 

“It is our sincere wish they will be a source of comfort to those patients and a reminder of the first person to use the process and keep her hair,” said friend Randi Wortman.