Fairfield mothers have turned Halloween fun into a powerful fundraising engine. The volunteer group, calling themselves the “Mombies,” combines elaborate zombie makeup, choreographed dances and a shared mission to support research for metastatic breast cancer.
Local effort, national impact
Since its founding in 2016, the Mombies—about 50 moms from the Fairfield area—have raised approximately $1.3 million. All donations are matched and 100% of the money goes directly to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where researchers are working to find a cure for metastatic breast cancer, the stage‑four form of the disease that has spread beyond the breasts.
Personal stories drive the cause
Founder Terry Davis says the group’s spirit is “doing hair and makeup as if we were teenagers again and having so much fun for a common purpose.” For many members, the cause is deeply personal. Member Kassandra Savicki, a breast‑cancer survivor, was diagnosed in 2015 and has been part of the Mombies for the entire 11‑year history of the organization. Though her cancer is now in remission, she stresses that “it’s unacceptable that right now we can barely prolong their lives. It’s time to find drugs that work.”
Community rallies around the cause
The Mombies have performed at venues such as Brewport in Bridgeport and will appear again on Halloween night at Fairfield Town Hall. Their spooky shows draw crowds who appreciate the novelty of “zombies dancing for a cure.” Savicki notes, “When you describe it to people, it sounds crazy, but I think that’s what brings people out.” The group’s approach provides a unique way for local mothers to gather, have fun, and support families affected by this aggressive disease.
Looking ahead
Beyond the money raised, the Mombies aim to keep the conversation about metastatic breast cancer alive in the community. “We don’t ask for donations to fund our project, we ask for donations to find a cure,” Savicki says. The organization hopes its model will inspire other towns to blend creativity with charitable purpose, continuing to push for breakthroughs that could save lives nationwide.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut (Hartford) — read the source article.
