Gayle’s Story, As Told by Her Inner Circle
On this International Women’s Day, we’ve brought together some of the amazing women who were there for our Co-Founder Gayle Brinkenhoff during her fight against breast cancer.
Their stories about supporting one another prove that friendship between women can be an incredibly uplifting force and shines a light on the inherent value of women in difficult and challenging times.
Some of Gayle’s biggest supporters included her family and friends who were by her side during her 23-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. Gayle’s courage, empathy, authenticity, and sense of humor are painfully missed by all who knew and loved her.
We spoke to Gayle’s inner circle to help tell her story here. Dariel Sidney, Gayle’s daughter who carries on her mother’s legacy through her work as RevitaLash® Cosmetics VP of Global Philanthropy, interviewed three of the women who were Gayle’s most valuable confidants.
Julie Hoffman and Gayle met in 1984 and became longtime friends.
“We spent so much time together. Our kids were very close and still are to this day,” Julie says. “We also worked together for many years.”
“I took Gayle to most of her treatments, doctor appointments, scans, and surgeries,” Julie explains. “Many times, it was Michael [Brinkenhoff, Gayle’s husband and RevitaLash Cosmetics founder], Gayle, and me going to the very important surgeries and appointments together.”
Hilary Bloom is Gayle’s younger sister.
“Gayle was in the birthing room with us for both of my kids,” she says. “When our son Eric was born, our mom was in the hospital, too, with breast cancer.” A few years later, Gayle was there when Hilary’s daughter was born just 12 days after their mother passed. “It was comforting having Gayle there. I learned so much from her,” Hilary says.
Beth Green and Gayle’s friendship stretched for over a decade.
Their children attended school together for many years. “I’m grateful for this opportunity to celebrate a remarkable woman,” Beth says, remembering her dear friend.
