22 | OCTOBER 21 • 2021 

JN STAFF
M

ichigan native 
Linda Schlesinger-
Wagner’s mission 
has always been to support 
other women — whether 
that’s helping them feel con-
fident in their own skin or 
supporting them through a 
cancer diagnosis. 
With more than 30 years in 
the fashion industry, in 2009, 
Schlesinger-Wagner decided 
to use her experience to fulfill 
this goal. She founded the 
women’s clothing line skinny-
tees — selling one-size-fits-all 
tops, dresses and leggings 
that flatter all body shapes 
and sizes. The styles were 
designed to fit over anything, 
including surgical bandages, 
with just enough stretch to 
stay in place. 
Six years ago, Schlesinger-
Wagner took her support 
for women to the next level 
— starting a philanthropic 
branch of her company called 
For the Love of Women. 
Through this charitable divi-
sion, every year she hosts the 
Breast Sale Ever and part-
ners with organizations to 
raise funds for breast cancer 
patients and survivors. 
“With about one in eight 
women in America devel-
oping breast cancer in her 
life, my team and I knew this 
was a cause we wanted to get 
involved with. Women’s jour-
neys are incredibly important 
to us. When that journey 
includes the difficult diag-
nosis of cancer, we want to 
be there for these strong and 
beautiful women to offer the 

comfort and convenience that 
is so needed during this time,” 
said Schlesinger-Wagner, 
who was named one of Inc. 
Magazine’s 5,000 Greatest 
Entrepreneurs.
Through Oct. 31, skinny-
tees is hosting this annual 
event — selling limited-edi-
tion tank tops that are bubble-
gum pink with fuchsia trim. 
Customers will also enjoy 
30% off a variety of styles in 
various shades of pink in both 
missy and plus sizes of 
pink skinnytees through-
out the month. 
Proceeds from the sale 
will be donated directly 
to skinnytees’ 2021 
Honored Breast 
Cancer Fighter. 
Every year, the 
company selects 
one person 
diagnosed with 
breast cancer 
to help with 
her medical 
bills, as well as 
pamper her and 
give her a fashion 
makeover. This year’s 
selected Fighter is 
Alexis — whose last 
name is withheld for 
privacy reasons. Alexis was 
diagnosed with breast cancer 
during her second trimester 
of pregnancy. This summer, 
she gave birth to a healthy 
baby girl.
 “We selected Alexis 
because we know caring for 
an infant is hard enough. But 
she has to do this while also 
going through surgeries and 
immunotherapy for the next 

year. We wanted to do what 
we could to help make things 
easier for her during this dif-
ficult time,” said Schlesinger-

Wagner. 
 A portion of the proceeds 
will also benefit the Shades of 
Pink Foundation, a nonprof-
it which helps alleviate the 
financial burdens of breast 
cancer patients during their 
treatment and recovery. With 
about 50% of breast cancer 
patients facing financial 
hardship as a result of their 
diagnosis, a group of friends 
in Ferndale came up with 
the idea to start an organi-
zation to help these women 
afford their out-of-pocket 
non-medical expenses. 
Some of the money 
raised from the sale 
of the limited-edi-
tion tank tops 
will go toward 
the rent/
mortgage 
payments, 
insurance, 
food, trans-
portation, 
childcare, 
groceries and 
other essen-
tials of daily life 
for breast cancer 
patients living 
in Southeast 
Michigan. 
Schlesinger-Wagner 
will also be donating 
400 of skinnytees’ lim-
ited edition tank tops 
to Fighting Pretty, 
a nonprofit helping 
women during and after 
cancer treatment to feel 
fierce and beautiful by 
sending them mini pink 
boxing gloves in their 
Pretty Package on their 

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Jewish business owners support survivors with special sales.

Shop to Help Women 
with Breast Cancer

continued on page 24

