Chef/proprietor John Howie of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar (Bellevue and Seattle locations) and John Howie Steak in Bellevue, is an ardent philanthropist, supporting causes dear to his heart. 

During October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, John has a very personal reason for supporting The Young Survival Coalition, an international, non-profit organization dedicated to the concerns and issues unique to young women under the age of 40 who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. A member of John’s team, Seastar server Tomoko Bryant, is going through active treatment for breast cancer.

This cocktail is named in honor of her courageous fight. For every “Tomokotini” cocktail sold at John Howie Steak and both Seastar locations in October, $1 will be donated to the local affiliate of the Young Survival Coalition. The “Tomokotini” is a classic, just like the woman it’s named after, and gets its refreshing pink color from cranberry juice that is combined with ABSOLUT Wild Tea Vodka, simple syrup, Crème de Cassis, and lime. The cocktail will be priced at $7 during Happy Hour and $10 at all other times, at all three locations.

Insurance companies and government recommendations feel early cancer detection begins at 40. Often, women under that age are ignored or misdiagnosed. This organization is focused on the critical issues exclusive to young women found to have breast cancer. The Young Survival Coalition offers resources, connections, and outreach so women feel supported, empowered, and hopeful. Cancer is a disease growing into a younger population. It requires early testing, and signs in those under 40 should be taken seriously. 

YSC works with multiple populations – survivors, caregivers, and the medical, research, advocacy, and legislative communities – to increase the quality and quantity of life for those women. Founded by three young breast cancer survivors in 1998, who were all under the age of 35 at diagnosis, YSC has grown into an international group of thousands of survivors and supporters.  Based in New York City, with one of the organization’s 27 affiliates in Seattle, YSC helps young women face breast cancer together. Since its inception in 2002, the Seattle affiliate has provided a supportive environment for more than 100 local young women with breast cancer. 

More information on the local affiliate can be found at www.youngsurvival.org/seattle or on a national level at www.youngsurvival.org.