CHRISTINA POZO-KADERMAN, 44, is co-director for psychosocial/pain management at Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center. Born and raised in Miami, she lives in Key Biscayne. Kaderman was nominated for this feature by a patient.

``My mom had cancer. She was 27, I was 3. It reoccured twice. She survived.

``Somebody may get a [cancer] diagnosis or told they've got a reoccurance and I'll get called in to help them deal with that.

``Besides dressing up being just fun -- it's the only place I express any creativity -- I think patients sort of enjoy it.

' `It's not like someone says, `My God, my hair fell out and, oh -- I really like your shoes.' That's not going to happen in the moment of crisis, when they're dying.

``[But] for a lot of patients, it is an escape. They'll even comment, `I know this is crazy, but I really like your shoes.'

``For women who have lost a breast, they can't wear low-cut things. So [fashion] is an issue.

``Part of living life normally is appearing as normal as possible.''

Jacket: Nicole Miller

Skirt: The Limited

Watch: Cartier

Purse: Chanel (``a graduation present from college'')

Shoes: Donald J Pliner

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