Education has always been an integral part of Gail King’s life. Inspired by her teachers who taught her early on that “Knowledge is power”, she was inducted into the Academy for Teaching and Learning after presenting her cooperative learning techniques at a New York State Conference in Albany. Awarded a SCOPE All Stare Teacher award, her lesson plans were implamented by schools on Long Island, New York. Even though experience is often the greatest teacher in life, Gail encouraged her students to learn life lessons from great works of literature. William Shakespeare’s famous quotes always graced her classrooms.

            During her third year of teaching high school English, Gail was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. There were no computers, cell phones, support groups, MRI’s or even mamograms to take in 1975. No one was talking about breast cancer, even believed that you can catch this disease. Gail knew how important it was to set an example for her students. She refused to be defined by cancer. Cancer was what she battled not who she was. Early on, she recognized her choice of hope vs hopelessness. Taking a lesson from Winston Churchill’s philosophy of “never giving up”, she strived for a positive attitude while combining a balance spiritually, physically and emotionally. Visualization techniques, prayer and meditation helped her feel more relaxed and centered. Gail surrounded herself with positive people and laughter and humor to relieve her pain and to help her recover from her many surgeries. Lipstick, perfume and a white peignoir  while walking hospital corridors  with her IV machine made her feel special. So did reading to children in the children’s cancer ward where she read to them. Some of the children thought she looked like a real live princess oblivious to her IV machine tubes.

            William Shakespeare said: “How sweet are the many uses of adversity.” Gail knew how fortunate she was to be able to pay it forward, give back and make a difference in the lives of others. Stepping out of the box, she entered a New York State Pageant  and won which resulted in her winning the National Pageant. Sharing her platform of overcoming adversity when given a 30% chance of survival, she made 500 appearances across the country speaking at hospitals, Relay for Life events, and support groups. Gail was honored at a luncheon and interviewed on television at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee and on the today show in Tampa Florida. This led to her CableTV/Internet Show called “LookKING to make a Difference with GAIL” where she interviewed celebrities and everyday heroes. She receive 42 Proclamations for her work with cancer care, Veterans, Gangs, Animal Rights, Child Abuse, Drugs, Alzheimer’s care foster care and mental illness.

            Gail started her third career as a SAG actress and model in her late 60’s As a featured extra, she appeared on : Law and Order, 30 Rock, Royal Pains, Life on Mars, Pan Am, Extreme Forensics and the Affair. She enjoyed appearing in the movie “Salt,” and “Did you hear about the Morgans?” “Discovered” on social media, she became a runway model for New York Fashion Week and any other shows as well. She became a print, editorial and swimsuit model as well. She has appeared on many International covers and is thrilled to model for top designers like Pamela Quinzi. Gail believes that with Hard work and determination that this is just the beginning for her in the world of fashion.

PH:Shelly Cohen

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