The New York Hilton Midtown housed this year’s annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 25th.
Renowned and passionate scientists and medical professionals from all across the globe gathered to celebrate their hard work and devotion to ending breast cancer through BCRF-funded research. Attendees included honorary co-chairs Kinga Lampert, Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder, as well as co-chairs Roberta M. Amon, Anne H. Bass, Clarissa Alcock Bronfman, Amy Goldman Fowler, Roslyn Goldstein, Marjorie Reed Gordon, Betsy S. Green, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Gail Hilson, Shelly Kivell, Elyse Lacher, Aerin Lauder, Marigay McKee, Amy E. Newburger, MD, Wendi Rose, Jeanne Sorensen Siegel, Arlene Taub, and Simone Winston.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 25: Myra Biblowit, William P. Lauder, Kinga Lampert, scientists and researchers on stage at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton Midtown at New York Hilton Midtown on October 25, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation)
The event recognized over 300 BCRF-funded scientists for the advancements and breakthroughs their tireless efforts have made. ABC news anchor and breast cancer survivor Amy Robach hosted, along with actor Andrew Shue. Mary Dillon, CEO of Ulta Beauty, was honored with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award, presented by Mellody Hobson. Dr. Hedvig Hricak of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center was presented with the Jill Rose award for scientific excellence with her work in merging imaging technology with molecular medicine.
Dr. Judy Garber of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Dr. Larry Norton, BCRF Scientific Advisory Board Chair, co-moderated the Scientific Revolution of Breast Cancer symposium. During this time, attendees were able to pick the brains of panelists Dr. Ben Ho Park of Vanderbilt University, Dr. Joseph Sparano of Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Dr. Hedvig Hricak of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 25: (L-R) William P. Lauder, Kinga Lampert, Myra Biblowit, Andrew Shue, Amy Robach, Mary Dillon and Mellody Hobson attend the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton Midtown at New York Hilton Midtown on October 25, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Breast Cancer Research Foundation)
Following the symposium was the pink carpet, which featured many notable guests stepping out in a resounding show of support for BCRF — breast cancer survivors, as well as those currently battling the disease. Among them were Jo Carole Lauder, Jane Hertzmark Hudis, Lori Kanter Tritsch, Emma Myles, Darcy Cadman, Louise Camuto, Darcy Miller Nussbaum, Bee Shapiro, Anne Thompson, Pamela Glassman, Ashley Park, Taylor Louderman, and Kate Rockwell.
Emma Myles, actress from Orange Is the New Black and daughter to a two-time breast cancer survivor, said, “If I wasn’t here [supporting BCRF], my mother would be like, ‘What are you doing with your life; you should be doing something important.’”
Actress Lois Robbins, and a breast cancer survivor herself, said that the words of advice she has to those battling breast cancer is: “Don’t do what I did; I kept it very private. It’s wonderful to have a community of people around you when you’re going through something like that.”
After lunch, followed by coffee and dessert, the awards were presented and attendees were welcomed to donate via text message with the option to include a dedication. Once all was said and done, guests left with pink gift bags filled with treats from BCRF’s corporate sponsors, including Ulta Beauty, Starbucks, and more. The event raised $2.5 million.
The search for a cure continues, but it is in good hands.
About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation:
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is dedicated to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world’s most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This year, BCRF is awarding $63 million in grants to support the work of nearly 300 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 14 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is also the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S. Visit www.bcrf.org to learn more.
