On October 20, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation held its annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon. Hundreds of attendees came to honor and pay tribute to those who are making a prolific change in the world today. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. With an approach that accelerates the entire field and moves us closer to a way to eradicate breast cancer forever, the day was both poignant and truly inspirational.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Alina Cho speaks onstage during Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for BCRF)
Guests including Brooke Burke, Gretta Monahan, Emma Myles, Jenna Leigh Green, Orfeh, Chloe Melas, and Paige Stables gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown where host Alina Cho helped kick off the day that honored designer and philanthropist Kendra Scott and Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACR.
“I do know one thing. BCRF is leading the way,” Cho told the audience after revealing details on her own personal journey of recovery.
Joan Lunden then announced that October 20, 2023 was officially proclaimed “Evelyn Lauder Day” in New York City. This recognition celebrated BCRF’s Founder and her enduring vision which has led to 30 years of lifesaving advancements through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Dr. Larry Norton and Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade pose onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for BCRF)
William Lauder continued the moving program as he presented Kendra Scott with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award for her steadfast philanthropic commitment to breast cancer research and empowering women and youth through health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Larry Norton presented Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACR (University of Chicago) with the Jill Rose Award for Scientific Excellence for her outstanding contributions to the field of breast cancer genetics and her work to address the root causes of disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Additional remarks were made by NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson and BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay. Honorary Co-Chairs of the event included Kinga Lampert, Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Joan Lunden speaks onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for BCRF)
This year, BCRF awarded $60.2 million in annual grants to more than 250 researchers from around the world, many of whom were in attendance to be recognized for their innovative projects and contributions to the field. At a scientific conference the day prior, investigators were provided the rare and critical opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues, across institutions, across disciplines, and across the world.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: A ballerina performs during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for BCRF)
Underwriters of the event included Jody and John Arnhold, Amy Goldman Fowler, Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein, Neil Golub, Judy and Leonard A. Lauder, William P. Lauder and Lori Kanter Tritsch, Arlene Taub and Lifetime.
Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org.