Award-winning journalist, best-selling author, motivational speaker, and recent breast cancer survivor, Joan Lunden, will serve as Master of Ceremonies at its 2015 OCEAN Gala for Greenwich Hospital on Sat., October 24.
Proceeds from this major event, which is co-chaired by Greenwich residents Sabrina Raquet, Mary Rolla and Jennifer Seidel, will benefit the hospital’s nationally-recognized oncology services.
“Greenwich Hospital is extremely honored that Joan Lunden has agreed to participate in our Gala in October,” said hospital president Norman G. Roth. “By bravely sharing her own battle with breast cancer, Ms. Lunden has given courage and inspiration around the world to women who are living with the disease. I can’t think of a more appropriate spokesperson for this event, which will enhance the cancer services available to individuals in our community.”
As the longest running host of “Good Morning America,” Lunden has been one of America’s most recognized and trusted personalities for more than 30 years. In June 2014, she was diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, which required chemotherapy, surgery and radiation treatments at Greenwich Hospital. Lunden made a decision to turn her diagnosis into an opportunity to help others by becoming a prominent voice on the subject, sharing her journey on her website JoanLunden.com, writing a book Had I Known on the transformative effect cancer has had on her life, and recently launching ALIVE, an online channel dedicated to people living with and surviving from breast cancer.
“Going through treatment for my breast cancer was the most challenging assignment I have ever been given,” Lunden said. “It was grueling both physically and emotionally and I couldn’t have asked for a better team of doctors, nurses and staff than I found at Greenwich Hospital. They were my teachers, my cheerleaders, and my friends and I can’t thank them enough. It is my honor to be a part of this important event for the oncology services at Greenwich Hospital.”
Comprehensive care for cancer patients and their families. According to the American Cancer Society, more than one million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer each year. The award-winning oncology services provided at the Smilow Cancer Hospital/Greenwich Hospital Campus help patients and their loved ones navigate the challenging steps from diagnosis and treatment to recovery and survivorship. Our nationally recognized team of surgeons, physicians and clinicians deliver advanced care using the latest, state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technology with skill and compassion. Greenwich Hospital is the only hospital in the state to offer IORT, a revolutionary new radiation treatment for women with early stage breast cancer, as well as the newest generation of 3D tomosynthesis mammography, 4D stereotactic body radiation therapy, advanced chemotherapy infusion, minimally invasive surgical techniques and genetic screening. In addition, the affiliation with the Smilow Cancer Hospital provides unique access to world class cancer specialists, research and national clinical trials. Breast cancer survival rates at the hospital’s Breast Center surpass those of the nation. Last year, patients made more than 38,500 visits to Greenwich Hospital’s cancer center.
Making waves. Co-chairs Raquet, Rolla and Seidel have selected OCEAN as the theme for this year’s décor, which will be masterfully created by designer Reed McIlvaine of Renny & Reed Floral and Event Designs in New York. With the help of a committee of volunteers, they are planning an evening of elegance and surprise which will include silent, live and fine wine auctions with lively entertainment provided by Billy Stone Band/Hank Lane Music.
One highlight of the festive evening of cocktails, dinner and dancing will be the presentation of the President’s Award to Greenwich native and businessman, Terry Betteridge, CEO of Betteridge fine jewellers, for his dedicated support of Greenwich Hospital and the communities it serves.
Sponsorship, advertising, auction and volunteer opportunities are available at various levels for this event. For more information contact the Special Events team at (203) 863-3865 or email [email protected]. Additional information can also be found on Greenwich Hospital Foundation’s website.
Greenwich Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health System (YNHHS), is a 206-bed (includes 32 isolettes) community hospital serving lower Fairfield County, Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. Greenwich Hospital is a major academic affiliate of Yale School of Medicine. Since opening in 1903, it has evolved into a progressive medical center and teaching institution representing all medical specialties and offering a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic and wellness programs. Greenwich Hospital is recognized throughout the healthcare industry as a leader in service excellence and patient satisfaction.
Greenwich Hospital Foundation is committed to securing the funds needed for the hospital to fulfill its mission of extending the highest quality of safe and compassionate healthcare to everyone in our region, regardless of their ability to pay.