Hundreds of generous donors helped raise more than $400,000, benefitting the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center at Memorial Hermann Memorial City during the 7th annual Razzle Dazzle “3D Pink” luncheon. It is the highest amount ever raised by the event.
The luncheon, chaired by Kristina Somerville and Hallie Vanderhider, was held on Thursday, October 6, 2016 at The Westin Houston Memorial City. Elin Hilderbrand, who served as this year’s keynote speaker, is a breast cancer survivor and best-selling author who has lived on Nantucket for 23 years and has written 20 novels that transports her readers to its sandy shores. In 2014, her focus shifted from stories about Nantucket to writing about health and wellness after her own battle with cancer and a subsequent double mastectomy. Hilderbrand remained in the spotlight throughout her treatment and, according to her, has found a true calling to help others heal and cope with the battle of cancer.
“Cancer has given me a couple of gifts – a real and renewed enthusiasm for life and a desire to reach out and talk to other women. If I had my life to live over, I would choose cancer again because only in facing what threatens our being do we learn what it means to be alive,” shared Hilderbrand at the event.
The “3D Pink” theme filled the room with more than 560 guests in attendance. Guests, which included patients and survivors, sipped pink lemonade and champagne and were given an opportunity to make a donation in exchange for a surprise gift card featuring various luxury brands, high-end retail establishments, service providers, and top tier restaurants. Jewelry designer Robert Procrop, whose clients include actress Angelia Jolie, donated two items for the silent auction.
KHOU 11 local anchor Chita Craft served as emcee for the event, which honored Mayor Pro Tem Ellen R. Cohen and community leader Mary Ann McKeithan. Both women are breast cancer survivors and advocates for early detection and education.
A short video, generously underwritten by KHOU, detailed the mission by Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center to offer all the elements of breast cancer care under one roof. Leigh Rozelle, a breast cancer survivor and spokeswoman in the film, shared her story with breast cancer and discussed the comprehensive and rehabilitative treatment she received at Memorial Hermann.
Since its inception in 2010, Razzle Dazzle has generated more than $1.65 million to support breast cancer patients and their families who receive care at the Bobetta C. Lindig Breast Care Center. One of the innovative measures incorporated into the program, as a result of the success of the luncheon, is tomosynthesis 3D mammogram technology.
“Many of us know someone who has had breast cancer or is currently battling the disease. It is up to all of us to remind each other to take vigilant care of ourselves and to provide a strong shoulder to lean on for those stricken with breast cancer. Thank you for providing the funds to help those who are battling cancer regain the strength to live their lives,” said Vanderhider.
Those in “3D Pink” included Holly Alvis, Philamena Baird, Sandy Barrett, Ann Cazalot, Donna Moylan Chu, Yvonne Cormier, Christine and Kimberly Falgout, Sidney Faust, Kelli Cohen Fein, Stacy Johnson, Mady Kades, Cora Sue Mach, Hannah McNair, Robert Procop, Bobetta Lindig, Kelli and Susan Sarofim, Liz Nau Stepanian, Betty Tutor, Lauren and Marcie Zltonik.