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SANTA MONICA, CA (October 20, 2017) – The John Wayne Cancer
Institute Auxiliary (JWCIA) honored Sheryl A. Ross, MD with the
Angel Award and Paige More with the Public Service
Award at its Annual Membership Luncheon and Boutique, Oct.
19, 2017, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. Prior to the luncheon,
guests enjoyed a boutique featuring fine and costume jewelry,
clothing, accessories and other items ideal for gift-giving,
with a portion of proceeds benefitting the Institute.
Auxiliary board members Marisol Zarco and Katie Lewis, returning
as event co-chairs for the fifth consecutive year, welcomed the
more than 350 guests, before introducing Sister Maureen Craig,
Saint John’s Health Center Foundation chaplain, to offer the
invocation. They went on to welcome to the stage Marc Thaler, a
talented young artist and designer, who created “Art with a
Purpose” after losing his mother to breast cancer. The
organization translates Thaler’s passion into apparel and art
pieces, the sales of which benefit cancer research.
Actor, producer, writer and president and owner of Amplus Real
Estate Investment Company, Gerard DiNome returned for his fifth
consecutive year as the afternoon’s host, congratulating the
John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary for helping to raise more
than $20 million for cancer research since its formation in
1982.
Anita Swift, Auxiliary president and granddaughter of John
Wayne, noted “Everyone in this room has, in some way, been
touched by this disease. Those of us on the Auxiliary Board are
in the very fortunate position of seeing, first-hand, how the
money we raise is being used in the on-going battle to conquer
it.” She went on to introduce Trevan D. Fischer, MD, Assistant
Professor of Surgical Oncology and Assistant Program Director of
the Complex Surgical Oncology Fellowship program, to announce
the JWCIA’s Fellowship Funding Initiative.
John
Wayne Cancer Institute Board Chairman and son of John Wayne,
Patrick Wayne joined Swift and Fischer on stage to accept a
check for $317,184 from the Auxiliary. “It’s so gratifying,”
said Wayne, “to look around this room, to see old friends and
new and to know that we share a challenge. There truly is
strength in numbers and I know we won’t stop until we find a
cure!”
Wendy Burch, Emmy Award-winning reporter and anchor for KTLA,
presented the 2017 Angel Award to Sheryl A. Ross MD, aka
“Dr. Sherry,” an award-winning OBGYN, entrepreneur, author and
women’s health expert who has been practicing OB/GYN for 25
years in Santa Monica. Author of the book, she-ology: The
Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period., Dr.
Sherry is co-founder of Cycl, the first of its kind wellness
brand for women by women based on the seven distinct and
individualized cycles women experience in their lives. Her
mission is to change the narrative of how women talk and learn
about their intimate health and overall well-being. For more
information, please visit
drsherry.com.
Anita Swift presented the 2017 Public Service Award to
cancer survivor Paige More who underwent a preventative double
mastectomy after finding out she had the BRCA 1 genetic
mutation. More was 24 years old and felt anxious, alone and
afraid. She started to document her experience on social media
to share her story and raise awareness with women like her
younger sister who had yet to be tested and countless others.
Compelled to prevent other women like herself from feeling alone
during this journey, she formed a group she calls Breasties.
Through social media, More rallied a community of fearless young
women who have been affected by breast cancer. She has
organized events around the country to empower each other in a
loving and supportive environment, without having to go to a
formal support group or a clinical setting. “I beat cancer
before it had a chance to beat me,” said More, who wears her
scars with pride.
About the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s
Health Center
Since 1981, the family of John Wayne has been committed to
pioneering cancer research in memory of their father, who died
of cancer. For more than 30 years, the courageous and dedicated
researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute have made
groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the way cancer is
detected, diagnosed and treated around the world. Today the
tradition of excellence continues as the Institute spearheads
new research advances, while training the next generation of
leaders in the fight against cancer through its renowned
Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program. The Institute’s programs
focus on melanoma, breast, neuro, prostate and gastrointestinal
cancers, as well as innovative research in cancer genomics,
molecular biomarkers, and chemo- and immunotherapies. With its
unique ability to rapidly turn scientific discoveries into novel
approaches for early detection and treatment, the Institute
provides immediate hope to cancer patients everywhere.
About the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary
Established in 1982 by two breast cancer survivors, the John
Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary is currently helmed by
president Anita Swift, granddaughter of John Wayne. The
Auxiliary has raised more than $20 million to fund a wide array
of the Institute’s priorities including groundbreaking research,
vital new laboratory equipment and the nationally renowned
Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program, which trains the next
generation of surgical oncologists. For more information, please
visit
www.jwciauxiliary.com. |