|
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation honored
renowned author, breast cancer survivor
and advocate Geralyn Lucas at its
Annual Summer Gala on Friday, July 24,
2026, at the Bridgehampton Tennis & Surf
Club, in recognition of her
extraordinary leadership and commitment
to breast cancer awareness, education,
and early detection.
Julie Ratner, the Foundation’s Founder
and Board Chair, and Jean Shafiroff
Honorary Chair welcomed the guests.
The Gala’s host committee included Ida
Betsy-Mendez, Cricket Burns, Ann
Ciardullo, Melissa Cohn, Sarah DeFlorio,
Louise Phillips Forbes, Jill Harris,
Tania Higgins, Stacey Kidd, Judy
Michaelson, Michelle Murphy, Amie
Murstein, Valia Negrin, Julie Ratner,
EdD, Blaire Rosenfield, Ngan Schulman,
Katie Thomson, Cathy Tweedy, and Helena
Willner.
Lucas is the author of two books,
including the bestselling memoir Why I
Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, which
was adapted into an Emmy-nominated
television film of the same name.
Through her writing and advocacy, she
has helped destigmatize breast cancer,
empower women, and further conversations
around diagnosis, treatment, and
support.
“She’s transformed her personal
experience surviving breast cancer into
national awareness that has and will
continue to inspire countless women for
years to come,.” said Julie Ratner.
Candace Bushnell made a special guest
appearance While known for the iconic
Sex and the City, her novel Lipstick
Jungle explores the lives of ambitious
women claiming their power. “It was
fitting that both Geralyn and Candace
have books with “lipstick” in the title.
Together, their words celebrate the
beauty, independence, and determination
of women everywhere,” said Mady Schuman,
the Foundation’s Executive Director.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation hosts its
annual Gala to raise funds to support
its core program and services, helping
women on the East End access breast
health care screenings, and breast
cancer treatment and support. All funds
raised at the Gala stay local, granted
to The Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at
Stony Brook Southampton Hospital,
Ellen’s Well, and The Ellen Hermanson
Community Partnership Program.
www.ellenhermanson.org |