The Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Donate Now WINTER 2010

Symposium & Luncheon



On a warm autumn day in New York City, 1,100 supporters of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation convened at the Waldorf=Astoria for BCRF's Annual Symposium and Awards Luncheon.

The October 16th morning affair, which raised nearly $1.9 million, began with an eye-opening symposium moderated by Dr. Larry Norton on the topic of anti-angiogenesis — a form of targeted therapy that stops tumors from making new blood vessels, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Starve a Cancer, Stop Its Growth: Advances in Anti-Angiogenesis featured a panel of five of the world's leading breast cancer experts, all of whom are BCRF funded researchers.

Following the Symposium, guests were treated to more good news in the fight against breast cancer. In a record-breaking year for the Foundation, $35 million was raised, enabling BCRF to award grants totaling $32 million to 151 researchers from around the world. "We didn't expect to raise $35 million this year. Our goal was $30 million," exclaimed Evelyn Lauder, BCRF Founder and Chairman. BCRF's President Myra Biblowit noted what a hopeful time this is in the search for prevention and a cure. "We learned this morning that there are 20 anti-angiogenic drugs in development with the potential to significantly prolong disease-free survival," said Biblowit. "This is remarkable, and shows what an investment in science can yield."

The Jill Rose Award for outstanding research excellence was presented by Dr. Larry Norton to Dr. George W. Sledge, Jr., of the Indiana University School of Medicine, for his stellar research in anti-angiogenesis which has hastened the development of effective new treatments for breast cancer. Dr. Sledge specializes in the study and treatment of breast cancer and directed the first large, nationwide study on the use of paclitaxel (Taxol) to treat advanced breast cancer.

CBS Evening News anchor Katie Couric was honored with the Humanitarian Award in recognition of her role in demystifying cancer and heightening awareness of the urgency of early detection and screening, which doctors now refer to as the "Couric Effect." Couric demonstrated on air what it is like to have a mammogram as well as a colonoscopy. Thousands of people all over the U.S. subsequently called for appointments for screening. Silda Wall Spitzer, First Lady of New York State, lauded Couric for her efforts and presented the award. Couric cited her affinity with the outstanding efforts of BCRF and encouraged those in attendance to "pay it forward as really determined women who know what they want to accomplish."

The Foundation thanks co-chairmen Anne Eisenhower Flõttl, Betsy Green, Ronnie Heyman, Gail Hilson, Evelyn H. Lauder, Cynthia Lufkin, Gigi Mortimer and Elizabeth Rohatyn for making this event a success.