The Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation celebrated its 30th anniversary Oct. 15 at a benefit luncheon, “A Brave Legacy, A Brilliant Future,” with over 1,000 guests in attendance at the Hilton Chicago. The afternoon included a Q&A with actress/comedian Maya Rudolph and a silent auction featuring designer handbags.
During a reception, guests bid on over 260 designer purses in the popular, eighth annual “Purse-sue the Cure” auction. Curated by Julie Lampert, Jennifer Meyers and Lisa Saul, the auction raised over $100,000 and included new and collectible handbags donated by local retailers and supporters.
Bill Zwecker, Fox Chicago entertainment reporter, served as emcee and introduced event co-chairs Meredith Soren Freese, Allison Zisook Goldstein and Stephanie Lieber, daughters of three of the founding members.
Freese shared, “Thirty years ago, my mother and 17 of her friends founded the foundation in honor of their friend Lynn Sage, who lost her battle with breast cancer at age 39. To date, we have raised over $31 million, created 50 fellowships, funded millions of dollars in research grants that have advanced early detection and treatment options for women facing this disease and developed programs in underserved communities.
LSCRF board chair Ashley Netzky, invited Talia Kantor Lieber, Gracie Goldstein and Sloane Freese on stage with their grandmothers. Sloane, 8, said, “Both my grandmas had breast cancer, and they got better because people like you helped them.” She presented her donation of $94.44 in a jar and encouraged the audience to support the cause.
Dr. Leonidas Platanias, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center director, spoke about the history of the disease. “About 4,000 years ago, the first case of cancer was discovered, and it was breast cancer.
Following the luncheon, Catie Lazarus (writer and “Employee of the Month” podcast host) conducted an hourlong Q&A with Maya Rudolph, Emmy-nominated actress, comedian and former SNL cast member. Rudolph lost her mother, singer-songwriter and Chicago native Minnie Riperton at age 31 to breast cancer. During the conversation, film clips and photos were shown from Rudolph’s career.
More than $1.12 million was raised to fund breast cancer research and education programs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. The Lynn Sage Comprehensive Breast Center (at Northwestern Memorial Hospital) is the largest program of its kind in the Midwest with 70,000 patient visits yearly.
Freelance writer Candace Jordan is involved with many local organizations, including some whose events she covers.
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