Andrea Martin Hosts Women for Women’s Luncheon at Royal York

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Sheri DeCarlo
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Guest speakers at Women for Women's luncheon 2013 at Fairmont Royal York
Guest speakers at Women for Women's luncheon 2013 at Fairmont Royal York

Tony Award-winning actress Andrea Martin kicked off the Women for Women’s Annual luncheon at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. The event raised $308,000 towards building knowledge and confirming Women’s College Hospital’s role in advocating health solutions. Attendees were nearly 700.

Dr. Marla Shapiro and Andrea Martin at Women for Women's Luncheon on Nov. 20
Dr. Marla Shapiro and Andrea Martin at Women for Women’s Luncheon on Nov. 20

Guests caught up with friends and colleagues and learned more about familial breast and ovarian cancer including how to reduce the risks.“This event reinforces Women’s College Hospital’s role as a global leader in healthcare for women. We are grateful for the support from sponsors and guests in helping build the hospital of the future,” said Sue Carruthers, President and CEO of Women’s College Hospital Foundation.

Through the research collaboration of Women’s College Hospital, the breakthrough BRCA gene discovery allows individuals to more clearly understand the risk of familial breast and ovarian cancer. However, with this ability to test for this marker, women now face the dilemma of personal choice regarding preventative solutions, such as prophylactic surgery.

Guests mingle at Women for Women's luncheon at Fairmont Royal York
Guests mingle at Women for Women’s luncheon at Fairmont Royal York

Prominent cancer survivors joined experts at the 2013 luncheon to discuss the BRCA gene discovery and how it has created tough decisions for women. Guest speakers included: Amy Verner, Fashion and Lifestyle correspondent for The Globe and Mail, and a panel of experts: Dr. Steven Narod, Director of Women’s College Hospital Familial Breast Cancer Research Unit and world leader in the field of breast and ovarian cancer genetics; Anne Parker, cancer survivor, one of the first women to undergo genetic testing for the BRCA gene and subject of the upcoming release, Decoding Annie Parker, Libby Znaimer, cancer survivor and broadcast journalist; and Dr. Marla Shapiro, Medical Expert and Television Host and Moderator.

Guest speakers at Women for Women's luncheon 2013 at Fairmont Royal York
Guest speakers at Women for Women’s luncheon 2013 at Fairmont Royal York

Guests enjoyed Grilled Oceanwise Salmon Nicoise Salad, shaved fennel and fingerling potatoes in a grainy mustard dressing, free-range eggs, York beans and oven-dried-vine-ripe tomatoes with an herb buttermilk dressing and Mango Passion Fruit Sorbet for dessert.

A limited offering of signature pink bricks were on sale at the luncheon in support of Women’s College Hospital Redevelopment, and can be purchased online.

This past summer Women’s College Hospital Foundation partnered with Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavinge to create the world’s largest choir in support of women’s health. The result was a collaborative song featuring almost 3,000 voices from over 151 countries. The song is available for purchase on itunes in support of Women’s College Hospital. Guests at the luncheon watched a trailer of the new Avril Lavigne remixed track, “Keep Holding On,” featuring the world’s largest choir, in support of Women’s College Hospital. Click here to listen.

To get first priority for tickets for next year’s event, sign up for the WFW mailing list.

 

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