Annual Luncheon Benefits Local Breast Cancer Research

CINCINNATI—The University of Cincinnati’s (UC) seventh annual “My Mother, My Daughter, Myself” luncheon, which includes an insightful discussion on intimacy following breast surgery, will generate critical funding for new breast cancer research conducted by local scientists and physicians. 

Chaired by Kris Kalnow and Sally Leyman, both of Hyde Park, the event will begin at 11:30 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 13, at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Cincinnati with pre-event activities starting at 10:30 a.m. Lunch will be served promptly at noon.

More than 600 people attended the event in 2005, which raised over $100,000. All proceeds from the 2006 event will benefit the UC’s Pilot Projects Grant Program, an annual funding initiative to support promising translational cancer research ideas of UC physicians and scientists.

“Competition for research funding is fierce—especially for young researchers who are just starting to apply for major grants,” said David Stern, MD, interim director of the UC/Barrett Cancer Center and dean of the College of Medicine. “Community funding support allows us to give bright young researchers a jumpstart in funding that will allow them to begin testing their theories sooner and improve our understanding of breast cancer.”

This year’s event will feature guest speaker Marisa Weiss, MD, director of breast radiation oncology at Lankenau Hospital in Wynnewood, Penn., and founder of breastcancer.org, a comprehensive Web resource for women seeking answers to questions and concerns about breast cancer.

Prior to the luncheon (10:30 a.m.), Weiss will lead a frank discussion about the medical and personal challenges of intimacy and sexuality after breast cancer. During her luncheon keynote address (noon), she will explore both the practical and amusing aspects of the patient-doctor relationship. Luncheon attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation.

Throughout the event, exhibitors and community cancer support groups will provide information about the latest developments in breast cancer research, treatment and care  at booths outside the ballroom. Vendors will also be in attendance selling everything from clothes and jewelry to fine art.

Individual tickets are $100 and tables start at $1,000. Event sponsorships are also available. For more information on attending or sponsoring the event, call Rachel Whisner in the UC/Barrett Cancer Center development office at (513) 558-8624.

The American Cancer Society estimates that at least 212,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer in 2006. More than 15 percent of new cancer cases in Ohio involve the breast.