New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place and breast cancer survivor Kelly Corrigan will be the guest speaker at the Ninth Annual Memorial Hermann In the Pink of Health Luncheon presented by H-E-B. Nearly 1,000 women and men will gather at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott on Friday, Oct. 9, to hear Corrigan speak and raise money for breast cancer education, technology and community outreach.
Corrigan's New York Times bestselling book defines "that sliver of time when parenthood and childhood overlap." In the book, as Corrigan reports on her battle with breast cancer and the diagnosis of her father's cancer, she weaves in her life story. It all leads up to where she is now, in that middle place, being someone's child, but also having children of her own. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet Corrigan face-to-face during a book signing.
"We're so excited about this year's event and what we have to offer the community," said Pat Bertotti, co-chair of the luncheon. "In addition to our dynamic speaker and historically great silent auction, we are incorporating a fabulous on-site educational opportunity, complete with demonstrations of the state-of-the-art daVinci Robotic Surgical System, and doctors from the various disciplines to answer personal questions."
The day of celebration will begin at 10 a.m. with a reception and silent auction featuring items such as a $7,600 necklace and earring set from Shannon Fine Jeweler, two tickets to Doo-Ri Chung's February 2010 fashion show in New York City and dinner for two at Macelleria Restaurant, as well as two roundtrip tickets on Continental Airlines, and more. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to visit breast cancer information booths, where they can access educational materials, talk one-on-one to medical professionals to have their questions answered and schedule their next mammogram. The day will culminate with the luncheon and Corrigan's presentation.
Since its inception in 2001, In the Pink of Health has generated more than $1 million to support breast cancer patients and their families in The Woodlands and surrounding areas. One hundred percent of the funds raised are allocated to three primary areas - education, technology and community outreach. Throughout the years, proceeds have allowed for the purchase of state-of-the-art screening and diagnostic equipment; access to free mammograms and care for underserved women; educational resources for newly diagnosed patients; and most recently, funding for a support program to work with children of those affected by breast cancer.
"In the past nine years we've been able to help so many women and the families who love them," said Andrea Raiford, co-chair of the luncheon. "And, as a testament to the commitment of our generous community, we are on track to have a record breaking year, which will help us aid even more women in their fight against breast cancer."