Memorial Hermann’s In the Pink of Health Raises $800,000 at its October 25 Luncheon

THE WOODLANDS, TX – Waves of pink and teal washed the room as nearly 1,000 men and women dressed in their best enjoyed the 24th Annual In the Pink of Health luncheon at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The Parisien theme was evident throughout with the Eiffel Towers. the L’arc de Triomphe as the stage backdrop and an abundance of florals reminiscent of a spring in Paris.

The luncheon raises critical funds to support the In the Pink of Health mission to change lives to reduce the incidence of breast and ovarian cancer and assist survivors in their journey. Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the luncheon and ongoing In the Pink events raised $800,000.

Beloved Radio Personality, Dana Tyson of 99.1 kicked off the program as emcee for the event. Her bright pink outfit matched her sunny demeanor as she brought her love for community and high energy to the stage.

Anne Neeson, Executive Vice President and CEO of the Memorial Hermann Foundation opened the program by thanking the community for its support, the In the Pink committee, and top sponsors – Presenting Sponsor Kingdom Luxe Travel and Richie’s Specialty Pharmacy, Tricia and Jack Futcher Legacy Sponsors and Adcetera, Brand Patron.

Justin Kendrick, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Northeast shared how he has been a part of In the Pink of Health for the past ten years and how its mission impacted him personally this year. He underscored the importance of early detection and implored women to get their mammograms. He thanked the In the Pink of Health committee and the event co-chairs Patti Jorgensen and Michelle Leary and invited them to the stage. He thanked them for committing two-years as the leaders of the committee.

Michelle Leary thanked sponsors and shared that In the Pink of Health began 24 years ago with 70 women and today’s attendance was nearly 1000. She marveled that since its inception, its hardworking volunteers have worked to raise over $8.6 million. Patti Jorgensen thanked the In the Pink of Health committee and shared an example of how funds benefit the
Montgomery County community, stating that In the Pink has partnered with the Interfaith Community Clinic since 2011 and in that time the Memorial Hermann Breast Center has provided over 3000 free mammograms to their uninsured patients.

Each year, a local cancer survivor shares a story of their cancer journey. This year, Dr. Christine Lee, an Gynecologic Oncologist shared her story of referring her patients to the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann when they are diagnosed and how she became the patient instead of the doctor as she was diagnosed and treated for breast cancer. “There’s a certain beauty in the cancer community that can’t be appreciated until you’re actually in it. Weirdly, I feel privileged to be part of it, both as one who heals and one who needs healing,” she reflected.

Next a video played highlighting a family and the support they found through Wonders and Worries that provides free counseling for children of patients with cancer. This free counseling is one of the progams offered at the Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center.

The program culminated with the much-anticipated keynote speaker, two-time Olympian and winner of seven medals in gymnastics, Shannon Miller. The petite speaker reflected on her experience as an Olympic athlete and how falling is part of ultimate success. She shared her story of her ovarian cancer diagnosis and how her “Gold Medal Mindset” helped her through what seemed to be an insurmountable journey. Guests were able to visit with her as she signed her book after the luncheon, “It’s Not About Perfect. Competing for My Country and Fighting For My Life.”

The program concluded with a drawing for five luxury designer handbags and a grand prize of a pair of diamond hoop earrings. Guests giddily approached the stage to claim their new treasures.

Each January, the In the Pink of Health Allocations Committee meets to distribute the net funds raised from the prior year’s events. These funds support state-of-the-art technology, breast and ovarian cancer awareness initiatives, unlimited free mammograms, free wigs, and breast prostheses, and funding for Canopy, the Cancer Survivorship Center at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands.

To support the important work of In the Pink of Health, visit inthepinkofhealth.org.

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