The American Cancer Society announced that acclaimed broadcast journalist and breast cancer survivor and activist Joan Lunden will serve as the Wellness Keynote Speaker at its eighth annual “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” luncheon on May 25, 2022 at The Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa.
“Eight years ago in May of 2014, I was sitting on a stage being honored at a ‘Women in Business’ event with Joan Lunden,” said Robin Selden, tri-chair for the event. “Ever since that moment, I’ve been trying to get her to come and speak at Women’s Leading the Way to Wellness. I could not be more excited to have her with us for what surely will be our best luncheon yet!”
“I’m so excited to be joining the American Cancer Society’s ‘Women Leading the Way to Wellness’ event in Stamford this year” said Joan Lunden. “So often women decide to put others first – to make sure their loved ones have been taken care of at the sacrifice of their own wellness. It is my hope that I can shed some light on how we can change this outlook, to encourage women to look inward as well, and to understand the changes we face as we age. We are not alone in our experiences. I’m looking forward to seeing you all there!”
In addition to serving as the wellness keynote speaker, guests will have the opportunity to purchase Lunden’s New York Times best-seller book, “Why Did I Come Into This Room: A Candid Conversation about Aging?” at the event. In her most candid and revealing book yet, Lunden delves into the various phases of aging that leave many feeling uncomfortable, confused and on edge. She takes the dull and depressing out of aging, replacing it with wit and humor; also exploring the science of aging, including how it impacts the body and brain, while dispelling myths and revealing useful options to stave off the aging process as long as possible!
Previous wellness keynote speakers at the event have included Indie Lee, Kelli O’Hara and Lee Woodruff.
About The American Cancer Society 8th Annual Luncheon
The American Cancer Society eight annual “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” luncheon is on May 25, 2022 from 11am – 1:30pm at The Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa. Women throughout Fairfield County are encouraged to attend this enlightening and impactful afternoon event to learn and discuss the importance of being one’s own health advocate.
This year, the American Cancer Society will be honoring two women for their exceptional impact in the fight against cancer: Amy Katz, a co-founder of Pink-Aid, and Breast Cancer Warrior and Cari Shapiro, a member of Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’s team “Neva’s Westport Babes” who have raised over $1 million dollars for Breast Cancer research.
The “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” luncheon will benefit the American Cancer Society with the goal of raising funds that will help build a movement to empower women to recognize the value of making their own health a priority. Mission funds raised during the Women Leading the Way to Wellness event will be restricted to benefit the Hope Lodge Program, which offers a free place for patients and caregivers to stay while they receive treatment.
Who are the Chairs for the American Cancer Society Annual Luncheon
The tri-chairs for the upcoming American Cancer Society Annual luncheon are Robin Selden, Maureen Clark-Newlove and Kitt Shapiro.
- Robin Selden of Stamford, CT is Executive Chef and Managing Partner at Stamford based Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning and has been with the event since its inception.
- Maureen Clark-Newlove of New Canaan, CT is a strong supporter of the American Cancer Society’s mission to reduce cancer incidence and is the owner of Stamford based Noble Salon.
- Kitt Shapiro of Westport, CT is a longtime supporter of the American Cancer Society and community organizations and is the owner of boutique WEST.
Members of the planning committee include Stacey Babson-Kaplan, Molly Carmody, Lucinda Cross, Shantana Hazel, Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye, Kimberly Pugh, Mia Schipani, Jami Sherwood, Kelly Thomas, Tracie Wilson, Robyn Whittingham and Zara Williamson.
Where to Buy Tickets to the American Cancer Society Luncheon
Tickets for the event are $135 and are available for purchase at: https://www.acswomenandwellness.com/tickets. Monetary donations can also be made at: http://www.acswomenandwellness.com/donate
Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Kelsey McGettigan (Kelsey.mcgettigan@cancer.org) or visitingwww.acswomenandwellness.com.
About Joan Lunden
An award-winning journalist, bestselling author, television host, and motivational speaker, Joan Lunden has been a trusted voice in American homes for more than 40 years. For nearly two decades, Lunden greeted viewers each morning on Good Morning America making her the longest running female host ever on early morning television.
Lunden continues to be one of America’s most recognized and trusted personalities which has made her a sought-after speaker for events across the country. As an ardent health & senior advocate, Lunden has testified before the Food and Drug Administration advocating mandatory mammogram reporting and the Congressional House Ways and Means Committee advocating for the Family and Medical Leave Act.
Lunden is the host of the host the PBS television series, Second Opinion with Joan Lunden and the Washington Post Podcast series, Caring for Tomorrow on the future of healthcare. Lunden is also the ambassador to the Poynter Institute’s MediaWise for Seniors program which educates individuals over 50 on media literacy – separating fact from fiction online. Recently, Lunden joined the faculty of Lehigh University as a visiting professor in their College of Health teaching Population Health and the Media.
As a part of the sandwich generation, Lunden’s demographic is far-reaching. She is a mother of 7 including two sets of teenage twins. Like many Boomers in America, she has juggled being a working mom while caring for an aging parent and brings this experience to her role as an active advocate for seniors.
One of the most visible women in America, Lunden has graced the covers of more than 60 magazines and book covers. Lunden’s newest book, “Why Did I Come into This Room: A Candid Conversation About Aging” quickly became a New York Times Best Seller.
In June of 2014, Lunden was diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer. An eternal optimist, she turned her diagnosis into an opportunity to become an advocate and help others. She chronicled her experience in her memoir “Had I Known.” Lunden continues to interact with American’s daily on her website, Joanlunden.com as well as her social media platforms. Lunden has served as national spokesperson for various organizations such as the American Heart Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, American Lung Association, American Red Cross, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Colon Cancer Alliance.
Joan Lunden’s books include “Why Did I Come into This Room: A Candid Conversation About Aging;” “Had I Known;” “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Family Caregiving;” “Growing Up Healthy: Protecting Your Child from Diseases Now Through Adulthood;” “Wake-Up Calls;” “A Bend in the Road is Not the End of the Road;” “Joan Lunden’s Healthy Living;” “Joan Lunden’s Healthy Cooking;” “Mother’s Minutes; ““Your Newborn Baby;” and “Good Morning, I’m Joan Lunden.”
Joan Lunden truly exemplifies today’s modern working woman.
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.