Norwalk, CT — The American Cancer Society is hosting its annual luncheon in Stamford, CT, the ninth annual “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” luncheon.
The luncheon is an inspiring event with a silent auction and musical performance drawing women from Fairfield County and Westchester County to learn and discuss the importance of being one own’s health advocate.
Don’t forget to check out the video from last year’s luncheon.
The “Women Leading the Way to Wellness” luncheon benefits 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.
According to the American Cancer Society, the key to prevention is focusing on early detection and healthier lifestyles such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular health screenings.
When is the American Cancer Society Luncheon?
The American Cancer Society luncheon will be held on May 11, 2023 from 11am – 1:30pm at The Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa.
Who Will Be Honored at the American Cancer Society Luncheon?
For the 2023 luncheon, the American Cancer Society will honor two individuals for their important and exceptional work – Seema Bakhru, MD, a radiologist and breast imaging specialist at Connecticut Breast Imaging, and the current chair of Radiology at Norwalk and Danbury Hospitals, and Roy de Souza, co-founder and CEO of BreakBio, a company focused on creating personalized medicine to treat and cure colon cancer, and his late wife, Aisha de Sequeira (in memorial).
Who are the Keynote Speakers at the American Cancer Society Luncheon?
The luncheon keynote speakers are Shieva Ghofrany, MD, FACOG at Coastal Obstetrics & Gynecology in Stamford, and co-founder of a tribe called v (@biglovefiercejuju) and Lindsay Czarniak, sports broadcaster for FOX Sports.
Who are the Event Chairs?
The tri-chairs for the American Cancer Society event 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.
“We founded this incredible event in 2014 to empower women to take care of themselves, as we often take care of everyone else before ourselves,” said Clark-Newlove. “We look at this powerful luncheon as an annual reminder of making our annual appointments and checks a priority, to help catch this disease before it’s too late.”
“As our team met to review people in our community and beyond as possible honorees, Dr. Bakhru immediately stood out to us for so many reasons,” added Selden. “As the FIRST woman to ever be named as chief of radiology at not just one, but two hospitals, her work and dedication truly encapsulates everything our event is all about, coupled with her ability to balance work, family and helping to eradicate a terrible disease that affects so many people.”
“Roy was another name that really spoke to us in reviewing our 2023 options for honorees,” said Shapiro. “When his late wife was initially diagnosed with cancer, he dropped everything to dedicate his life to her fight, and the fight of others. We could not think of a more incredible and selfless way to honor the memory of his wife and help to find a cure.”
Members of the planning committee include Beth Meyer, Shieva Ghofrany, Shantana Hazel, Melissa Kane, Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye, Morgan Machette, Marisa MacLean, Beth Meyer, Janice Perna-Nicholas, Ria Rueda, Mia Schipani, Jami Sherwood, Melissa Stein, Sarah Swanberg, Kaitlyn Tarpey-Borea, Kelly Thomas, Tracie Wilson, Robyn Whittingham, Kayla Williamson and Zara Williamson.
How Much are Tickets to the American Cancer Society Luncheon in Stamford, CT?
Tickets for the American Cancer Society Luncheon are $135 and available for purchase at: https://www.acswomenandwellness.com/tickets.
The silent auction and monetary donation page can be accessed at: https://WLWW2023.givesmart.com.
About Women Leading the Way Wellness
Women Leading the Way to Wellness began in 2014, and over its history, has raised nearly $1 million dollars for the American Cancer Society.
The annual luncheon event, organized by its tri-chairs and planning committee, all with deep roots in the community, welcomes women from Connecticut and New York to be educated, enlightened and reminded to “Choose You.”
The inspiring event has welcomed keynote speakers including Jane Green, Lee Woodruff, Kelli O’Hara, Indie Lee and Joan Lunden, and honored more than twenty individuals for their dedication and tireless efforts in being women’s health advocates.
Additional live and virtual events are also planned throughout the year to continue to raise awareness. For more information, visit www.acswomenandwellness.com, Facebook (‘@womenleadingthewayct) or Instagram (‘@acswomenleadingtheway).
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a leading cancer-fighting organization with a vision to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. For more than 100 years, we have been improving the lives of people with cancer and their families as the only organization combating cancer through advocacy, research, and patient support.
Want More Suburbs 101?
Be sure to Follow Us on Instagram, Like Us on Facebook, Subscribe to our YouTube Channel, and subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.