Olivia Newton-John To Speak In Sarasota

The Moffitt Cancer Center Foundation will host the 13th Annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon at noon March 19 at .   Singer-songwriter and breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John will be the keynote speaker for the event benefitting breast and gynecologic cancer research.  Newton-John, a member of Moffitt’s national Board of Advisors, advocates for early detection and encourages women to take an active role in their breast health. 

Newton-John will join Moffitt physician-scientists for a luncheon where attendees will hear about the latest advances in women’s cancer treatment, screening and cutting-edge research.  Thomas Sellers, Ph.D., executive vice president and director of the Moffitt Research Institute, will moderate a question-and-answer session with experts, including Dr. Nazanin Khakpour, surgical oncologist and associate member of the Don and Erika Wallace Comprehensive Breast Program; Dr. Chris Flowers, director of Breast Imaging and Research; and Dr. Patricia Judson, associate member of Gynecologic Oncology.

“The luncheon gets bigger and better each year.  We have beautiful jewelry, fabulous raffle prizes and inspiring stories of survival,” said Moffitt Foundation board member and event co-chairwoman Eileen Curd. “What I most look forward to is hearing about what’s new in the prevention and treatment of women’s cancers like low-dose-radiation mammography and treatment options designed for each woman’s genetic profile. It’s so exciting to know that proceeds from the luncheon will bring us one step closer to a cure for this disease that has touched all of our lives.”

Guests are invited to come early and enjoy shopping at the Jewelbilee boutiques for designer and costume jewelry, as well as gorgeous orchids.  This year, local women have donated fashion jewelry from their personal collections for the Jewels of Hope boutique.  Each piece will be accompanied by a story or a memory, and proceeds will support women’s cancer research at Moffitt.

Call Sue Bliss at (813) 745-4860 to purchase tickets or receive sponsorship information, or visit www.insidemoffitt.com/sarasota-luncheon.htm.

WHAT: 13th Annual Sarasota Women’s Cancer Awareness Luncheon

WHEN: 12 p.m. March 19

WHERE: The Ritz-Carlton, 1111 Ritz-Carlton Drive, Sarasota

COST: Tickets are $125 each; sponsorships start at $1,000. 

CONTACT: Call Sue Bliss at (813) 745-4860 or visit www.insidemoffitt.com/sarasota-luncheon.htm