On
the medical front, Dr. Alexandra Heerdt,
revered leading breast
cancer surgeon at Memorial Sloan Kettering with
an insatiable passion to save lives, and
on the media front, Ann Curry of NBC,
acclaimed television
journalist and advocate for education and public
awareness on vital health issues, were
honored as the American Cancer Society’s
Mothers of the Year 2009 at the 14th
Annual Mother Of The Year Luncheon. Dr. Heerdt
and Ann Curry were honored for their steadfast
commitment to their families, for being role
models and inspirations to their children and
the communities they serve, and foremost, for
their immeasurable contribution in moving the
fight against cancer forward.
“Dr. Heerdt is our
guardian angel,” stated Roni Cowan, who
was among the luncheon’s Benefit Co-Chairs,
which included Cynthia Lufkin, Cricket Burns,
Marisa Marchetto, Kathie Lee Gifford, Eva Mohr,
Jacqueline Togut and Caroline Cronson. Diana
Feldman, chairman of Special Events at the
American Cancer Society, was thrilled that Ann
Curry was at the Plaza, “not bungee jumping or
exploring the deep sea or conquering Mt
Kilimanjaro, but being recognized for an
important part of her life.”
The luncheon took place on Tuesday, February 24,
2009,
in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza. The funds raised from will benefit
the American Cancer Society's lifesaving
programs in research, education, advocacy and,
services for patients and their families. The
guest list includes: Barbara Taylor Bradford,
Hilary Califano, Wendy Carduner, Dr. Barrie
Cassileth, Maria Cuomo Cole, Barbara Corcoran,
Maltilda Cuomo, Charlotte Ford, Rachel Hovnanian,
Eleanora Kennedy, Hoda Kotb, Evelyn Lauder, Matt
Lauer, Margo Neederlander, Dr. Larry Norton, Al
Roker, Liz Scott (Alex’s Lemonade Stand), Laura
Slatkin, Diana Taylor, and Meredith Vieira.
Kathie Lee Gifford was
the Mistress of Ceremonies for this event.
Brian Ross and Emma Heerdt (Alexandra
Heerdt’s pre-teen daughter) presented the
awards respectively. Emma Heerdt’s heartwarming
remarks for her mother will….. well all I can
say is bring your tissues! Cynthia Lufkin,
Mother of the Year 2008 presented the honorees
with bouquets. Dr. Heerdt was Mrs.
Lufkin’s breast cancer surgeon. The program
included special recognition of all the cancer
survivors attending the luncheon, by getting the
entire ballroom to “BLOW THE WHISTLE ON
CANCER”!
For more information about the
event, kindly contact Luis Valero, Director of
Distinguished Events (212-237-3888 or
luis.valero@cancer.org)
or Terrianne Zeifman (212-237-3892 or
terrianne.zeifman@cancer.org ).
The American
Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating
cancer as a major health problem by saving
lives, diminishing suffering and preventing
cancer through research, education, advocacy and
service. The American Cancer Society Eastern
Division has 46 community-based offices,
involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY
and NJ. For more information about cancer, the
public can call 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit