After two years of canceled or virtual events, Memorial Hermann’s In the Pink of Health luncheon will be held live October 14, 2022 at the Woodlands Waterway Marriott.
“We could not be happier to host our 22nd Annual, In the Pink of Health luncheon in person this year. The funds we raise from this event support free mammograms, awareness and education about breast and ovarian cancer, and a multitude of resources for cancer patients through Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center,” says Linda Nelson, one of the original visionaries of In the Pink of Health and currently the Director of Business Development, Marketing and Community Relations at Memorial Hermann.
Unlike a pandemic, cancer doesn’t peak and go away. The American Cancer Society 2022 predicts 1.9 million new cancer cases this year, 609,360 will result in death. While breast cancer mainly affects women, approximately 2,710 new cases will be diagnosed in men. Ovarian cancer is the fifth-leading cause of cancer deaths in women with lung cancer taking first place.
“Our goal is always to raise money for our program. And going forward outreach and awareness education will also be a strong focus,” says Debra Cooper, Co-chair of In the Pink of Health. “We want people to know where they can go to receive support and help free of charge. It’s a yearlong campaign, not just a luncheon.”
Co-chairs, Debra Cooper and Dee Gelomini have been personally affected by cancer. They are passionate about getting the word out about Canopy Cancer Survivorship Center. “It’s incredible to me that people still aren’t aware of who we are and do not know about Canopy,” states Debra. “Come to Canopy, let us help you! We’re all in this together,” adds Dee.
Canopy offers wigs, prostheses, art therapy, drama therapy, men’s lunch, emotional support, kids support, and more all free of charge no matter where you received treatment or what kind of cancer you have.
Some of the other free-of-charge resources funded by In the Pink of Health luncheon are Interfaith Community Clinic which offers free 3-D mammograms to under or uninsured women, The Rose for breast screening, diagnostics, and treatment for women of all ages. Ovarcome to assist in its mission to increase awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, and to provide financial support to patients as well.
This year’s festivities will include “The Premiere Party” October 13 at The Peach Orchard venue, the In The Pink of Health luncheon—the largest luncheon ever held in The Woodlands, a live auction to include a two-year lease on a luxury sports car from Northside Imports, a raffle and loads of other incredible luxury prizes yet to be revealed.
“To walk in that huge room full of 1200 people all supporting ovarian and breast cancer initiatives, it’s pretty unreal. The support you feel in the room and the love you feel for the survivors is amazing. That’s the best part.” says Dee.
Even with COVID putting a damper on live events for the past two years, sponsors continued to support and In the Pink of Health’s allocation committee disbursed $500,000 in January of 2022 to support cancer survivors in and around the greater Montgomery County area.