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For twenty years, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation, together with the entire community have been doing their part to support the fight against breast cancer. Year after year, the Annual Go Pink Luncheon has grown into one of South Florida’s largest women’s health events. All proceeds benefit cancer programs at the Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute and the Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute/ Schmidt Family Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.
Since the luncheon's inception, the event has welcomed incredible keynote speakers who have shared their personal stories, struggles, and triumphs with this serious disease. Over the years, luncheon guests have heard from society notables that include, Joan Lunden, Martin Short, Dr. Ken Jeong, Emmitt Smith, along with other famous personalities. Thanks to the generosity of the Edward & Freyda Burns Enhanced Living Initiative, every speaker, for the past twenty years, has been graciously underwritten.
The 20th Anniversary of the Go Pink Luncheon welcomed Robin Roberts, co-anchor of ABC’s "Good Morning America" and President of Rock’ n Robin Productions. Roberts began contributing to “Good Morning America” in 1995 and was named co-anchor in May 2005. Prior to that, Roberts was a host of ESPN’s “SportsCenter” and contributed to “NFL PrimeTime.
Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer in June 2007, and five years later, she was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a type of bone marrow disease. According to the American Cancer Society, around 12,000 new cases of MDS are diagnosed each year. Roberts underwent a bone marrow transplant - her sister Sally-Ann was a perfect match. Her story triggered an outpouring of support from across the nation. She joined forces with Be the Match to inform the public about the need for more donors, and since her diagnosis, the bone marrow registry has seen a tremendous increase.
Her battle has been recognized with awards and honors from organizations around the country, including The Susan G. Komen Foundation and The Congressional Families Cancer Prevention Program. Roberts was also honored with a George Foster Peabody Award and Gracie Award. Additionally, Roberts was the recipient of the Arthur Ashe Courage Award at the ESPYs in July 2013 for the strength and courage she has displayed throughout her life and career.
This year’s luncheon was another sell-out with 1,300 women and men in attendance. The event was once again chaired by community philanthropist, Carrie Rubin.
