20th Annual Go Pink Luncheon Raises Over $2 Million for the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Proceeds benefit Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

BOCA RATON, FL – December 10, 2024 –Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation recently hosted its 20th Annual Go Pink Luncheon, A Celebration of Survivorship. One of South Florida’s largest women’s health events, the Luncheon was held at The Boca Raton and welcomed 1,300 attendees. The signature event raised over $2 million for Christine E. Lynn Women’s Health & Wellness Institute and Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

The event was a visual and emotional triumph from start to finish. Guests were greeted by elegant décor featuring fresh florals in vibrant pink hues, a champagne reception, and multiple photo opportunities, including the iconic Pink Ribbon Garden. A highlight of this year’s event was Couture for a Cure: Bras with a Cause, a unique initiative that showcased 16 talented fashion and jewelry designers, along with one artist, who created one-of-a-kind bras for a special auction. These custom creations were designed in locations across the globe, including New York, California, India, Greece, and Boca Raton.

The program began with a poignant moment as 20 brave breast cancer survivors took the stage, each one a powerful testament to resilience and strength. As they stood together, showing the world their courage and determination, Jen Zawadzki, a current patient at Lynn Cancer Institute, read her moving poem, “The Battle Within.”

Mark Larkin, Boca Raton Regional Hospital Foundation President, and Carrie Rubin, Go Pink Luncheon Chair, graciously thanked event sponsors and donors and excitedly announced the three winners of the amazing grand prize raffles. Followed by their remarks, it was time for a highlight of the afternoon - the Call to the Heart, a live fundraising initiative for the Lynn Cancer

Institute’s Bridge to Care program. Maureen Mann, Vice President of Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, introduced the program. The LCI Bridge to Care program will ensure that patients and their families are introduced to the myriad services the institute provides, including multimodality clinics, navigation, nutrition, social services, supportive care services, and pastoral care. A moving video featuring current Lynn Cancer Institute cancer patients Simi Sapir and Jen Zawadzki and Boca Raton Regional Hospital philanthropists Arline and John McNally, explaining why this program will be so beneficial to patients. Thank you to everyone who gave from their hearts to support this vital program!

Following lunch, Carrie Rubin introduced Robin Roberts, co-anchor of Good Morning America. Ms. Roberts shared her deeply personal and brave journey of surviving breast cancer and being diagnosed with Myelodysplastic Syndrome, infusing her message with empowerment and humor. She graciously introduced her wife, Amber Laign, who also faced her own battle with breast cancer, adding another layer of inspiration to the event. Ms. Roberts joined a long list of distinguished speakers who, since the inception of the luncheon, have been generously presented by the Freyda and Edward Burns Enhanced Living Initiative.

Celebrating survivorship and 20 years of the Go Pink Luncheon was an unforgettable day that raised over $2 million—an all-time record! After two decades, the Luncheon continues to grow, delivering an incredible impact on the fight against cancer at Boca Raton Regional Hospital. Proceeds raised from this signature event have funded breakthrough technologies, including Sensory Suites in every treatment room at Lynn Women’s Institute with soothing photos, calming sounds, and aromatic scents; the latest technology in breast imaging; and new, more convenient clinic locations. The Luncheon has also provided essential programs for patients treated at both Institutes, including the Be-U-tiful Program to make every woman in treatment feel beautiful inside and out; nurse navigators to help you with all your medical questions; CLASSIC – Advanced Symptom Support and Individualized Care program offers an extra layer of support for patients undergoing treatment at Lynn Cancer Institute; and a Clinical Pharmacist to help with the many medications a patient will need.

This year’s Luncheon would not have achieved the record-breaking success without Carrie Rubin’s leadership and the dedicated efforts of the Luncheon Committee, our sponsors, and all who donated to and attended the event. We are truly fortunate to have such fantastic support.