The 2009 Book of Hope Luncheon took place at the Boca Raton Resort and Club on Monday, February 23rd. The luncheon raised over $100,000 for the Crohns and Colitis Foundation of America.

Scott Yablon, the honoree, spoke about how he got involved with the organization after his daughter was diagnosed with this chronic disease. Aaron Scharf, a fifteen year old Pine Crest student, gave an impassioned speech about the difficulties of living with the illness. Each speaker stressed the need to raise funds to continue research to help cure this difficult disease.

The luncheon was attended by over 300 people and featured a fashion show by Mayda Cisneros. It was an enjoyable afternoon that benefited a serious illness.

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October is national breast cancer awareness month and there are lots of local programs aimed at raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

Saks Fifth Avenue has its annual Key to the Cure sales event and Bloomingdales has the Little Pink Card. Lots of other retailers offer a charitable contribution to breast cancer funding in return for purchases of certain items.

The American Cancer Society is hosting the inaugural Stride in Style luncheon on October 2 and a 3.1 mile Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th at Mizner Park. The 5th annual Go Pink Luncheon sponsored by Boca Raton Community Hospital will take place on Monday, October 20th at Boca West Country Club. Geralyn Lucas is making a repeat performance as the guest speaker and is sure to inspire the crowd. Contact the sponsoring organizations for reservations to these events.

Breast cancer strikes one in eight women. Chances are that someone you know will develop breast cancer. October is a great time to take advantage of these events and focus your efforts on helping find a cure for breast cancer.

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Here is one program that I promise you will not snooze through. Dr. James Maas, Cornell University professor and author of Power Sleep, will speak on Monday, April 7th at 11:00 a.m. at the Boca Raton Marriot at Boca Center. Dr Maas will provide a one hour presentation entitled the "Golden Rules of Sleep." Having heard him speak at Cornell, I can assure you that he is extremely entertaining and informative.

The lecture is presented by the Boca Raton Community Hospital Foundation and the Institute for Quality Aging. The speech is open to the public but RSVP's to 561 955-4142 are required. As noted in the invitation, Dr. Maas is one of the nation's most sought after speakers and his presentations consistently receive standing ovations and high accolades. Don't miss this opportunity to hear an amazing lecturer.

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Over 25,000 people jammed Flagler Boulevard in West Palm Beach on Saturday, January 19th for the Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure. Young and old, men and women, children and pets, including one dyed pink standard poodle, all joined together to run or walk 5 kilometers to help find a cure for breast cancer.

As in past years, I participated in the Race for the Cure and once again saw the strength of our communities' efforts to fight this horrible disease. Groups carried banners representing churches, synagogues, schools, businesses, counties, and civic organizations. People wore the event t-shirt or donned one of the own and adorned themselves with pink parasols, hats, necklaces and boas.

Especially moving were the tribute signs worn by many of the participants. Pinned on their backs were lists either in memory of deceased family members and friends or in honor of those who had breast cancer. The number of names was overwhelming, highlighting the need to find a cure for this disease.

The event is in its 17th year and is part of a nationwide effort started by Palm Beacher Nancy Brinker after her sister died of breast cancer. This year organizers anticipated revenues of $1.5 million for the West Palm Beach walk.

The walk itself took less than an hour and I can't think of a better or more meaningful way to have spent my Saturday morning.

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Upcoming events:
Thursday, January 24 at 9 p.m. - Republican Presidential Debate at FAU
Saturday, January 26 at 10 a.m. - Opening of the City of Boca Raton Library on Spanish River Boulevard
Thursday, February 7 at 6 p.m. - Junior League of Boca Raton Chocolate Decadence, Shops at Boca Center on Military Trail 561-620-2553 or visit www.JLBR.org.

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Despite running the risk of sounding like Boca's head cheerleader, I have to say that the Women's Center at the Boca Raton Community Hospital is an outstanding resource, conducting over 45,000 mammograms each year. The Fourth Annual Go Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Luncheon, which took place on October 15 at Boca West Country Club, highlighted just how lucky we are to have this facility and its’ dedicated doctors and staff.

Dr. Louise Morrell, the Medical Director of the Center for Breast Care at Boca Raton Community Hospital, spoke optimistically about the advancements in cancer detection and treatment. She proudly noted that the Hospital offers the latest medical technology, digital mammograms, for all patients. Nationwide less than 20% of the population is able to take advantage of this innovation.

Geralyn Lucas, the guest speaker and author of Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy, gave an amazing speech discussing her bout with breast cancer. Diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27, she spoke about how she took back control of her life by wearing red lipstick to her surgery, high heals for chemo treatment, and choosing a bigger cup size for her reconstruction. Her vibrant, funny yet also serious discussion was a great example of how she is making an impact on other women's lives.

The luncheon itself was a pink wonderland with pink tablecloths, pink centerpieces and over 750 guests many sporting pink ensembles. The swag bag was great and included potpourri, chocolates, a teddy bear and a $25 coupon for Saks Fifth Avenue.

Annually, I sit in the waiting room at the Women's Center at Boca Raton Community Hospital sick to my stomach with fear over my impending mammogram and ultrasound. Although I hope to never avail myself of any other services at the Women's Center, it is comforting to know that the most medically up to date and complete compassionate care is offered right here in our backyard.

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