The President and CEO of The Cooper Foundation of Cooper University Health System Susan Bass Levin recently announced that the fourth annual Pink Roses Teal Magnolias Brunch raised a record $600,000 for breast and gynecologic cancer research and clinical programs at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper.
Levin also announced that since the first brunch in 2010, fundraising for Pink Roses Teal Magnolias has topped a total of $1.5 million.
More than 800 women and “a few good men” attended this year’s brunch honoring MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper Director Generosa Grana. The event was held at The Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill.
“Support for Pink Roses Teal Magnolias helps women conquer cancer,” said Levin, an ovarian cancer survivor. “With the opening of the new MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper and the leadership and vision of Dr. Generosa Grana, patients from throughout the region have access to world-renowned cancer care right here in South Jersey.”
Grana received the Pink and Teal Hero Award for her outstanding contributions to cancer care and for advancing research that improves treatment and will one day lead to a cure.
“I am honored to receive the Pink and Teal Hero Award, but my patients are the real heroines. Every day they teach me about strength, perseverance and what truly matters in life.” Grana said. “I am forever grateful to The Cooper Foundation and its supporters who are enabling us to do our best work researching new cancer treatments and providing high quality care for all of our patients.”
Grana’s clinical and research endeavors at Cooper have focused on breast cancer, cancer genetics and community outreach interventions aimed at underserved populations, and she continues to be active in each of these areas. She has been active in clinical trials for breast cancer as well as in research focusing on the study of the hereditary aspects of breast, ovary and colorectal cancer. Grana has received numerous awards for her work and has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” by several regional publications.
In addition to the Pink and Teal Hero Award presentation, the Pink Roses Teal Magnolias Brunch featured personal stories from cancer survivors and included a “Survivors Parade” to recognize all cancer survivors in attendance. Guests also participated in a health fair, silent auction and raffle. The brunch was co-chaired by Donna Forman of Cherry Hill; Janet Knowles of Moorestown, Sandy Levenson of Cherry Hill, Mary Ann Todd of Marlton and Sandee Vogelson of Cherry Hill. They are all cancer survivors.
