The American Cancer Society will host its 10th annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness (WLWW) luncheon on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11 a.m. at The Stamford Marriott Hotel & Spa. The inspiring afternoon event discusses the importance of being one’s own health advocate. Over the past ten years, the event has raised more than $1M for the American Cancer Society, supporting women’s health research, advocacy and more.
For 2024, the American Cancer Society will honor two individuals for their important and exceptional work: Dr. Madhavi Raghu, radiologist and breast imaging specialist at Connecticut Breast Imaging, and Dr. Shieva Ghofrany, OB/GYN at Coastal Obstetrics & Gynecology in Stamford, ovarian cancer survivor, and last year’s keynote speaker.
"Being chosen as an honoree for ACS/WLWW means the world to me because it means that my strongest desire - to ENGAGE and BE ENGAGED - by others in a deeply human way is being recognized," said Dr. Ghofrany. “It is clear to me that what women need most is collaboration with their doctor to better understand their health and help shape their future.”
"As a radiologist dedicated to improving access to breast health for all, the recognition by the American Cancer Society is truly humbling,” said Dr. Raghu. “I firmly believe that every individual, regardless of ethnicity or gender, deserves prompt and comprehensive care. It's not just about detecting cancer; it's about empowering patients with knowledge and compassionate support. Together we can bridge gaps in healthcare and wellness and ensure no one has to face uncertainty alone.”
Keynote speakers for the event are Stéphanie Szostak, a French American actress, author and Give an Hour Ambassador, andGabrielle “Gabby” Bernstein, a bestselling self-help author and spiritual coach.
- Szostak speaks to community groups on overcoming failure, being an outsider and living with authenticity. Her notable projects include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Iron Man 3,” “Dinner for Schmucks,” and ABC's “A Million Little Things.”
- Bernstein is a New York Times Bestselling Author of the book “May Cause Miracles,” a 40-day guidebook of subtle shifts for radical change and unlimited happiness and an international speaker presenting lectures at Google and TEDxWomen, among others.
The American Cancer Society’s WLWW luncheon empowers women to recognize the value of prioritizing their own health. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), the key to prevention is focusing on early detection and healthier lifestyles such as maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, avoiding tobacco, and getting regular health screenings. The event’s tagline, “Choose You,” highlights this importance, and all attendees receive a Choose You checklist postcard with reminders to fulfill annual routine screenings and appointments, as well as everyday healthy habits.
Tri-chairs for the event include:
- Robin Selden, executive chef/managing partner at Stamford-based Marcia Selden Catering & Event Planning.
- Maureen Clark-Newlove, a strong supporter of the ACS’s mission to reduce cancer incidence and owner of Stamford-basedNoble Salon.
- Kitt Shapiro, a longtime supporter of the ACS and community organizations and owner of Westport-based boutique WEST.
“From day one, WLWW has been a passion project that is SO special to me and everyone that has joined, and we’ve worked hard to build momentum to move our mission forward!,” said Selden. “When we started this event ten years ago, the goal was to create something that was wellness oriented for women that was the first-of-its-kind for the American Cancer Society. We are all busy with work, our families and pets, and taking care of daily responsibilities, that as women, we often put everyone else’s needs before our own. What better way to recognize Women’s Health Month in May than to remind ourselves of the importance to ‘Choose You!’”
Members of the planning committee include Shieva Ghofrany, Shelley Kapitulik-Jaye, Jessica King, Wendy Kroll, Nancy Landauer, Marisa MacLean, Shantana Maye-Hazel, Beth Meyer, Morgan Napier, Morgan Nealon, Janice Perna-Nicholas, Kim Pugh, Mia Schipani, Jami Sherwood, Melissa Stein, Sarah Swanberg, Kaitlyn Tarpey-Borea, Kelly Thomas, Robyn Whittingham, Kayla Williamson, Zara Williamson, and Tracie Wilson.
Tickets for the event are $150 and available for purchase at: www.acswomenandwellness.com/tickets. The silent auction and monetary donation page can be accessed at: WLWW2024.givesmart.com.
Confirmed sponsors for the event include Connecticut Breast Imaging (Presenting Sponsor); Marcia Selden Catering, Nuvance Health and The Andrew J. Whittingham Family Foundation (Anniversary Sponsors); NBC Universal – Stamford Studios (Silver Sponsor); Altium Cares, BMW of Darien, Greenwich Hospital, Noble Salon, Saugatuck Financial, Savings Bank of Danbury, Stamford Health, and WEST (Bronze Sponsors); Serendipity (Main Media Sponsor); Hey Stamford and Westport Lifestyle (Media Sponsors), as well as additional community partners (*list current as of 4/1/24).
WLWW began in 2014 and has raised more than $1M for the American Cancer Society in the last 10 years. The annual luncheon event, organized by its tri-chairs and planning committee, all with deep roots in the community, welcomes women to be educated, enlightened, and reminded to “Choose You.” The inspiring event has welcomed keynote speakers including Jane Green, Lee Woodruff, Kelli O’Hara, Indie Lee, Joan Lunden, and Lindsay Czarniak, and honored more than 20 individuals for their dedication and tireless efforts in being women’s health advocates. Additional live events are planned throughout the year to continue to raise awareness.
For more information, visit acswomenandwellness.com; or connect on Facebook @womenleadingthewayct or Instagram @acswomenleadingtheway.