Author, television producer and breast cancer survivor Geralyn Lucas will be the keynote speaker at Emanuel Medical Center’s 14th annual Women’s Cancer Awareness event.
Lucas was 27 years old and a producer with “20/20” when she found a lump in her breast during a self exam. Lucas had no family history of cancer and credits awareness campaigns with her early diligence. She decided to document the journey through her diagnosis and thus the idea for her book was born.
“Why I Wore Lipstick to My Mastectomy” was published in 2004 and Lucas became a touchstone of young cancer survivors.
American Cancer Society statistics show an estimated 513,000 cancer survivors are between the ages of 20 to 39 years. The mortality rate for patients in that age range has dropped 19 percent for men and 15 percent for women since 1999.
Lucas’ memoir delves into her daily dealings with the diagnosis, both the triumphs and defeats, while mixing in witty observations and healthy doses of inspiration.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I promised that I would share my story with other women to help take away the fear of breast cancer and encourage them to get checked,” Lucas wrote when the movie based on her book came out. “Although it is ‘my’ story, it is all of ours. Please share your story with your family and friends. The more we talk about it, the more we can take away the fear. And remember, live up to your lipstick!”
The Women’s Cancer Awareness Event will be held Oct. 11 and is presented by Emanuel Cancer Center. Modesto-based modern Do-Wop group The Sensations are also on the program. The event will be held at Monte Vista Chapel at 1619 E. Monte Vista Ave., beginning with hosted hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m. The procession of cancer survivors will begin at 7 p.m. with the performance events to follow.
Tickets are free, but must be reserved in advance. Reserve tickets by e-mailing your name, mailing address and number of tickets needed to cancercenter@emanuelmed.org, by phoning Emanuel Cancer Center at 664-2434, or by texting “TICKETS” to 88788.
To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.
