by columnist Jacqueline Lynch
CBS News Correspondent Bob Schieffer emceed the night as he welcomed the audience to the 3rd annual Susan G. Komen for the Cure’s Honoring the Promise Gala held at The Kennedy Center.
Among the attendees were former Charlie’s Angel Jaclyn Smith, Jordan Sparks, Sen. Olympia Snowe, Naomi Judd, Richard Roundtree, former mayor of Chicago Richard Daley, and Her Excellency Dr. Christine Kaseba, first lady of Zambia.
First Lady of Zambia
Amb. Nancy Brinker and Jordan Sparks
Tears filled Schieffer’s eyes as he spoke about his long battle with cancer along with his mother and wife’s battle.
The first performance for the night was by sister group The Sledge Grits Band.
After their performance Nancy G. Brinker’s son Eric Brinker came on stage with Susan G. Komen’s two granddaughters, Abbie and Maddie Komen. It was very moving as he spoke about his “Aunt Suzy’s” loss to breast cancer along with his mothers journey combating breast cancer herself.
Eric with Nancy
The music keyed and Nancy came out in a baby pink long chiffon gown and jacket. She spoke with passion and concern as she encouraged her guests to never give up in our fight to end breast cancer. “This is the juncture where we find ourselves today – a past of great progress but an unforgiving future unless we renew our commitment to winning this fight. I’m confident that we will, because of what I see here tonight.”
$1.5 million dollars was raised that night for research and further breast cancer funding.
Dr. Brad Allen and spouse Jaclyn Smith
Jaclyn Smith celebrated her 10th year cancer free. “When it happens to you it opens your eyes to how many women, with each passing decade in their life, have their chance of breast cancer go up. It’s not just because you had it in your family its just being female, getting older. When that happens you want to educate yourself and be supportive to anyone you can.” She spoke about traveling with the organization “Strength and Knowing,” informing women about the breast cancer risk factors.
Her Excellency Dr. Christine Kaseba was “really honored to be considered for the award.” She received the Global Leadership Award for her efforts in the fight to reduce maternal mortality. “Most of all I think its a great honor for Zambia.”
Richard Daley accepted the Community Award on behalf of his late wife Maggie Daley. In 2002 she was diagnosed with breast cancer and founded the Maggie Daley Center for Women’s Cancer Care.
Grace Bender – Five year survivor
The Scientific and Medical award was given to Umberto Veronesi, M.D. However, Dr. V. Craig Jordan accepted it on his behalf. Umberto Veronesi served at the National Cancer Institute in Milan as a breast cancer surgeon.
Naomi Judd
Naomi Judd said that the Honoring the Promise Gala “is part of the answer. These people for 30 years have been the top funders for our research and finding the solution.”
