Wednesday, May 8, 2019
FAIRFIELD, CT (May 8, 2019) – The annual Rose of Hope Luncheon, a benefit for Norma Pfriem Breast Center (NPBC), takes place Wednesday, June 5, beginning at 11 am, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport. All proceeds benefit Norma Pfriem Breast Center's programs and services for women in need. The Breast Center, part of Smilow Cancer Hospital, is an innovator in breast care in Connecticut and a model for breast centers throughout the state.
This year’s luncheon will mark the 20th anniversary of the Breast Center, which is dedicated to providing leading edge and compassionate care to breast cancer patients. Connecticut has one of the highest rates of breast cancer incidence in the country. Norma Pfriem Breast Center works to reduce the impact of the disease on the community.
Oscar- and Emmy Award-winning actress Helen Hunt (“As Good as it Gets,” “Mad About You”) is this year’s keynote speaker. As an actress, her extensive and diverse body of work includes roles in film, theater and television. She is also an accomplished writer, director and producer.
Singer Sophie Beem (“Glow,” “Girls Will be Girls”) will also perform. Discovered and developed by Beyoncé, Sophie Beem is a rhythmic pop singer and songwriter born and raised in New York City. Her first EP garnered placements in Bad Moms, HBO's Insecure, BET's Mary Jane and featured rap artist Fetty Wap on "I Got it."
Kassandra Savicki, a breast cancer survivor treated at Norma Pfriem Breast Center, will speak about her experience. Savicki, a 39-year-old mother of two young who was working full time when she was diagnosed, faced challenges unique to young cancer patients. In the beginning, she was overwhelmed, but her team at the Breast Center guided her through her journey.
“Because of the support and care I had at home and at the Breast Center, I am here now, and I am not just surviving, I am thriving,” said Savicki.
Norma Pfriem Breast Center provides patient navigation to all clients although navigation is not covered by insurance. Navigation services are made available with the help of private donations raised through events like the Rose of Hope Luncheon.
Sponsors include: Bank of America, Merrill Lynch Division, lead corporate event sponsor; DeMattia Charitable Foundation/John and Connie DeMattia, event sponsor; RD Scinto, lead corporate benefactor; The Irwin W. and Dorothy M. Nessel Family Foundation, in memory of Amy Nessel, event benefactor; and Jaguar Land Rover Fairfield, exclusive car sponsor.
The event chairs are Lynne Taikowski, President of the NPBC President’s Council; Leslie Noland and Finley Shaw, members, NPBC President’s Council, with special chairs Dana Scinto and Lollie Mathews.
The luncheon is open to the community. For tickets and information, call 203-255-5546.
Norma Pfriem Breast Center provides nearly 1,500 uninsured and underinsured women with financial assistance for patient care. One of only 500 sites accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), the Center provides a wide range of diagnostic care and treatment at its Bridgeport Hospital, Fairfield and Trumbull locations, including medical oncology, surgical and chemotherapy services, plastic surgery, mammography and radiation therapy, genetic risk assessment, clinical trial participation as well as wellness services like yoga, nutrition counseling and massage.
Bridgeport Hospital, part of Yale New Haven Health, is a non-profit 501-bed acute care hospital with two campuses (plus 42 beds licensed to Yale New Haven Children's Hospital). Its Bridgeport and Milford Campuses serve patients from across the region. The hospital admits more than 23,000 patients and provides nearly 350,000 outpatient treatments annually. The Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital is the only burn center in the state and one of only 64 verified burn centers in the United States. Bridgeport Hospital is committed to providing safe, compassionate and cost efficient care to its patients and the community. www.bridgeporthospital.org
