Tribute to Evelyn H. Lauder at San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2011

Approximately, 8,000 participants from more than 90 countries attended the 34th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), the world's largest annual breast cancer meeting. C. Kent Osborne, MD (Baylor College of Medicine), Co-Director of SABCS and BCRF grantee, opened the proceedings with a tribute to Evelyn H. Lauder, founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Noting the lasting impact that Evelyn Lauder has made on patient-focused research, Dr. Osborne enumerated her many personal accomplishments and shared the story of her generous donation of photographs to the once bare walls of the Breast Center offices at Baylor. "These photographs," Dr. Osborne said, "remind me daily of Evelyn's many contributions not only to our research but to her ability to make the world a more beautiful place to be."

Larry Norton, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center), BCRF Scientific Director, then reflected on the genesis of the Foundation. Explaining the link between the beauty industry and breast cancer research, respectively where Evelyn Lauder had built her career and philanthropic focus, Dr. Norton expressed, "Defiance - not denial - of physical imperfections, of aging, and of illness" was what motivated Evelyn Lauder to found BCRF. In addition to her dedication to "those who need our help," what made Evelyn Lauder remarkable was "her confidence in us, our ability as dedicated physicians and scientists," which led to her commitment to funding scientific inquiries and encouraging creativity.

"With her loss, we have to make sure that we don't abandon the goal of curing and preventing breast cancer," remarked Dr. Norton. "We have to keep our eyes on what needs to be achieved to help people. The best way to honor Evelyn is to make progress."

During this year's meeting, many scientific investigations that were initiated with BCRF funding reported results with clinical significance for women with breast cancer. In addition, a ribbon covered in deep pink crystals with one blue stone - the last pin Evelyn Lauder designed, with the single blue stone in recognition of the men impacted by breast cancer - adorned the lapel of many speakers, several of whom dedicated their presentations to her memory. These gestures spoke volumes about the impact that Evelyn Lauder has made in the breast cancer community and that she will continue to live on in the hearts and minds of many.

Watch the tribute to Evelyn H. Lauder at the 2011 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.