I was first introduced to the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) more than 10 years ago by friends on its associates committee, and I instantly knew that it was an organization I wanted to be involved with. Cancer has affected my close friends and family members, including my father, and I felt passionate about dedicating my time to improving the lives of those receiving treatment at MSKCC, the world’s leading cancer center.
I joined the patient recreation committee, which works year-round to lift the spirits of patients at the hospital, and after six years became chair, a role that’s incredibly important to me. And although I’m quite busy balancing my designing and being a mother to my three little boys, I always make the society a priority. I have such profound respect for the doctors and nurses, the scientists, and all the staff and volunteers who work at MSKCC. I’m always touched by the compassion and dedication of everyone at the hospital, and admire the strides they’ve made toward finding a cure for cancer.
Patient care is the heart and soul of the society. The patient recreation committee brings in visiting circus clowns, organizes holiday celebrations, throws a special prom for pediatric patients and their families, displays art and fresh fl owers throughout public areas of the hospital and in patient rooms, and even anonymously fulfi lls the dreams of adult patients at the center, always making sure that the society’s personal touch is felt throughout the hospital.
It’s because of the connection I feel to the society’s work that I was so honored to be asked to cochair its second annual Spring Ball alongside Muffie Potter Aston, Sara Ayres, Shafi Roepers, and Caryn Zucker. The Spring Ball is the society’s biggest fundraising event of the year and was conceived under the vision and leadership of MSKCC’s current president, Leslie Jones. Last year’s inaugural ball was an amazing success: Singer Natasha Bedingfield gave a fantastic live performance, and we raised nearly $3 million in one evening. We were so thankful for everyone’s generosity.
This year’s Spring Ball promises to be just as exciting. Taking place on Wednesday, May 13, in the Plaza Hotel ballroom, the evening, sponsored by NBC Universal, will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a celebrity musical performance (I’m a huge music fan and have enjoyed the task of fi nding an amazing artist). More than 400 guests will turn out for this special occasion, which will defi nitely be a night to remember. I hope to see you there! For more information, call Charlotte Reardon at 212-639-7972 or e-mail reardonc@mskcc.org.
