We’re seeking nominations for the 2013 Survivor Awards!

Do you know a breast cancer survivor, co-survivor or breast health advocate who makes a difference in our community and deserves recognition?

Susan G. Komen Orange County invites OC residents to nominate inspiring and dedicated breast cancer survivors, co-survivors and breast health advocates for the 2013 Survivor Awards. Each year, Komen Orange County recognizes three tremendous individuals who are making an impact in the community in the fight against breast cancer.

Each individual falls under one of three categories:

• Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor – a breast cancer survivor in the community who has turned his/her battle into a positive experience by inspiring, assisting, or educating others.
• Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor – family, friends, health care providers or colleagues who are there to lend support from diagnosis through treatment and beyond.
• Outstanding Breast Health Advocate – a non-survivor who has gone above and beyond his/her job description to volunteers outside the workplace to make a difference in the lives of breast cancer survivors and to educate women in the community.

Nominations must be submitted no later than Wednesday, June 19, 2013.

Last year we were honored to recognize Marie La Fargue as our 2012 Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, The Cammack Family as our Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor and Dr. Lisa Guerra as an Outstanding Breast Health Advocate.

For more information and nomination forms visit: http://bit.ly/17NycV0.

The Cammack Family was recognized as our Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Co-Survivor at the 2012 Survivor Awards.

Our 2012 Most Inspirational Breast Cancer Survivor, Marie La Fargue with Board Member Sora Park Tanjasiri, Dr.PH, MPH.

On Our Quest for the Cure, Pink Tie Ball Raises Record-Breaking Funds

Susan G. Komen Orange County’s seventh annual Pink Tie Ball was a huge success! More than 400 attended the lakeside gala, which was held last Saturday, May 11 at Lake Mission Viejo.

Women in gorgeous flowing gowns and men in sharp suits and tuxes walked along a path of floating candles and entered the gala beneath a pink shooting star archway.  As servers offered hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, guests mingled and placed bids on silent auction items.

More than 200 handmade stars were hung for the “Stars of Hope” opportunity drawing. For a donation of $100, guests could choose a star created by survivors and friends of Komen Orange County, and were given a chance to win one of three prizes from sponsor Black, Starr & Frost, including a grand prize of a set of 18-karat white gold constellation star earrings featuring 0.65 carats of round brilliant white and black diamonds (valued at $6,000).

As the sun began to set, pink lights cast a glow around the edges of the venue. At dinner, Pink Tie Ball co-chair and breast cancer survivor Estela Riela shared her touching story of survival and explained that the event’s theme “Quest,” which promotes the search for a cure, was inspired by the lyrics of “The Impossible Dream” from “Man of La Mancha.”

TV newsman and returning Pink Tie Guy Ed Arnold introduced the 2013 Pink Tie Guys before asking the previous classes to join them in front of the stage. This year’s Pink Tie Guys are:

• Bruno Serato, Chef/Owner, Anaheim White House
• Hector Infante,  Public and Government Affairs Manager, Chevron
• Dennis Parks, COO, WalkStyles, Inc.
• Sam Riela, President, Salstar Enterprises, Inc.
• Scott D. Sherman, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Allergan
• Chris Lawrence, Senior Vice President, Director of Finance, Opus Bank
• Dr. Melvin J. Silverstein, Medical Director, Hoag Breast Care Center

The Pink Tie Ball raised $385,000 through live and silent auctions, sponsorships, ticket sales and revenue opportunities throughout the evening. Seventy five percent of the funds raised will go back into the community for breast health education, services and mammograms for underserved and uninsured men and women. The remaining 25 percent goes towards ground breaking global research.

Thank you to all who attended the 2013 Pink Tie Ball and helped contribute to our mission of serving women and saving lives. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page over the next few days for photos from the event!