JOHN WAYNE CANCER INSTITUTE AUXILIARY TO HONOR DR. DELPHINE J. LEE WITH THE ANGEL AWARD AND FORD WARRIORS IN PINK

SANTA MONICA, CA (September 23, 2015) – The John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary will honor Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD, with the Angel Award; and Ford Warriors in Pink with the Public Service Award at its Annual Membership Luncheon and Boutique, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2015, announced Auxiliary president Anita Swift. Prior to the luncheon at the Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, guests will enjoy a boutique featuring fine and costume jewelry, clothing, accessories and other items ideal for gift-giving. Vendors will donate a portion of their proceeds to the Institute. Event chairs, for the third year, are Auxiliary board members Marisol Zarco and Katie Lewis.

“We are honored to celebrate Dr. Delphine Lee for her dedication, leadership and cutting edge research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute and Ford Warriors In Pink for providing the much needed funding necessary to one day eradicate breast cancer and provide hope to cancer patients around the globe,” said Swift.

Delphine J. Lee, MD, PhD, is the director of the Dermatological Center for Skin Health at Providence Saint John’s Health Center and the director of both the Dirks/Dougherty Laboratory for Cancer Research and the department of translational immunology at the John Wayne Cancer Institute. Dr. Lee has established herself as an expert in microbiome research, seeking to better understand how the microbes in and on the body affect health. Her group has developed an innovative research program to extend our knowledge of how microbes and the immune system protect the body from cancer. The goal is to facilitate research for all investigators at the local, regional and system level with an interest in immunology and microbiome research. At the system level, Dr. Lee is active on the Providence Health & Services Leadership Council and is focused on setting the vision and strategy for research across the system. Dr. Lee graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, San Diego, where she also was awarded her MD as well as PhD in biomedical sciences. She trained in dermatology at UCLA and joined the faculty there before coming to the Institute at the personal behest of co-founder Donald L. Morton, MD.

Ford Motor Company has been in the fight against breast cancer for 21 years. From raising funds through their Warriors in Pink apparel, to raising awareness through unique media content, to giving breast cancer patients and survivors more good days, Ford is always looking for ways to help people go further. Ford understands that increasing awareness that leads to proactive self-care and raising funds to support research and education are important elements in the fight against breast cancer. Warriors in Pink apparel was created to help do both. The apparel that weaves Symbols of the Warrior into each original design helps keep breast health top of mind while100 percent of the net proceeds support breast cancer charities. To date, they have raised $128 million dedicated to breast cancer organizations that provide financial aid to patients in need, free mammograms, resources, programs, research and education.

About the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Providence Saint John’s Health Center

Since 1981, the family of John Wayne has been committed to pioneering cancer research in memory of their father, who died of cancer. For more than 30 years, the courageous and dedicated researchers at the John Wayne Cancer Institute have made groundbreaking discoveries that have changed the way cancer is detected, diagnosed and treated around the world. Today the tradition of excellence continues as the Institute spearheads new research advances, while training the next generation of leaders in the fight against cancer through its renowned Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program. The Institute’s programs focus on melanoma, breast, neuro, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers, as well as innovative research in cancer genomics, molecular biomarkers, and chemo- and immunotherapies. With its unique ability to rapidly turn scientific discoveries into novel approaches for early detection and treatment, the Institute provides immediate hope to cancer patients everywhere.

About the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary

Established in 1982 by two breast cancer survivors, the John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary is currently helmed by president Anita Swift, granddaughter of John Wayne. The Auxiliary has raised more than $19 million to fund a wide array of the Institute’s priorities including groundbreaking research, vital new laboratory equipment and the nationally renowned Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program, which trains the next generation of surgical oncologists. For more information, please visit www.JWCIgiving.org.

Individual ticket price is $150. Those interested in attending the luncheon or supporting the Institute’s fundraising efforts may contact Amanda Flores at 310-829-8106.

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Contact: Pam Giangregorio

Katy Sweet & Associates Public Relations

(310) 479-2333 / Pam@KatySweetPR.com