7750 CAPITAL ONE TOWER ROAD TYSONS, VIRGINIA 22102
AN EVENING TO SUPPORT BREAST CANCER RESEARCH AND PROGRAMS AT
EVENT PROGRAM
6–7 P.M. COCKTAIL RECEPTION, MARKETPLACE, AND SILENT AUCTION
7:15–8 P.M. PANEL DISCUSSION MODERATED BY LESLI FOSTER, FEATURING CLAUDINE ISAACS, M.D., LUCY DE LA CRUZ, M.D., AND CANCER SURVIVORS TARA ABRAHAM, M.D., MPH, AND ALIMA DRAUGHON
8–9 P.M. DINNER SERVICE
9 P.M. SILENT AUCTION CLOSING AND AFTER PARTY
THANK YOU TO OUR PROGRAM UNDERWRITER:
The Georgetown Lombardi Difference…
A team of breast cancer physicians and scientists dedicated to the cure
Breast cancer is one of the two highest causes of cancer mortality in women nationwide. The Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research promotes advanced breast cancer research at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center. The research done at the center makes Georgetown one of the world’s leading institutions for breast cancer research.
Founded by fashion designer Ralph Lauren and the late Washington Post Company president Katharine Graham, the center was established in 1989 as a tribute to Nina Hyde, former fashion editor of The Washington Post.
The Nina Hyde Center represents a long-standing, multidisciplinary strategy between Lombardi’s basic scientists, population researchers, and clinicians. Dedicated Lombardi scientists and physicians study breast cancer, striving to uncover the biological basis of the many faces of breast cancer, and to work toward its prevention and cure. As the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)designated comprehensive cancer center in the DC metro area, Georgetown Lombardi works to address these problems locally and nationally through the Nina Hyde Center.
LOMBARDI WOMEN AND THE NINA HYDE CENTER FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH CONNECTING FOR A CURE
The Davis-McDuffie Innovation in Breast Cancer Award
Inspired by Janet Davis Brooks and Barbara McDuffie, this Innovation in Breast Cancer Award has one goal: to identify and support future research leaders who will keep the field of breast cancer research vibrant with new ideas.
Innovative pilot projects led by young investigators are essential to securing financial and scientific support for long-term breast cancer research efforts and are critical to uncovering new insights about the disease. This annual award will support early stage ideas with the potential to transform scientists’ understanding of breast cancer.
Congratulations Candace Mainor, M.D., 2024 recipient of the Davis-McDuffie Innovation in Breast Cancer Award!
“I am honored to provide evidence based care to women with breast cancer. My patients’ strength, resilience, and perseverance inspire me to develop clinical trials to help improve therapies for this disease. Furthermore, my family, including my two children, propels me to contribute to a better tomorrow for all.”
2024 EVENT SPEAKERS
LESLI FOSTER, MODERATOR
“I have dear friends who have battled breast cancer, and some who have succumbed to it. My heart has been aligned with this awful disease and its impacts for a while.”
Lesli Foster is an award-winning journalist and mainstay of Washington news as a weeknight anchor for WUSA9.
Foster has spent more than two decades working as a journalist, advocate, and first informer to earn the trust and respect of viewers in the greater Washington, DC area. She works to inspire and make an impact through her work as a weeknight anchor at 5, 6, and 11 p.m.
Known for her warmth, and ability to share reaching stories, Foster thrives on work that touches everyday living. She has interviewed many local, national, and international luminaries, but she most enjoys talking with ordinary people using their lives to do extraordinary things. Journalism, she says, is her life’s work, and feeds her drive to make a difference in the lives of people.
CLAUDINE ISAACS, M.D., PANELIST
Professor of Medicine and Oncology at Georgetown University, Associate Director of Clinical Research and Leader of the Clinical Breast Cancer Program at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical Director of the Jess and Mildred Fisher Center for Hereditary Cancer and Clinical Genomics Research
Dr. Claudine Isaacs specializes in the care of women with all stages of breast cancer and has been practicing for over 20 years. She has served as the principal investigator of a variety
of clinical trials in the treatment of early-stage and metastatic breast cancer, and currently serves as the principal investigator of the Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium (TBCRC), the I-SPY 2 trial at Georgetown University.
Through her extensive expertise and unmatched care, Dr. Isaacs has been named one of America’s Top Cancer Doctors by Castle Connolly/Newsweek for many years running, and has also received designations from Washingtonian Magazine and Women’s Health Magazine.
LUCY MARIA DE LA CRUZ, M.D., PANELIST
Chief of the Breast Surgery Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center, Director of the MedStar Breast Health Program at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Lucy Maria De La Cruz, M.D., is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who specializes in a number of advanced procedures, including wireless lumpectomies, hidden scar technique, and nipple-sparing mastectomies. She has been published in over two dozen scientific papers and her pivotal paper on nipple sparing mastectomy oncologic outcomes has been cited worldwide.
Dr. De La Cruz has a strong and long-standing commitment to promoting the equity and efficacy with which breast cancer patients are treated, a principle that has guided her clinical practice and research endeavors. She is passionate about the disparities and improving the quality and efficiency of breast cancer care delivery.
Spirit of Life Honorees
The Spirit of Life Award is presented to exceptional individuals who have navigated the challenges of breast cancer, raise awareness in their communities, and provide hope and support to those touched by this disease. Their bravery to share their story makes a difference for breast cancer research at Georgetown Lombardi.
TARA ABRAHAM, M.D., MPH, SURVIVOR
Dr. Tara Abraham had no family history of breast cancer until her mother was diagnosed at the age of 68 with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Though her mother’s cancer was treated at the time, it came back in full force three years later, and in March 2024 at the age of 73, Abraham’s mother passed away.
Abraham’s experience with her mother was eye opening in many aspects, and she learned more about cancer from a patient, caregiver, and physician standpoint.
Abraham’s mother inspired her to be vigilant with annual breast screenings and staying informed on the
ALIMA DRAUGHON, SURVIVOR
Alima Draughon is married with four young children. She has been an elementary school teacher since 2010. In summer 2023, after being on maternity leave for her youngest child, she found a lump while breastfeeding, and was diagnosed with breast cancer in August.
When Draughon met with Dr. Claudine Isaacs, she offered her expertise, a proposed timeline, and the opportunity to participate in a clinical trial that would include more testing but more surveillance of the malignancy as well. Dr. Isaacs demonstrated a warmth that
latest research innovations. In March 2023, Abraham’s mammogram showed new calcifications, leading her to undergo multiple biopsies that showed an early form of DCIS. Abraham consulted the care of several physician colleagues, including Dr. Lucy Maria De La Cruz at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital.
Abraham is married, and has two young sons. Choosing the appropriate surgery and surgical team, who was supportive of her personal health goals and would advise her on options for prevention of recurrence, was her highest priority.
Abraham decided to undergo a bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomy with reconstruction. She made full recovery and shares her story to raise awareness and promote preventative care.
Read more about Abraham’s story on lombardiwomen. georgetown.edu.
was attractive to Draughon and her husband, as they were committed to approaching this journey with positivity and optimism. Draughon’s treatment plan included chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Her husband was her biggest supporter, accompanying her to every appointment and staying by her side through it all. Draughon was committed to maintaining a sense of normalcy for her kids. They were going to fight cancer with joy. Fortunately, after surgery, Draughon learned that the original cancer was gone. Draughon continues to be thankful for the care she received from Dr. Isaacs, Dr. Ian Greenwalt, Dr. David Song, and the other doctors and nurses during her treatment. She hopes that sharing her story will help others focus on the joys in life even in the face of hardship.
Read more about Draughon’s story on lombardiwomen. georgetown.edu.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, UNDERWRITERS, AND GENEROUS SUPPORTERS!
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
Rob and Linda Faktorow
PROGRAM UNDERWRITER
Sponsor list as of September 17, 2024
SILVER SPONSORS
Beacon Capital Partners, LLC
BXP
CBRE Comstock
Cushman & Wakefield
DAVIS Construction
Gensler
Henricksen
HOK
Reema Bakarania
Capital One Center
Capital One Hall
Jennifer Drake
Samantha Dunsten
Holland & Knight LLP
JBG SMITH
Lincoln Property Company
MillerKnoll
Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP
ODNB
OTJ Architects
Price Modern
rand* construction corporation
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Occasions Caterers
Mara Olguin
Anna Riegel
Eleanor Sakhri
Schone’s Scones
ECS Mid-Atlantic, LLC
Meredith LaPier
Mary Beth Martin
McLean Living
National Technology Integrators
Scott Staffi and EvensonBest
Julie Statland
The Georgetowner
TMG
Washington Fine Properties
Lombardi Women would also like to thank our Wine Dudes!
Jonathan Butler-Knutson
Sean Byars
John DiCamillo
Dan Dooley
Zachary Fayne
Slate Fluker
Ari Goldberg
John Infield
Paul Kiernan
Scott Killian
Mason Kirby
John Klicka
Patrick McEvoy
Russell Sanders
Brett Schweitzer
Lucas Shuler
Carlo Stalteri
Jake Stroman
Dylan Talbot
Nick Todorov
Nick Tubolinon
Tim Whitebread
VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP & COMMITTEES
Thank you to our dedicated volunteer leadership and committees! Lombardi Women would not be possible without your support.
CO-CHAIRS
Jennifer Bognet
Jennifer Drake
Meredith LaPier
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
January Adkins
Reema Bakarania
Sherrie Beckstead
Mara Olguin
EVENT COMMITTEE
Bella Alvarez
Vanessa Chapoy
Sabret Flocos
Jill Goubeaux
Catherine Heath
Tiffani Norris
Kennedy Patlan
Alexis Peters
Ashley Reiser
Roseanne Richards
Killeen Rivers
Tess Rowley
Tomi Sargent
Karen Terry
Anisha Thanki
Susan Thomas
Katie Yanushonis
SILENT AUCTION
Get ready to shop! One of the most exciting and rewarding parts of Lombardi Women is our silent auction, and new this year, the Lombardi Women Marketplace! In addition to the traditional silent auction, the Marketplace allows guests to shop their favorite brands at our pop-up shops with a portion of all Marketplace proceeds going back to Lombardi Women.
Thank you to our Marketplace Vendors!
We are so grateful to our auction donors!
Avison Young
January Adkins
BXP
Clyde’s Restaurant Group
Dimensional Marble & Tile
Domain Rental Furnishings
Jennifer Drake
Bari Harbordt
In Memory of Gloria Catherine Maree
Ernie Jarvis
JBG SMITH
Journeyman Mechanical Contractors, Inc
Susan J. Lee
lekkalaLab
Liljenquist & Beckstead Jewelers
Madden Plumbing and HVAC Inc
Mike Gillman with CBRE
Marsh McLennan Agency
MultiFlor
Nordstrom
Playful Pack Dog Daycare and Boarding
Regency Commercial Construction
Ristorante i Ricchi
RPM Italian
Tomi Sargent
SCOUT Bags
Sézane
Tamielle Taylor, MA, LPC, LCPC
The Lilley Line
The RealReal
Total Wine & More
Washington Nationals Baseball Club
The silent auction is one of our most important fundraising efforts, and every bid you make helps support the life-saving research happening at Georgetown Lombardi.
To see all of our auction items and participate in the auction, scan the QR code here: