“Laugh Loud, Stand Strong” Resonates at the Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation Luncheon, Fueling Breast Cancer Research Awareness
HOUSTON – In a remarkable gathering on October 2nd, over 500 individuals congregated at the Hilton Americas for the Nancy Owens Breast Cancer Foundation (NOBCF) Luncheon. This event served as a powerful catalyst for raising awareness about breast cancer research, with the goal of ultimately eradicating this devastating disease affecting countless lives.
The NOBCF has pledged its support to three critical breast cancer research initiatives: the Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center at Baylor College of Medicine, the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Department of Nanomedicine at Houston Methodist Research Institute. Leading these projects are Dr. Xiang Zhang of Baylor, Dr. Isabelle Bedrosian of MD Anderson, and Dr. Alessandro Grattoni of Methodist.
Terri Guerra, the Foundation’s Chairperson, passionately expressed her commitment to expanding the Foundation’s reach and continuing its year-round fundraising mission. Anticipation is already building for the upcoming “Fashion for the Cure” event in Spring 2024.
The Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to its Diamond sponsor, Peggie Kohnert and Richard Yont, as well as Jennifer Hernandez/Legacy Mutual Mortgage, who generously contributed at the Platinum level. The Foundation is also thankful for all its sponsors, donors, and supporters, including those who participated in the impressive silent auction. The Houston Association of Realtors served as their professional sponsor, and TK Images as their photography sponsor.
Deborah Duncan of KHOU’s Great Day Houston lent her talents as the Mistress of Ceremonies, captivating the audience with her professionalism, wit, and genuine compassion for those affected by breast cancer. The guest speaker, Tig Notaro, who is a multi-talented individual encompassing roles as a comedian, writer, producer, director, podcaster, actress, and breast cancer survivor, captivated the entire audience with her distinctive humor and the inspiring story of her personal journey. Her performance had the entire room truly laughing out loud and standing strong against breast cancer.
A poignant moment during this year’s luncheon was the presentation of the “Nancy Owens Spirit of Courage Award,” which honors an exceptional individual in the real estate industry who has triumphed over cancer. Lori Carper was the well-deserved recipient this year. In her brief remarks, Carper shared her journey as a breast cancer survivor and received a beautiful silver angel as a reminder of her strength and resilience.
The Nancy Owens Memorial Foundation was established in memory of Nancy Owens, a beloved and respected figure in the Houston real estate industry. Nancy lost her courageous 20-year battle with breast cancer in September 2001. One of Nancy’s final wishes, had she survived, was to dedicate her life to fighting breast cancer and advancing its research toward a cure—a dream that endures today.
The NOBCF committee is driven by dedicated volunteers, and it is proud to declare that 100% of the proceeds are channeled into local research projects. Board members include Terri Guerra (Chairman), Amy Bernstein, Gloria Moorman, Jennifer Hernandez, Mariella Massa, Mary Piper, and Peggie Kohnert. Committee members include Christina Sacco, Elizabeth Rankin Rice, Randee Kaplan, Tamara Mannen, and Vicki Fullerton. Sub-committee members are David Gugino and Megan Jordan, with Ellie Riney serving as the event coordinator.
NOBCF stands as one of Houston’s largest Realtor-organized charities, steadfast in its mission to raise funds for local projects that advance medical research, offering hope for improved treatments, and ultimately, a cure for breast cancer. For more information or to contribute, please contact 713-932-1032 ext. 155 or visit www.NancyOwens.org.