The American Cancer Society’s Women Leading the Way to Wellness Luncheon focuses on the prevention and early detection of cancer and how women’s health plays a critical role in this area. This is a priority at the American Cancer Society as we forge the way to not only find a cure for cancer but find a way to prevent it. Decreasing cancer occurrences is as important to us as finding a medical cure; though we continue to work tirelessly on both fronts to end cancer for everyone.
Event Chairs
Shieva Ghofrany
Kaitlyn Tarpey-Borea
Committee
Shawn Barto
Julianne Bochinski
Maureen Clark Newlove
Allison Dadoulis
Rachel Dayan
Lauren Gulliver Travers
Shantana Hazel
Jessica King
Marisa MacLean
Geordan Mandell
Rebecca McHardy
Lauren Osta
Janice Perna-Nicholas
Heather Satin
Robin Selden
Kitt Shapiro
Jami Sherwood
Danne Sproehle
Melissa Stein
Kerry St. Pierre
Kelly Thomas
Brittany Thompson
Kayla Williamson
Zara Williamson
Tracie Wilson
Julie Stein is a New Canaan resident and breast cancer survivor. Diagnosed at age 47 with DCIS breast cancer, Julie underwent a double mastectomy with reconstruction. After her diagnosis, Julie founded Project Pink New Canaan, a fundraiser which turns downtown New Canaan pink each October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and has raised over $30,000 for Breast Cancer research since its inception. Julie also currently sits on the board of the Breast Cancer Alliance.
Brittany was diagnosed with cancer while pregnant with her daughter, Mara — something she never imagined facing. That moment changed everything for her. It made Brittany realize how important it was to take the reins on the parts of her health she could actually control. She began focusing on nourishment, movement, and mindset — ways to feel grounded during uncertainty.
Last year, at three years old, Mara was diagnosed with leukemia. It is every mother’s worst fear, and once again, Britt’s only choice was to return to what she knew: leaning into wellness and focusing on what she could control. She couldn’t change the diagnosis, but she could choose how she showed up through it. Today, Brittany is passionate about helping others do the same: take charge of their health, nurture their bodies, and create an environment that supports healing and longevity.
For more than 10 decades, the American Cancer Society has been dedicated to pursuing better outcomes for every cancer, every life. Today, more people are surviving cancer than ever before, but there is still work to be done. Join us, support us, and help us end cancer as we know it, for everyone.
towards cancer research
winning scientists received research funding
through all patient support initiatives in 2024
