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SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY continued from page58 BCRF Scientific Advisory Board and deputy physician-in-chief for Breast Cancer Programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, with whom the Lauders have worked closely, recalls those early days: "We were at their apartment in New York, sitting around the kitchen table, and that was the start of BCRF. Leonard was right there. Evelyn took the lead—but he was the rock she stood on." Even for an accomplished CEO like Lauder, Evelyn's achieve- ments with BCRF would be a tough act to follow, but Leonard relishes the challenge. The style of their persuasive skills might have differed, Lauder says. "She was seductive in her way; I'm seductive in my way. [But] we were two peas in a pod." The team at BCRF greeted the news of Lauder's involvement with considerable relief, if not outright joy. Myra J. Biblowit, president of BCRF, explains, "To have Leonard say, 'I'm going to step in because I want this organization to continue to flourish and not miss a beat'—that has been invaluable reassurance about the future of an organiza- tion that has lost its founder." And who better than Leonard Lauder to grow BCRF? One of America's most successful CEOs, Lauder took his family's cosmetics firm to its current status as a multibillion-dollar behemoth. (It had nearly $9 billion in net sales in the last fiscal year.) In addition to Lauder's business prowess, there's his talent for relationship building. "Leonard brings to the table his extraordinary about people," says Norton. "He Leonard and Evelyn Lauder with Michael and Jane Eisner at the Junior League of Los Angeles's Spring Gala in 2005. "I am absolutely dedicated to my dear wife Evelyn's dream of curing and preventing breast cancer. " understands what makes them tick. That trans- —LEONARD LAUDER insights lates into the magic of BCRF. It's not about science; it's about people doing science. If you support their creativity, the projects will come." Already Lauder has expanded the BCRF board, bringing in Tory Burch and Ed Brennan, the chairman of DFS Group. He has also defined a dual agenda for BCRF: to expand its scope "to embrace the new reality of cancer research and expand the fundraising footprint." The "new reality" of cancer research is how scientists are coming to see cancer as a genetic disease rather than a disease of the breast, colon, lung, or other organ. "Genetic aberrations are the hub of the wheel," says Biblowit. "Ultimately, solutions will have application to all of the spokes." This inter- connectedness is what ensures BCRF's relevance even in a time when many types of breast cancer are curable or manageable. That Evelyn died of non- genetic ovarian cancer is relevant, too. Lauder offers this hint about the future: "Our main focus will be women's cancers." Biblowit says what stands between disease and a cure today "is not technol- ogy or talent but money. The intellectual capital is in place; the missing link is the financial resources." Norton offers some sobering facts—23 percent of American deaths this year will be from cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yet studies indicate that the US spends six times more on soft drinks than all cancer research combined. "If we didn't have philanthropy, we'd be [at a tremendous loss]," says Norton, "because in order to apply for federal grants, you need to demonstrate preliminary results, and in order to do the work to get those results, you need philanthropy." Eleven years ago, BCRF raised $8.5 million to support 50 researchers around 60 MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM Dr. Larry Norton with Leonard and Evelyn Lauder at the 2011 National Physician of the Year Awards. CHICAGO STEPS UP Chicago Breast Symposium: Leading medical educators, practitioners, and community advocates will lead this event on October 13 and 14. Professionals will focus on important medical topics such as diversity in care and advances in technology. $50 or $100 tickets are available. 3333 Green Bay Road, North Chicago, 847-967-5122; chicagobreastsymposium.com LSCRF Fall Benefit Luncheon: Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation hosts the Fall Benefit Luncheon with guest speaker Brooke Shields on October 17 at 11 AM. A silent purse auction from upscale boutiques and private collections will benefit research, education, and fellowships. Tickets are $250. Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan Ave., 312-926-6183; lynnsage.org A Sterling Event Gala: On October 6, A Silver Lining Foundation hosts its annual A Sterling Event gala with NBCAM to support the foundation's programs for uninsured individuals. One of Silver Lining's programs provides free mammograms and diagnostic testing at several partner hospitals. 2233 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., 312-345-1322; asilverliningfoundation.org